Unsure what kind of safety helmet you need? What helmets comply with what standard? Where to start? At ZERO, want to make sure staying compliant is second nature, especially when it comes to premium protection that is keeping your head safe. There’s a lot to know and a lot to pay attention to when it comes to safety helmets– so we’ve done the research for you.
ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Standard – U.S.A.
ANSI helps employers follow OSHA regulations. The performance criteria for head protection is provided in ANSI Z89.1 American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection, which is incorporated in OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.135 and by reference in 29 CFR 1910.6. ANSI Z89.1 requires four performance tests that must be met in order to assign a safety helmet type and class, which are:
Safety Helmet Types: There are two types of protective safety helmets under this classification system that refer to impact/penetration protection:
Safety Helmet Classes: To improve comprehension and usefulness, there are electrical-protective classifications for helmets as follows:
Operating Temperature Range:
Additionally, all safety helmets must feature a hard-outer shell and a lining that absorbs shock and incorporates a headband. Straps should suspend from the shell about 1-1¼ inches.
It is important to know that all safety helmets that adhere to ANSI/ISEA standards should be permanently marked with the manufacturer, the date of manufacture, ANSI designation, the Type and Class designation, and the head size range on the inside of the helmet shell. If your current safety helmet label is missing or is no longer legible, it is recommended that you replace your safety helmet as soon as possible.
EN Standards – Europe
EN 397: The European standard code of practice (EN 397) provides guidance for manufacturers of safety helmets to ensure that minimum material grades are used. It also establishes the requirements for the testing of safety helmets, as safety helmets must be designed to protect the wearer from falling objects. Such protections safeguard the user against possible consequences such as brain injuries or skull fractures. The standard also includes protection against lateral deformation of the helmet.
The helmet will comprise of two main parts – the hard outer protective shell and the inner harness. All helmets certified according to EN 397 must meet these requirements:
Additional specifications are provided for ear muff attachment points and chin strap attachment points.
EN 50365: Standard covers insulating helmets aimed at use on low voltage installations, which must provide protection against electric shocks and prevention of dangerous electric current passing through the head. Requirements include:
EN 14052: Standard covers high performance industrial helmets, which must provide protection against falling objects and lateral impact along with the resulting damage to the brain, skull, and neck. Requirements include:
EN 12492: Helmets for mountaineers must provide protection against hazards that may occur during activities undertaken by mountaineers. Requirements include:
Carrier element effectiveness: Helmet must not slide from the head
All of our products are manufactured in ISO-9001 accredited factories, is marked with CE compliance and conforms to all relevant AS/NZS and EN safety codes.
Our production ensures you perfect quality through strict inspection and testing during manufacturing and sales processes.
We're committed to providing the best customer service, and each team member is fully trained in height safety so we can help you with any questions you have about any of our products.