Choosing the Right Lid: Safety Helmet Standards Explained
When It Comes to Workplace Safety, One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Not all safety helmets are created equal. Different industries demand different levels of head protection, and choosing the wrong helmet could put you at serious risk.
At REAX we know that a well-chosen helmet can mean the difference between a minor accident and a life-threatening injury. But with so many different safety standards, how do you know if your helmet is the right one for the job?
Understanding Safety Helmet Standards
Safety helmets are tested against strict international standards to ensure they offer the right level of protection. Here are some of the most common:
✅ EN 397 – Industrial safety helmets
- Designed for top-down impacts (e.g., falling objects)
- Must pass a 5kg impact from 1m
- Chin strap (if fitted) must release under 25kg (to prevent snagging)
✅ EN 12492 – Climbing & technical rescue helmets
- Protects against impacts from all directions
- Must pass a 5kg impact from 2m
- Chin strap must hold up to 50kg (so it stays secure during falls)
✅ ANSI Z89 – American safety helmet classification
- Categorises helmets by impact type and electrical protection levels
✅ EN 50365 – Helmets for electrical environments
- Ensures protection against live voltage up to 1000V
Understanding these standards helps ensure workers are equipped with the most appropriate head protection for their environment.
Industrial Helmets vs. Mountaineering Helmets: What’s the Difference?
One of the most common questions we hear is:
💬 “Can I wear my site helmet for this job?”
The answer? It depends on the risk assessment.
⚠️ Industrial Helmets (EN 397)
✔ Designed for top-down impacts only
✔ Tested with a 5kg load dropped from 1m
✔ Maximum force transmitted to user: 5kN (~500kg of force)
✔ Chin strap (if fitted) must release under 25kg
✔ Cost: £5–£30
⛰️ Mountaineering Helmets (EN 12492)
✔ Protects against multi-directional impacts (top, sides, front, rear)
✔ Tested with a 5kg load dropped from 2m
✔ Maximum force transmitted to user: 10kN (~1 tonne of force!)
✔ Chin strap must hold up to 50kg (to stay secure during falls)
✔ Cost: £50–£100+
Why Does This Matter?
If you’re only worried about falling objects, an EN397 industrial helmet may be enough. But if you’re working at height, in confined spaces, or in areas where impacts could come from any angle, an EN12492 mountaineering helmet is the better—and safer—choice.
Want a detailed side-by-side comparison? Watch our in-depth video on YouTube to see the testing standards, safety features, and why the right choice matters:
▶️ Watch here: Industrial Helmets vs. Mountaineering Helmets: What’s the Difference?
Choosing the Right Helmet for the Job
We offer a range of high-quality helmets that conform to various safety standards, including:
- A high-quality, non-vented industrial safety helmet
- Meets EN 397 & EN 12492 standards for superior protection
- A lightweight, vented helmet for industrial climbing
- Meets EN 12492 standards for optimal safety
- The helmet absorbs particularly high impact energy in the crown and side areas
- The chin strap is equipped with a magnetic closure, which is easy to open and close
Need Help Choosing the Right Lid?
✔ Risk Assessments – Helping you choose the safest helmet for your environment
✔ Product Demonstrations – Hands-on guidance to ensure proper fit and functionality
✔ After-Sales Support – Helping you maintain & inspect your helmet for long-term safety
Throughout March, we are offering 10% off all helmet orders.
For more information contact our team:
Support the Reax “Put a Lid on It” Safety Campaign
🛑 This World Head Injury Awareness Day, we’re raising awareness about head protection in the workplace.
We encourage businesses, safety managers, and individuals to join us in:
📢 Educating teams about head injury risks
🪖 Ensuring all workers wear helmets that meet the correct safety standards
Take Action Today!
For more information contact our equipment team:
📞 01253 767775
Together, we can create safer work environments and reduce head injuries across the industry.
If you value it, put a ‘lid’ on it!
Looking after your kit
Even the best kit needs regular inspection and servicing. we have a team of fully trained PPE inspectors who can take the worry out of the process. Our servicing team are fully certified to carry out the servicing requirements for many of the leading rescue devices currently on the market.
