EN 397 explained: industrial safety helmets
EN 397 explained: industrial safety helmets
EN 397 is the standard for industrial safety helmets, the hard hats used on construction sites and in industry to protect against falling objects.
Updated
Quick answer
EN 397 helmets protect the top of the head from falling objects. Optional markings show extra performance: -30°C for very low temperatures, +150°C for very high temperatures, 440 V a.c. for electrical insulation, LD for lateral deformation and MM for molten metal. EN 397:2025 is the new edition; EN 397:2012 stays valid in GB and the EU until 16 December 2027.
At a glance
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| What it covers | Construction and industrial safety helmets |
| Current editions | EN 397:2025, and EN 397:2012+A1:2012 until 16 December 2027 |
| Status in GB | Designated in Great Britain (GOV.UK notice 0142/26, 15 October 2026) |
| Status in Ireland and NI | Harmonised in the EU, so it applies in Ireland and Northern Ireland (2025 edition since 16 June 2026) |
| On the label | "EN 397" moulded inside the shell, the date-of-manufacture clock and optional markings |
Optional markings
| Mark | Meaning |
|---|---|
| -30°C | Very low temperature performance |
| +150°C | Very high temperature performance |
| 440 V a.c. | Electrical insulation |
| LD | Lateral deformation |
| MM | Molten metal splash |
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EN 397 questions
How long does a safety helmet last?
The maker sets the service life, counted from the date of manufacture moulded in the shell. Replace any helmet after a significant impact.
Is a bump cap the same as a safety helmet?
No. Bump caps (EN 812) only protect against knocking your head on fixed objects, not falling objects.
Need this for a team?
We can supply and brand PPE for your whole team, delivered across the UK and Ireland.
Official sources
Standards and site rules change. Always check the current edition, the product's declaration of conformity and your own risk assessment.
- GOV.UK: Designated standards for PPE (Great Britain): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/designated-standards-ppe
- European Commission: Harmonised standards for PPE (EU, applies in Ireland and Northern Ireland): https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/goods/european-standards/harmonised-standards/personal-protective-equipment_en
- HSE: PPE at work regulations: https://www.hse.gov.uk/ppe/ppe-regulations-2022.htm
- HSA: Personal protective equipment (Ireland): https://www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/personal_protective_equipment_-_ppe/
- BSI: the UK National Standards Body (publishes BS EN standards): https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/about-bsi/uk-national-standards-body/
- NSAI: National Standards Authority of Ireland (publishes I.S. EN standards): https://www.nsai.ie/