EN 397 vs EN 12492 safety helmets
EN 397 vs EN 12492 safety helmets
Site hard hats and climbing-style helmets look similar but are built for different risks. Here is how they compare and when to use each.
Updated
Quick answer
EN 397 is the standard site hard hat: it protects the top of your head from falling objects, and its chin strap is designed to release under load. EN 12492 is the climbing-style helmet used for work at height and rescue: its chin strap is designed to hold so the helmet stays on in a fall, and it is tested for impacts from the front, side and back as well as the top. Some helmets carry both marks.
Side by side
| EN 397 | EN 12492 | |
|---|---|---|
| Designed for | Industrial and construction sites | Mountaineering, work at height and rescue |
| Main protection | Falling objects onto the top of the head | Impacts to the top, front, side and back |
| Chin strap | Releases under load to avoid strangulation | Holds so the helmet stays on in a fall |
| Typical look | Peaked hard hat | Low-profile helmet with a short or no peak |
| Current edition | EN 397:2025 (2012 edition valid until 16 Dec 2027) | EN 12492:2025 (2012 edition valid until 16 Dec 2027) |
| Status in GB, Ireland and NI | Designated in GB; harmonised in the EU | Designated in GB; harmonised in the EU |
Ground level, EN 397. At height, EN 12492 or both
Use EN 397 for general site work where falling objects are the main risk. Choose EN 12492, or a dual-certified helmet, where a fall or swing could knock the helmet off. If your principal contractor specifies a helmet type, that rule comes first.
Shop helmets
Helmet questions
Can a helmet be certified to EN 397 and EN 12492?
Yes. Some work-at-height helmets are dual-certified, giving site helmet protection with a climbing-style chin strap that stays on in a fall. Check the shell for both marks.
Which helmet do I need for working at height?
Many employers choose an EN 12492 or dual-certified helmet for work at height and rescue, because the chin strap keeps it on if you fall. Your risk assessment and site rules decide.
Why does an EN 397 chin strap release?
So the helmet comes off rather than strangling the wearer if it snags. EN 12492 straps are made to hold, because losing the helmet in a fall is the bigger risk.
Kitting out a site team?
We can supply and brand helmets and 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/