Safety helmets providing protection from falling objects are tested to EN397: 2012 standard. Under this, there are mandatory tests for both shock absorption/impact resistance and penetration resistance.

Helmets will be marked with the following information:

• CE Mark
• Standard number
• Date of manufacture
• Shell material (ABS etc)
• Size (on shell and harness)

They may also be marked to show additional properties, such as:

• -20C or -30C - tested at very low temperature
• +150C - tested at high temperature
• 440 V a.c. - tested for electrical insulation
• LD - tested for lateral deformation
• MM - resists molten metal splash

As an example, the below marking appears in a Centurion Concept helmet showing the additional properties it has been tested on.

How should safety helmets be stored?
They should be kept away from direct heat or sunlight, as this can distort the shell. Ideally, they should be stored in their original packaging in the dark. Kept this way, Centurion Safety recommends that their helmets can be stored for up to five years.

How long can safety helmets be used for?
As an example, helmets from Centurion Safety have an in-use life of up to five years. After this period, they recommend that they are no longer used. However, any damage to the helmet (even if apparently minor, such as deep scratches) can stop it providing optimal protection, and so it should be destroyed. As a result, regular inspection of helmets for damage is vital.

Bump Caps
Bump caps are only designed (as the name suggests) to protect against banging the head against hard or sharp stationary objects. They are expressly NOT intended to provide protection against falling objects. The relevant EU standard for bump caps is EN812: 2012.

For further advice, please contact us at sheffield.sales@ardenwinch.com or telephone us on 0114 243 3755.