Hard Hat Standards in the UK: Essential Safety Standards Explained

Hard hat standards mandate workplace head protection in high-risk industries to reduce the chance of serious head injuries. The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Standards 1992 state that employers must provide suitable head protection whenever there is a risk of injury.

These Standards ensure that helmets meet specific safety standards to protect workers from falling objects, impact forces, and other hazards. In the UK, the main hard hat standards are:

EN 397 – Standard industrial helmets for general workplace protection.
EN 12492 – Helmets designed for people working at heights.
EN 50365 – Electrically insulated helmets for high-voltage environments.
EN 14052 – High-performance helmets for extreme impact protection.
EN 812 – Bump caps for low-risk areas with no falling object hazards.

Each standard sets out the technical requirements, testing procedures, and performance levels that a helmet must meet before it can be sold for workplace use.

EN 397: Industrial Safety Helmets for General Use

The EN 397 standard is the minimum legal requirement for industrial hard hats in the UK. It applies to helmets used in construction, factories, warehouses, and similar workplaces where workers need protection from falling objects and head impacts.

For a helmet to pass the EN 397 test, it must meet the following four safety criteria:

• Shock Absorption – The helmet must withstand a 5 kg weight dropped from 1 meter and reduce the force reaching the head to less than 5 kilonewtons (kN).

• Penetration Resistance – A 3 kg pointed object dropped from 1 meter must not break through the helmet shell.

• Flame Resistance – If exposed to fire, the helmet must self-extinguish within 5 seconds to prevent it from continuing to burn.

• Chinstrap Retention – If the helmet has a chinstrap, it must release when pulled with a force of 150 to 250 Newtons (N) to prevent choking.

In Simple Terms: What Does EN 397 Mean?

• If something heavy falls on your head, an EN 397 hard hat will protect you from serious injury.

• If a sharp object, like a metal rod, falls on you, the helmet won’t break open.

• If the helmet is exposed to fire, it won’t keep burning.

• If your helmet has a chinstrap, it won’t strangle you if it gets caught on something—it’s designed to come loose under extreme force.

<Explore EN 397 Certified Hard Hats>

EN 12492: Safety Helmets for Working at Heights

For people who work at height (such as scaffolding, tower climbing, and telecom work), EN 12492-certified helmets provide better protection than standard industrial hard hats. These helmets are based on mountaineering helmets and offer stronger chinstraps and multi-directional impact protection.

To meet EN 12492 requirements, a helmet must pass these key tests:

• Multi-Directional Impact Protection – Unlike EN 397 helmets (which mainly protect against objects falling from above), EN 12492 helmets protect against impacts from all directions—front, back, and sides.

• Stronger Chinstrap – The chinstrap must withstand at least 500 Newtons (N) of force to ensure that the helmet stays on the worker’s head even if they fall.

• Ventilation and Comfort – Many EN 12492 helmets have air vents to keep workers cool when working for long hours. However, this means they don’t provide electrical insulation and shouldn’t be used around live electricity.
  
  

In Simple Terms: What Does EN 12492 Mean?

• If you fall or hit your head on the side, an EN 12492 helmet offers more protection than a regular hard hat.

• The chinstrap is much stronger, so the helmet won’t come off even if you fall.

• Vents help keep you cool, but that also means the helmet won’t protect you from electric shocks.

<Explore EN 12492 Certified Hard Hats>

EN 50365: Electrically Insulated Helmets (High-Voltage Work)

Helmets that comply with EN 50365 are designed for electrical engineers, utility workers, and electricians who need protection against high-voltage electrical shocks. These helmets offer enhanced electrical insulation, making them suitable for working near live electrical systems.

To meet EN 50365 requirements, a helmet must pass these key tests:

• Dielectric Strength – Helmets must withstand 10,000V during testing and protect against 1000V AC or 1500V DC in normal use.

• Non-Vented Shell – The helmet cannot have ventilation holes, as these could allow electrical currents to enter.

• Waterproofing – Helmets must prevent moisture penetration, ensuring that insulation remains effective in wet conditions.
  
  

In Simple Terms: What Does EN 50365  Mean?

• If you work with high-voltage electricity, this helmet will protect you from electric shocks.

• It has a smooth, waterproof design with no air vents to keep electricity out.

• It’s specifically designed for electricians and power workers.
  
  

<Explore EN 50365 Certified Hard Hats>



EN 14052: High-Performance Industrial Safety Helmets

For heavy-duty construction, mining, and demolition work, helmets compliant with EN 14052 provide enhanced protection compared to standard EN 397 helmets. These helmets are designed for use in high-risk environments where stronger impact resistance is needed.

To meet EN 14052 requirements, a helmet must pass these key tests:

• Enhanced Impact Resistance – The helmet must absorb impact from a 5 kg weight dropped from 2 meters, double the height required by EN 397.

• Side Impact Protection – Unlike EN 397 helmets, EN 14052 helmets must protect against both top and side impacts.

• Stronger Retention System – Helmets must have a more durable suspension system to distribute impact forces more evenly.

In Simple Terms: What Does EN 14052 Mean?

• This helmet is stronger than a standard industrial hard hat.

• It protects against falling objects and sideways impacts.

• It’s ideal for jobs where you’re at risk of powerful impacts, like mining and demolition.

<Explore EN 14052 Certified Hard Hats>

EN 812: Industrial Bump Caps

Unlike hard hats, bump caps are designed for low-impact protection in environments where there is no risk of falling objects but where workers may bump their heads on fixed objects. EN 812 bump caps are commonly used in warehouses, automotive industries, and maintenance work.

To meet EN 812 requirements, a bump cap must pass these key tests:

• Basic Shock Absorption – Must protect against a small impact (5 kg dropped from 0.25 meters).

• No Penetration Protection – Unlike EN 397 helmets, bump caps will not stop sharp objects from breaking through.

• Lighter and More Comfortable – Typically made from lighter materials for improved wearability.
  
  

In Simple Terms: What Does EN 812 Mean?

• This is not a hard hat, it’s for protection against bumping your head on objects, not falling debris.

• It won’t protect you from sharp objects or high-impact blows.

• It’s lightweight and more comfortable than a regular hard hat.
  
  

<Explore EN 812 Certified Hard Hats>

Comprehensive Comparison of Hard Hat Safety Standards

<Find The Right Hard Hat For Your Industry>

Who Needs to Follow Hard Hat Standards?

Text: Hard hats are legally required in high-risk workplaces, including:

1. Construction & Demolition

• Workers on construction sites need EN 397 helmets to protect against falling tools, bricks, and debris.

• Demolition workers need extra protection due to unpredictable collapses.
  
  

2. Factories & Warehouses

• Factory workers need protection from moving machinery and falling stock.

• Warehouse workers need helmets in areas with high stacking and forklifts.
  
  

3. Electricians & Utility Workers

• Electricians must use helmets with 440V insulation to protect against shocks.

• Power plant and energy sector workers require similar protection.
  
  

4. Forestry & Landscaping

• Tree surgeons and landscapers must wear helmets to protect against falling branches and chainsaws.

• Farm workers need helmets in areas with heavy machinery and animals.
  
  

5. Scaffolding & Telecom Work

• Scaffolders and telecom engineers need EN 12492 helmets for height-related fall protection.

• Wind turbine maintenance crews use the same standard for working at extreme heights.
  
  

How to Choose the Right Hard Hat

Now that we’ve covered the standards, how do you know which helmet is right for your job?

1. Match the Helmet to Your Industry

2. Fit & Comfort Are Essential

• ✔ Adjustable headbands – A helmet should fit snugly but not be too tight.

• ✔ Lightweight materials – Reduces strain on the neck and improves wearability.

• ✔ Ventilation options – Prevents overheating during extended wear.
  
  

3. Extra Features for Additional Protection

• Integrated visors for eye protection ✅

• Hearing protection attachments ✅

• High-visibility colors for low-light environments ✅

• LED lighting options for night work ✅
  
  

Best Hard Hats at CTS Workweart

CTS Workwear stocks hard hats that meet UK safety standards. Here’s a comparison of top-rated helmets for different industries:

Need bulk orders or custom branding? CTS Workwear offers free consultations to help you find the right safety gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my hard hat?

Most helmets last 3-5 years, but any visible damage or impact means immediate replacement

Can I put stickers on my hard hat?

Yes, but do not cover important safety labels or compromise the helmet’s integrity.

Do hard hats expire?

Yes. Check the manufacturing date inside the helmet—most have a 5-year lifespan.

Are vented hard hats safe for electrical work?

No. Vented helmets are NOT safe for electrical hazards. Always use non-vented EN 50365 helmets for electrical work.