At United Resources, we believe in meeting the demands for a wide range of safety standards. Many territories tend to have their own specific safety standards, so testing for each can be a complex affair.
EN 397:2025 and ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (R2019)
Safety helmets are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) in industries where workers are at risk of head injuries from falling objects, penetrating forces, impacts, or electrical hazards. To ensure proper protection, safety helmets must meet specific international standards. Two of the most widely recognised are:
- EN 397:2025 (European Standard)
- ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (R2019) (American Standard)
Although both standards aim to protect workers, they differ in their testing protocols, performance requirements, and classification systems. Understanding them is important as many workplaces require helmets that meet at least one of these standards.
EN 397:2025 – European Standard for Industrial Safety Helmets
EN 397:2025 is the European standard that outlines the minimum performance requirements for industrial safety helmets used to protect against falling objects.
Performance Tests Included:
- Shock Absorption (impact resistance from a 5 kg striker falling from 1 meter)
- Penetration Resistance (resistance to sharp objects)
- Flame Resistance
- Chinstrap Anchorage (must release between 150N and 250N and exert less than 25kg of force to reduce strangulation risk)
Optional Performance Tests May Include:
- Low Temperature Resistance (-20°C or -30°C)
- High Temperature Resistance (+150°C)
- Electrical Insulation (440V AC)
- Molten Metal Splash Resistance (MM)
- Lateral Deformation Resistance
EN 397 helmets are commonly used in construction, general industrial work, and mining. Optional performance markings indicate whether the helmet offers protection beyond the basic requirements.
ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (R2019) – American Standard for Industrial Safety Helmets
ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (R2019) is the U.S. standard that categorises helmets by impact type and electrical class.
Impact Types:
- Type I: Protects from top impacts (like falling objects)
- Type II: Protects from top and lateral (side) impacts
Most industrial helmets are Type I, with its strong focus on preventing and mitigating injuries from falling objects. A helmet meeting Type I specifications must not allow a penetrating object to contact a wearer’s head during tests, and must not transmit more than 1,000 pounds of force upon any impact to its top.
Electrical Resistance:
In addition to the impact classification of the helmet, an electrical rating is also applied based on the helmets’ ability to withstand voltages.
- Class C: Not tested
- Class G: Tested to 2,200 volts
- Class E: Tested to 20,000 volts
Flammability
No flame should be visible for five seconds after removing the test flame from the helmet’s surface.
These classifications allow users to choose helmets suited to specific job hazards. Most worksites only require Type I protection.
Why It Matters
Choosing the right safety helmet standard depends on your work environment and local regulatory requirements:
- In Europe and parts of Asia, EN 397-compliant helmets are often mandated.
- In the U.S. and several other regions, ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-compliant helmets are preferred or required.
Understanding these standards helps safety managers ensure workers are wearing the correct level of protection, particularly in hazardous environments involving electrical exposure, extreme temperatures, or multi-directional impact risks.
United Resources’ Commitment to Head Protection
At United Resources, we supply and support helmets that meet both EN and ANSI standards, ensuring compliance and protection across industries and applications. Our experts can help you select the right helmet based on your operational risks, compliance needs, and work conditions.
Choose certified, tested, and trusted solutions that meet or exceed two of the most common helmet safety standards in the world.
