EN 397:2025/AC:2025 STANDARD UPDATE
EUROPEAN HEAD PROTECTION STANDARDS UPDATE Harmonized in June 2026, the EN 397:2025/AC:2025 standard has replaced the EN 397:2012 industrial helmet protection standard.
TYPE 1 & TYPE 2 REQUIREMENTS The most significant EN 397 update in 30 years: shifting from industrial safety helmets to industrial protective helmets for broader hazards and use cases (slips/trips/falls). • EN 397:2025/AC:2025 Type 1: On-crown impacts only (49 J), chinstrap optional >150 N (15 kg). NEW • EN 397:2025/AC:2025 Type 2: Higher on-crown (98 J) and off-crown impacts added (24 J), mandatory chinstrap >500 N (50 kg), retention system effectiveness. NEW • Special Application Requirements (formerly Optional Requirements): Brings a broader range of requirements for workers in specific applications. NEW • Design and Accessory Compatibility: Helmets must now be tested with all accessories attached (visors, earmuffs, headlamps, badge holders, etc.). NEW With the entry into force of EN 397:2025/AC:2025, EN 12492:2012 will no longer be relevant for industrial applications.
SPECIAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS (NOT MANDATORY) APPLY TO BOTH TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2 HELMETS: • • • •
-20°C / -30°C / -40°C | Low temperature upgraded +150°C | High temperature upgraded
| Electrical insulation (EN 50365:2023, 4.3 reference) upgraded MM | Molten metal splash resistance no changes
•
| Electrostatic properties NEW
•
| Enhanced visibility in daylight (fluorescent shell) NEW
•
| Enhanced visibility in dark conditions (reflective elements) NEW
•
OCP | Off-crown penetration resistance NEW
DESIGN & ACCESSORY COMPATIBILITY Both integral and non-integral protective functions must not compromise helmet conformity.
•
User instructions must list all accessories the helmet was tested with.
•
Helmet Positioning Index (HPI) must be declared to testing laboratory.
ATTENTION
Helmets certified according to EN 397:2012 that have already been placed on the market and those already in use remain valid for the entire service life specified by the manufacturer, calculated from the date of manufacture.
KASK S.p.A. Via Variante di Cicola 6/E, 24060 Carobbio degli Angeli (BG) Italy tel + 39 0354427497 · info@kask.com · kask-safety.com
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•
EUROPEAN HEAD PROTECTION STANDARDS UPDATE MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS TYPE 1
TYPE 2
On-crown high-energy impact protection (98 J)
On-crown impact protection (49 J)
On-crown impact protection (49 J)
On-crown penetration resistance
On-crown penetration resistance
The falling mass shall not contact the headform.
The falling mass shall not contact the headform.
Chinstrap optional; if fitted, retention strength >150 N (15 kg)
Mandatory chinstrap; retention strength >500 N (50 kg)
Off-crown impact protection (front, rear, sides) (24.5 J)
Retention system effectiveness
REAR Helmet shall not come off the headform
Resistance to ignition NEW Penetration of the shell via ventilation holes NEW Ergonomics test NEW Sizing NEW
Resistance to ignition NEW Penetration of the shell via ventilation holes NEW Ergonomics test NEW Sizing NEW
KASK S.p.A. Via Variante di Cicola 6/E, 24060 Carobbio degli Angeli (BG) Italy tel + 39 0354427497 · info@kask.com · kask-safety.com
© KASK S.p.A. All rights reserved.
FRONT
EUROPEAN HEAD PROTECTION STANDARDS UPDATE COMPARISON CHART EN 397:2012 VS. EN 397:2025/AC:2025
NEW EN 397:2025/AC:2025
EN 397:2012
N/A
TYPE 1
TYPE 2
4.1.2 General
X
X
X
4.1.3 Materials and Design
X
X
X
PHYSICAL 4.1.4 Penetration of the Shell via Ventilation REQUIREMENTS Holes
—
X
X
4.1.5 Sizing
—
X
X
4.1.6 Ergonomics
—
X
X
4.2.1 Shock Absorption On-Crown Impacts
X
4.2.2 Shock Absorption for High-Energy OnCrown Impacts
—
—
X (98 J)
4.2.3 Shock Absorption for Off-Crown Impacts
—
—
X (24 J)
X (29 J)
X (29 J)
X (29 J)
4.2.5 Chinstrap Strength Release
X (150÷250 N)
X (>150 N)
X (>500 N)
4.2.5.3 Retention System Effectiveness
—
—
X
4.2.6 Resistance to Ignition
—
X
X
PERFORMANCE 4.2.4 Resistance to Penetration REQUIREMENTS
(49 J)
X
(49 J)
X (49 J)
© KASK S.p.A. All rights reserved.
For any additional questions or further information, please contact KASK at marketingsafety@kask.com
KASK S.p.A. Via Variante di Cicola 6/E, 24060 Carobbio degli Angeli (BG) Italy tel + 39 0354427497 · info@kask.com · kask-safety.com