Are you unsure of which standard your hard hat should comply to? Standards differ from region to region, and it is important to understand which standard your helmet meets. We will list some of the most common regional and national hard hat standards and explain how they differ.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website european hard hat.
What are the different standards internationally?
Europe: EN 397 – Industrial Safety Helmets
This standard goes back over 50 years and impact testing is only carried out to the top of the helmet. A 49J impact only to the crown of the helmet is required for shock absorption, and a penetration test with a 3kg conical striker from 1m. There are no side, front, or rear impact requirements in this standard only a lateral rigidity test, which is a slow, progressive force loading followed by measurement of any deformation.
Different types of helmet are covered in separate European specifications whereas in other regions requirements for multiple helmet types are set out in a single standard.
USA: ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 – Industrial Head Protection
This American national standard provides performance and testing requirements for industrial helmets, commonly known as hard hats. It establishes the types and classes of protective helmets, depending on the type of hazard encountered. It includes specifications for helmets designed to offer protection from lateral impact or top-only impact, giving employers and users the flexibility to specify the helmet that best meets the needs of their specific workplace.
Australia and New Zealand: AS/NZS 1801 – Occupational Protective Helmets
This standard sets out requirements for protective helmets for use in occupational settings, such as building and construction, quarrying, shipbuilding, and forestry. It defines three helmet types:
Type 1 — General industrial safety helmets
Type 2 — Helmets intended for high temperature workplaces
Type 3 — Helmets intended for bushfire fighting
Canada: CSA Z94.1 – Industrial Protective Headwear
Want more information on custom welding helmet? Feel free to contact us.
This Canadian national standard sets out performance requirements to protective headwear for industrial, construction, mining, utility, and forestry workers, and also includes requirements for and provides guidance on the selection, care, and use. It establishes the types and classes of protective headwear, depending on the hazard encountered, with performance requirements and tests applicable to each type and class.
China: GB 2811 – Safety Helmet
This National Standard of the People's Republic of China specifies the technical requirements of occupational safety helmets, inspection rules and their identity. This standard applies to generally-used work helmets, with special performance requirements that only apply to helmets used in the corresponding places, such as fire resistance and lateral pressure resistance.
International standard: ISO 3873 – Industrial Safety Helmets
This standard seeks to harmonise requirements for industrial safety helmets globally, however in its current form, though most helmets meet the standard, it is rarely claimed or specified. Unrevised since 1977, regional standards have overtaken it with updates. ISO 3873 is currently being reviewed and updated to be re-released.
Can a hard hat meet more than one global standard?
Helmets can meet multiple regional standards – for example, one helmet can conform to EN 397, ANSI/ISEA Z89.1, CSA Z94.1, and AS/NZS 1801 fully with no conflicts. Helmets that comply with multiple standards are best to select as they encompass a wide range of important features and are independently tested multiple times in different ways.
Have any more head protection questions? Take a look at our head protection faq!
Find out more about our range of head protection.
How can we help?
If you have any questions please contact us and our team will be happy to help with supply, usage or correct application of our products.
For more tpr glovesinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.