Safety helmets are essential to limit the risk of head injury in many professional environments. They effectively protect against impact, falling objects and certain electrical hazards. Construction helmets and safety caps are used in a range of sectors such as construction, industry, logistics or maintenance, where team safety is a priority.
What standards apply to safety helmets?
Safety helmets are subject to several European standards, which guarantee their reliability and suitability for different hazards:
EN 397: the reference standard for industrial helmets, defining resistance to impact, penetration and basic electrical properties.
EN 50365: covers insulating helmets for live working, used in the energy and electricity sectors.
EN 812: applies to safety caps, intended to protect against bumps in moderate-risk environments.
EN 12492: specific to helmets for work at height, imposing enhanced requirements for fit and shock absorption.
Complying with these standards makes it possible to select equipment suited to every trade and every working environment.
What types of safety helmets are there, and for which sectors?
There are several types of safety helmet, each meeting specific needs:
Construction helmets: used in construction, building and heavy industry, they protect against falling objects and major impact.
Insulating helmets: suited to electrical work and the energy sector, they offer protection against electrical hazards.
Safety caps: ideal for logistics, light industry or maintenance, they protect against bumps in confined spaces.
Helmets for work at height: recommended for tree surgery, industrial maintenance or shipbuilding.
Accessories for helmets and caps make it possible to tailor protection to the needs of every trade.
How should safety helmets be maintained?
Regular maintenance of safety helmets is essential to guarantee their effectiveness:
Clean the shell and harness with warm water and mild soap, without using aggressive solvents.
Store equipment away from light, heat and excessive humidity.
Replace the helmet in the event of a crack, an impact or after a significant knock, even if no damage is visible.
Check the expiry date and follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding service life.
Frequent visual inspection and following maintenance guidelines help preserve user safety over the long term.
What specific points should be considered for safety helmets?
Choosing a safety helmet should take several technical criteria into account: compatibility with other PPE (glasses, hearing protection), ventilation, harness adjustment and resistance to extreme temperatures. Ergonomics and lightness are essential for extended wear, particularly in construction, energy or industry.
Some models, such as those offered by Centurion, stand out for their modularity and their ability to accommodate specific accessories. Adapting the helmet to each environment and each hazard supports safety, comfort and teams' willingness to use PPE every day.