Protective helmets are specially designed PPE to protect the head from hazards in the workplace or to prevent or reduce injuries resulting from an industrial accident. In professions at risk of coming into contact with an electrical current, operator protection is vital to prevent the associated fatal consequences for an operator without the appropriate equipment.

These helmets, when used with other electrically insulating protective equipment, prevent electrocution if the head comes into contact with high voltage elements in live work or in the vicinity of live parts on installations not exceeding 1000 V AC, or 1500 V DC (low voltage range).

Insulating helmets are PPE designed to protect the wearer’s head in low voltage installations, and are classified as Category III protection against electrical hazards.

To ensure that helmets can protect against this risk, they must be certified by a Notified Body: AITEX is Notified Body number 0161 designated by the European Commission to assess the conformity of personal protective equipment according to Regulation (EU) 2016/425, as well as its CE marking, before being placed on the EU market.

The applicable standard by which a helmet can be certified against electrical hazards is EN 50365, which establishes the required tests to ensure its effectiveness in protecting the wearer against electrocution through the head.

The helmets also provide protection against other risks such as mechanical and thermal hazards, as the applicable standard additionally obliges compliance with EN 397, for helmets for general industrial use, and compliance with EN 443, firefighting helmets for firefighting in buildings and other structures.

Electrically insulating helmets also protect the top of the head against impact or puncture from falling objects. Compliance with the standard for fire helmets will also protect against heat and flame during firefighting.

In addition to being Notified Body number 0161, AITEX’s commitment to worker safety is reflected in the fact that the Centre is already a national and international benchmark in the assessment and certification of Personal Protective Equipment.