Use of climbing helmets
Climbing helmets are mainly used when working at great heights, mountain climbing or when abseiling. Climbing helmets provide protection against falling objects such as rocks, ice blocks or equipment that comes loose. Climbing helmets also provide protection against side impacts. When purchasing a climbing helmet, it is important to pay close attention to the weight of the climbing helmet and whether it fits comfortably. In addition, it is advisable to ask yourself whether you need to be extra visible and whether you need a ventilated or unventilated climbing helmet.
The safety standards of climbing helmets
There are 2 different safety standards for climbing helmets, so it is important to know which standard is important to you. Below is an explanation of the two different safety standards of climbing helmets.
EN 12492 climbing helmet safety standard This safety standard is intended for mountain climbers. Nowadays, climbing helmets with this standard are more often chosen in the industrial sector. These helmets are suitable for climbing mountains, so a chin strap is included as standard. The chin strap ensures that the helmet stays in place while working at heights.
EN 397 safety standard climbing helmetThe EN 397 standard is intended for the industrial sector. This standard prescribes that the wearer only needs to be protected against mechanical impacts to the head and falling objects. This protection reduces the risk of brain injury or skull fracture.