The EN 12492 standard specifies the safety requirements and test methods for safety helmets for use in mountaineering and climbing, as well as work at a height. They consist of three elements: an outer shell made of shock resistant plastic material, an internal adjustable structure and a chinstrap to close it.
These instruments are protective devices with features such as resistance to penetrations and the absorption of vertical, front, side, dorsal and rear blows. In all of these conditions, the force transmitted to the head must be ≤10 kN while for resistance to penetrations, it is an impact energy of 1.5 J (a mass of 3 kg falling from a height of 50 mm). The chinstrap, whose resistance must be greater than 50 kg with a maximum extension of 25 mm, reduces the risk of losing the helmet in case of a fall.
As regards the shock absorption requirement, that qualifies the capability of the helmet of protecting the head against falling objects, the following parameters must be complied with:
impact absorption: top part protection (flat striker of 5kg from 2m), front part (flat striker from ½ m), lateral part (flat striker from ½ m), rear zone (flat striker from ½ m). F < 10 kN.
penetration resistance: conical striker of 3kg from 1m (there must be no contact with the head).
chinstrap with resistance of 50 daN.