The EN 443 standard specifies the minimum requirements of firefighter helmets. These devices protect the top of the head against risks such as impact, penetration, lateral deformation, radiant heat sources, molten metals and fire. They therefore protect the face and eyes during fire rescue activities in buildings and other structures. Different from wildland firefighting helmets, subject to standard EN 16471, technical rescue helmets subject to standard EN 16473 and high-performance visors designed for use with personal gear and protective helmets only EN 14458.
Helmets conforming to standard EN 443 must not be designed for special applications, for example fires in the presence of hydrocarbons or chemical substances such as petroleum, or forest fires.