EN 13087-3:2000

Overview

EN 13087-3:2000 - Protective helmets - Test methods - Part 3: Resistance to penetration - is a CEN test-method standard that defines how to assess a helmet’s ability to resist penetration by sharp or pointed objects. This Part of EN 13087 is intended to be used alongside the appropriate helmet performance standard to verify that head protective equipment meets the required resistance-to-penetration performance during type approval, quality control and laboratory testing.

Key Topics

This Part 3 focuses on the practical and technical aspects of penetration testing without prescribing performance limits (those limits are set in the relevant helmet standard). Key topics typically covered include:

• Scope and purpose of the resistance-to-penetration test method for protective helmets.
• Specimen preparation and conditioning, ensuring consistent test conditions for samples.
• Test apparatus and setup required to apply a penetrating force or impact with a pointed implement.
• Test procedure, including how the implement contacts the helmet, test locations and sequence.
• Measurement and evaluation, recording penetration depth/occurrence and documenting outcomes.
• Reporting requirements, ensuring test reports contain essential information for conformity assessment.

Note: EN 13087-3:2000 provides the standardized method of test; the specific pass/fail criteria are identified in the relevant helmet type standard referenced by manufacturers or regulators.

Applications

EN 13087-3:2000 is used where assessment of a helmet’s penetration resistance is required. Practical applications include:

• Helmet manufacturers: design validation, production control and verification against referenced helmet standards.
• Independent test laboratories and certification bodies: performing standardized penetration tests for type approval and conformity assessment.
• Procurement and safety managers: specifying test methods in tender documents and accepting certified head protective equipment.
• R&D and quality assurance teams: comparing materials, liners and shell constructions for improved penetration resistance.

Using a standardized test method like EN 13087-3 ensures consistent, reproducible results across labs and supports market confidence in protective helmets.

Related standards

• Other parts of the EN 13087 series that define additional helmet test methods (e.g., impact, retention system tests).
• Applicable helmet performance standards that reference EN 13087-3 for establishing acceptance criteria and certification requirements.

Keywords: EN 13087-3:2000, protective helmets, test methods, resistance to penetration, CEN, head protective equipment, helmet testing, penetration resistance.