EN 13087-3:2000/A1:2001

Overview

EN 13087-3:2000/A1:2001 is a European Standard developed by the CEN Technical Committee 158 (Head Protection) that specifies the test methods for assessing the resistance to penetration of protective helmets. This amendment, approved in October 2001, updates the original 2000 version to ensure consistent safety evaluation aligned with essential requirements outlined in the EU Directive 89/686/EEC on personal protective equipment (PPE).

The standard is applicable across various EU member states and EFTA countries, providing a harmonized approach to testing head protective equipment for penetration resistance-critical for minimizing head injuries in industrial, construction, and other hazardous environments.

Key Topics

• Test Methods for Penetration Resistance
  Defines procedures to evaluate how effectively a protective helmet prevents penetration by sharp or pointed objects, simulating real-world mechanical impacts.

• Compliance with EU PPE Directive 89/686/EEC
  Supports manufacturers and regulatory bodies in meeting legislative safety requirements related to mechanical impact protection.

• Harmonized European Adoption
  Mandatory implementation across CEN member countries including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK.

• Amendment A1: 2001 Updates
  Enhances testing protocols to reflect advancements in helmet technology and regulatory expectations without altering core technical specifications.

• Standard Structure and Normative References
  Includes an informative Annex ZA detailing the relationship with EU directives to ensure conformity and clarity on applicable legal frameworks.

Applications

• Industrial Safety Equipment
  Used by manufacturers of safety helmets for construction, manufacturing, and mining to validate helmet resistance to penetration hazards.

• Regulatory Compliance Testing
  Enables testing laboratories and certification bodies to verify helmet designs meet essential safety requirements under EU law.

• Product Development and Quality Assurance
  Engineers and designers utilize these testing methods during helmet development for quality evaluation and certification readiness.

• Workplace Safety Programs
  Safety managers and procurement officers reference compliance with EN 13087-3 to select helmets that provide verified protection against penetration injuries.

Related Standards

• EN 13087-1 and EN 13087-2
  These parts cover other test methods related to helmet performance such as shock absorption and retention system strength, complementing Part 3’s penetration resistance requirements.

• EN 397 - Industrial Safety Helmets
  A widely referenced standard for industrial helmet performance, often used in conjunction with EN 13087-3 for comprehensive helmet testing.

• EU PPE Directive 89/686/EEC
  The foundational legal framework for personal protective equipment safety, which EN 13087-3 supports by defining essential test methods.

• ISO and ASTM Helmet Standards
  International test methods and standards that might be considered alongside EN standards for global helmet certification and compliance.

Keywords: EN 13087-3, protective helmets, test methods, resistance to penetration, PPE Directive 89/686/EEC, head protection, helmet safety standards, personal protective equipment, European helmet standards, helmet penetration testing.