EN 13087-8:2000/A1:2005

Overview

EN 13087-8:2000/A1:2005 is a European Standard developed by the Comité Européen de Normalisation (CEN) that defines test methods specifically for assessing the electrical properties of protective helmets. It is part of the broader EN 13087 series which focuses on test procedures for head protection equipment. This standard is essential for manufacturers and testing laboratories to evaluate the electrical performance of helmets against relevant safety requirements.

The standard is designed to ensure that protective helmets meet quality and safety benchmarks concerning electrical insulation and conductivity properties. Notably, it excludes tests for helmets used in live electrical working environments, clarifying that it is not suitable for verifying helmets intended for working on or near energized electrical installations.

Key Topics

• Electrical Test Methods
  EN 13087-8 outlines specific procedures to test helmets’ electrical characteristics, such as insulation resistance and dielectric strength.

• Scope and Limitations
  The standard applies to protective helmets in general and excludes provisions for live working or proximity to active electrical equipment, making it applicable primarily to non-live electrical safety scenarios.

• Amendment A1 (2005)
  This amendment updates the original 2000 publication, reinforcing compliance obligations for national standardization bodies across Europe.

• Compliance and Implementation
  CEN member countries, including major EU states and several others in the European continent, are required to adopt this standard by mid-2005.

Applications

Protective helmets assessed under EN 13087-8:2000/A1:2005 are widely used in various industries where head protection must also consider electrical safety aspects, such as:

• Construction and Industrial Worksites
  Helmets tested per this standard help protect workers from incidental electrical hazards by ensuring helmets provide adequate insulation.

• Manufacturing and Assembly Lines
  Personnel operating near electrical machinery benefit from helmets with certified electrical properties.

• Public Safety and Maintenance Roles
  Utility maintenance workers and technicians require helmets meeting this standard for protection in environments with electrical risks that do not involve live electrical working.

Adopting EN 13087-8 test methods ensures that protective helmets provide reliable electrical insulation, reducing the risk of electrical injury during routine industrial and maintenance tasks.

Related Standards

• EN 13087 Series
  Other parts of the EN 13087 standard focus on different helmet properties such as mechanical resistance, shock absorption, and material durability.

• EN 50365 (excluded in this standard)
  A standard specifically addressing electrically insulating helmets for live working; it is noted in EN 13087-8 that these test methods do not apply to EN 50365 requirements.

• CENELEC Standards
  Complementary electrical safety standards set by the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization provide a broader framework for electrical protective equipment.

By integrating EN 13087-8:2000/A1:2005 with related standards, manufacturers and safety managers can ensure comprehensive evaluation and certification of protective helmets tailored to specific workplace electrical hazards.

Keywords: EN 13087-8:2000/A1:2005, protective helmet electrical testing, helmet electrical properties, CEN standards, head protection equipment, electrical insulation helmets, helmet test methods, workplace electrical safety, European helmet standards.