SIST EN 13087-7:2001

Overview

EN 13087-7:2000 is a European CEN standard that defines test methods for flame resistance of protective helmets. As Part 7 of the EN 13087 test-method series, its purpose is to provide standardized procedures to assess the ignitability and burning behaviour of helmet materials and assemblies. The standard is used to verify a helmet’s performance against the flame-resistance requirements specified in the relevant helmet performance standards.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and objective: Clarifies that the document focuses specifically on flame-resistance test methods for head protective equipment rather than on performance limits themselves.
• Test methods: Specifies standardized procedures for assessing ignitability and burning behaviour of helmet components and finished helmets so that results are comparable across laboratories and manufacturers.
• Specimen preparation and conditioning: Outlines the need to prepare, condition and handle helmet materials and whole helmets in a consistent manner prior to testing to ensure reproducible results.
• Measurement and observation: Defines the observations and measurements to be recorded during flame exposure (for example, ignition, sustained burning, afterglow), enabling objective assessment against the applicable helmet standard.
• Reporting: Describes information that must be included in test reports so that manufacturers, certifiers and purchasers can interpret results reliably.

(Note: EN 13087-7:2000 defines methods of test; specific pass/fail criteria are set in the applicable helmet performance standards.)

Applications and users

This standard is relevant to:

• Helmet manufacturers developing or validating materials and finished helmets for environments where flame resistance is required.
• Independent testing laboratories performing standardized flame-resistance tests and issuing test reports or certificates.
• Certification and conformity assessment bodies assessing compliance with helmet performance standards that reference flame-resistance methods.
• Specifiers and procurement teams in industries such as firefighting, petrochemical, electrical utilities, and industrial safety who require verified flame-resistant head protection.
• R&D and quality assurance teams evaluating material selection and product safety during design and production.

Related standards

• Other parts of the EN 13087 test-method series (for additional mechanical, thermal or environmental tests).
• Applicable helmet performance standards that reference flame-resistance methods (these set the acceptance criteria based on EN 13087-7).
• Broader EN standards for head protective equipment and national adoptions (e.g., the standard is adopted as SIST EN 13087-7:2001 in Slovenia).

Keywords: EN 13087-7:2000, protective helmets, flame resistance, test methods, CEN, head protective equipment, ignitability, burning behaviour, helmet standards, conformity assessment.