SIST EN 13087-6:2012

Overview

EN 13087-6:2012 - "Protective helmets - Test methods - Part 6: Field of vision" is a CEN test-method standard that defines how to measure the field of vision (field of view) of protective helmets. It is intended as a supplement to product-specific helmet standards and provides a reproducible method to assess whether a helmet design obstructs a wearer’s visual field under standardized conditions.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope: Specifies a test method only; performance limits (pass/fail criteria), sample numbers and conditioning are provided in the relevant helmet/product standard.
• Test principle: Helmet is mounted on a standardized test headform and the visual field is assessed against marked reference points and planes on the headform.
• Apparatus:
  • Headforms in accordance with EN 960:2006
  • Ballast mass of (5,0 + 0,5) kg to stabilise the helmet on the headform
  • Angle templates or equivalent means to measure vision angles
• Procedure highlights:
  • Ambient conditions and conditioning follow EN 13087‑1
  • Helmet fitted to the headform per manufacturer instructions (or to simulate typical in‑use fitting)
  • Headform marked with basic, reference, vertical transverse and vertical longitudinal planes and points K1, K2, L1, L2
  • Assessment for occultation (obstruction) horizontally from L1/L2 and vertically upwards from L1/L2 and downwards from K1/K2
• Reporting:
  • State whether occultation occurs in the specified field of vision
  • Include an estimate of measurement uncertainty for each measurement (Annex A)
• Normative and regulatory relationship:
  • Uses EN 960 and EN 13087-1
  • Supports conformity to the Essential Requirements of EU Directive 89/686/EEC (see Annex ZA)

Applications and who uses this standard

• Helmet manufacturers - to validate design and ensure that visors, peak/brims or shells do not unduly restrict vision
• Independent testing laboratories and conformity assessment bodies - to perform standardized field-of-vision tests for certification
• PPE compliance officers, safety engineers and procurement teams - to verify that helmet models meet the visual-field requirements referenced in product standards
• Designers and R&D teams - to guide iterative changes that improve peripheral and vertical visibility without compromising protection

Related standards

• EN 13087-1: Conditions and conditioning (referenced for ambient/test conditions)
• EN 960:2006: Headforms for helmet testing
• Other parts of EN 13087 series (Parts 2–10) that cover shock absorption, penetration resistance, retention systems, flame resistance, electrical properties, rigidity and radiant heat

Keywords: EN 13087-6:2012, protective helmets, field of vision, test methods, CEN, EN 960, PPE, helmet standard, field of view, measurement uncertainty.