Which safety helmet do you need? EN 397 and EN 12492 explained

Many people choose a helmet based on the standard: EN 397 for construction, EN 12492 for working at height. In practice, it is different. With the Petzl Vertex and Strato, the chin strap setting determines which standard applies, and with the Vertex Vent, the position of the ventilation sliders as well. The same helmet can therefore meet the standard today and not tomorrow. In this guide, we list what the manufacturer says about this, so you can choose the right helmet and set it correctly.

The short answer: which helmet for which work?

Why the chin strap determines the standard

EN 397 and EN 12492 require the opposite of the chin strap. On the ground, the danger is that your helmet gets caught somewhere. Then the chin strap must release, otherwise you could be strangled. At height, the danger is that you lose your helmet in a fall. Then the chin strap must stay in place.

That is why the Vertex and Strato have a DUAL chin strap with two settings: below 25 kg it releases, above 50 kg it holds on. The Vertex Vent chin strap is set to more than 50 kg from the factory. If you work on the ground and take the helmet out of the box like that, you are not wearing it in the setting for EN 397. Petzl also lists the chin strap setting as part of the pre-use check.

The four Petzl helmets compared

On paper they look similar. These are the differences from the user manuals and the Petzl 2026 catalog.

* Only without a sticker on top of the helmet. The Hi-Viz version does not meet this. Hi-Viz models weigh 5 to 10 grams more.

The most important conclusion: the Strato Vent is not an EN 397 helmet. If your workplace or employer requires EN 397, the lightest helmet is not automatically the right one. Choose the Vertex or the Vertex Vent instead.

How you lose protection without noticing it

• Sticker on top of the helmet: then the protection against molten metal is void. So do not stick company logos on top.
• Paint, solvent or your own glue: Petzl only allows water-based glue and Petzl stickers.
• Plugs not replaced: if you remove accessories from the helmet, put the plugs back in the slots at the front and back. They are needed for protection against molten metal.
• Helmet in the car: the helmet is tested from -30 °C to +50 °C. Petzl warns against a helmet in a car in the full sun.
• Changing situations: if you climb up a scaffold after a day on the ground, first adjust the chin strap. With the Vertex Vent, also the sliders.

Working near electrical installations

The closed Vertex and Strato are insulated according to EN 50365 class 0 for use with low voltage, up to 1000 V AC or 1500 V DC. Petzl is clear about this: an insulating helmet may not be used on its own, you also need other insulating protection. The ventilated Vertex Vent and Strato Vent have no electrical insulation.

The Petzl VIZEN face shield protects against an electric arc. It is according to EN IEC 62819 class APC 1 and is expressly not a welding mask. Which class you need depends on your installation and your risk assessment.

When should you discard your helmet?

These are Petzl's rules for the Vertex and Strato. Other brands may have different timeframes, so always check the user manual.

• Before every use: check the shell, straps, stitching, adjustment, buckle and the position of the chin strap.
• Every 12 months: Petzl recommends a thorough inspection by an expert at least once a year, and more often with intensive use. Record the result for each helmet.
• After 10 years: that is the maximum lifespan.
• After a heavy impact: replace, even if you see nothing. An impact can reduce protection without visible damage.
• If you do not know the history: for example due to an illegible marking. The helmet is also taken out of use then.

Examples from Petzl's inspection procedure. Worn comfort foam can be replaced. If you have doubts about the shell or the buckle, do not use the helmet.

Clean with water and mild soap. Replace worn parts yourself: with a new headband, comfort foam or DUAL chin strap, the helmet will last longer.

Expanding with visor, lamp and hearing protection

On all Vertex and Strato helmets, you click on a visor with the EASYCLIP system: the VIZIR against flying particles, the VIZEN against electric arcs or the VIZEN MESH for tree care. Rather have everything at once? Choose the Vertex Vent with visor or the Vertex Vent with PIXA R headlamp. You can find all parts at helmet accessories.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between EN 397 and EN 12492?

EN 397 is the standard for industrial helmets, where the chin strap releases if the helmet gets caught. EN 12492 is the standard for helmets for mountaineering and working at height, where the chin strap holds the helmet.

Can I wear a Petzl Strato Vent on a construction site?

The Strato Vent only meets EN 12492, with the chin strap set to more than 50 kg. If the workplace requires EN 397, choose another helmet, such as the Vertex Vent with closed sliders.

How long does a Petzl helmet last?

Maximum 10 years, and shorter if the helmet has had a heavy impact or does not pass the inspection.

Can I stick our company logo on the helmet?

Yes, on the smooth parts with water-based glue or Petzl stickers. Do not stick it on top of the helmet if you need protection against molten metal.

Does a helmet according to EN 50365 also protect against an electric arc?

No, those are two different risks. EN 50365 is about insulation at low voltage. For an electric arc, you need a face shield that has been tested for that.

Are you unsure which helmet fits?

View all safety helmets with the standard per model, or contact us. We are happy to help you think it through.

Sources: Petzl Vertex (A0040400F), Vertex Vent (A0040300E), Strato (A0040700F), Strato Vent (A0040600E) and VIZEN (A0022500H) user manuals, Petzl helmet inspection procedure and Petzl 2026 catalog. Photos: Petzl. Last checked on November 5, 2026. This guide does not replace the user manual of your helmet.