Climbing Hard Hats

If you spend most of your time up off the ground, you may need to consider an industrial climbing style hard hat. These have a few subtle differences from traditional hard hats as they have to adhere to slightly different standards.

The critical difference between a standard helmet that any construction worker would wear as head protection and a climbing helmet is the requirement for a chin strap that complies with EN 12492 and the ability to withstand side impacts.

Other differences between climbing safety helmets and traditional hard hats include a shorter peak length; although not a compulsory requirement, this feature makes looking upward much easier. The lightweight construction of most climbing helmets also ensures that you are not carrying extra weight whilst ascending structures.

Standard Hard Hat vs Climbing Helmet, what's the difference?

Two key factors make the physical differences between a helmet you would wear at ground level and a working-at-height safety helmet.

Helmet Retention & Chin Strap Requirements

• Working At Ground Level Chin Strap - A chin strap for working at ground level must give way when a force between 150 and 250 newtons is applied. This breakaway feature ensures that the user does not become trapped or choke should the helmet snag or become caught during an accident.
• Working At Height Chin Strap - A chin strap for working at height must conform to EN12492, which states that the chin strap release force must be greater than 500 newtons. This added strength is similar to the requirements for ANSI Z89.1. It ensures that the helmet stays securely in place should a bad fall occur with multiple impacts to the head.

What Are The Working At Height Helmet Regulations?

If working in the UK, there are some common standards you should ensure that your helmet conforms to if you are working at height.

• It should be UKCA or CE marked.
• It should meet EN 12492
• Note: Some helmets, such as those that feature a “dual switch” chin strap, may meet both EN397 and EN12492.
• It should not be older than the manufacturer's specified expiry date.

Of course, as ever, there are other things you may need to consider in addition to this, which may include if you are working with high voltage electrical items, in which case there are other safety standards that you need to consider.

All Head Protection

If a ‘working at height safety helmet’ is not what you are looking for, then you can find our full range of head protection in our head protection category.

Work Gloves

We have gloves to suit almost every work site environment on the shelf, ready to ship. Any that we do not have in stock are usually available within a couple of days.

Foot Protection

Having a steady footing when working up high is essential; our range of work boots will ensure you are stable on your feet.