Best Arborist Helmets

What is the best arborist helmet?

With so many choices it's a great question and just what makes a great arborist helmet? In this article we aim to help guide you towards the correct choice for yourself.

Here are four great arborist helmets:

 

Selecting an arborist helmet

When choosing an arborist helmet you need to consider where you are going to use it, in the tree or on the ground. The testing standards and level of protection offered do differ and this should affect your decision.

 It's also important to consider comfort, safety, durability, and the specific features you need for tree work. EN 12492 or equivalent helmets are designed to protect you rated for both vertical and side impacts whilst climbing or working with trees. Saying this the impact weights used for testing are laughably small when compared to a decent-sized bit of tree falling from height.

Arborist Helmet Accessories

No I am not talking about cool stickers but Hearing and eye protection. When selecting an arborist helmet you also need to consider any ancillary items it comes with, they may look cool but are they the best and fit for purpose or to make the bundle look like a good deal? Cheap ancillary equipment may save you a few quid but may not be the best protection against hearing or sight damage. I speak from experience of both!

Arborist Hearing Protection

Different arborist helmets have different fixing points for ear (hearing) defenders so it's worth checking on this before buying especially if ordering a helmet off the internet. In the UK the employer has the duty to provide adequate hearing protection for workers. So what level of protection do you need? Well in a noisy dynamic potentially hazardous industry the risk of over protection can be as bad as under protection so it’s important to calculate the correct SNR rating you’ll need at work this guide from the HSE may help.

The following table shows U.K H.S.E guidance in relation to hearing protection levels based on noise exposure in Decibels (dB). A Petrol (USA - GAS) powered chainsaw typically produces 106–125 decibels (dBA) of sound, and can reach a maximum of 120 dBA or more. The noise level of a wood chipper can range from 90–110 decibels (dB), and can be as high as 105 dB or more. Many arborist helmets are sold with 29 SNR rated ear defenders. 

A-weighted noise level (dB)Select a protector with an SNR of …
85 - 9020 OR LESS
90 - 9520 TO 30 
95-10025 TO 35 
100 - 10530 OR MORE

Duel Protection

For use in extremely loud environments you could consider using Duel Protection inserting earplugs alongside ear defenders. Earplugs are comfortable for long-term use, while ear defenders are easier to put on and take off. Earplugs generally offer more protection than ear defenders, with an NNR (Noise Reduction Rating) of 22–33 decibels (dB) compared to 20–30 dB for ear muffs. 

Combine with care
Don't simply add the individual protection values together. You should only use combinations that are approved by accredited testing institutes. 
Wear earmuffs over earplugs
As guidance in high noise environments, where workers are exposed to sounds of 105 dB or higher, it's recommended that ear defenders should be worn over properly inserted earplugs. 

Eye Protection

Despite wearing eye protection I still have a cataract in one eye caused by impact from a sprung branch, I guess this is minor damage when I consider what may have happened if I hadn’t been wearing eye protection at the time. So knowing arboriculture I would probably look at the strength rating first when selecting protection. EN standards you would normally be considering would be EN 1731 for Mesh Visors or EN166 (NEW: EN ISO 16321) for goggles or protective glasses.

Additional markings that can be found on EN rated eye protection : 

  • Strength rating

Indicates how much impact the glasses can withstand before breaking: 

  • S: Minimal impact resistance, up to 12 meters per second 
  • F: Low energy impact, up to 45 meters per second 
  • B: Medium energy impact, up to 120 meters per second 
  • A: High energy impact, up to 190 meters per second 
  • Temperature rating

Indicates how well the glasses withstand extreme temperatures: 

  • T: Impact test at extreme temperatures, -5°C/ +55°C 
  • Radiation protection

Indicates the type of radiation protection the glasses provide: 

  • 2C or 3: UV protection with good colour recognition 
  • 4: Infrared protection 
  • 5: Solar protection with 100% UV protection and no infrared protection 
  • 6: Solar protection with 100% UV protection and infrared protection 
  • Other lens properties

Indicates the glasses' resistance to fog, scratches, electrical short circuit arcs, and penetration by hot solids: 

  • N: Resistance to fog 
  • K: Scratch resistance 
  • 8: Resistance to electrical short circuit arcs 
  • 9: Resistance to penetration by hot solids 

EN 166 is the European Standard for safety glasses and goggles. In May 2023, EN ISO 16321 was published to replace EN 166. EN 166 certificates will remain valid until their expiry date, up to a maximum of five years. 

What are the UK standards for an arborist helmet?

There are two common helmet standards distributed in the UK EN 397 and EN12492.

EN 397 is predominantly purchased for ground workers it’s a European standard that specifies the physical and performance requirements for industrial safety helmets. The standard is designed to protect the wearer from a variety of hazards, including Falling objects, Brain injury, Skull fracture, Mechanical impacts to the head, and Lateral deformation of the helmet. 

The EN12492 tends to be the helmet of choice for most climbers however with the improved performance I prefer to use these over EN397.

Don’t be misled some 397 helmets are made to look very much like an EN12492 helmet and I have even seen fake copies of popular helmets being sold in the UK. If in any doubt check the EN number and confirm the technical standards on the manufacturer's website before you make a purchase.

European CE markings 

Any CE approved product sold in the UK should bear both the Certificate of Europe approval Logo and the relevant EN number. Please look out for fake CE marks. As you can see in the graphic the spacing between the letters of a fake product are often closer together compared to the official CE logo.

At a quick glance, a buyer can be easily fooled. Even the retailer may not be aware they have mistakenly purchased fake products. You should only consider a genuine C.E marked product as safe to use. If you think you have been sold or seen a bogus product report it to your local trading standards department HERE who will sease and destroy any fake products being sold removing them from potential industry use and protecting your safety. 

 How are arborist helmets tested?

 Testing varies depending on the EN number so let's compare these. 

Testing an EN397 Helmet 

To receive EN 397 certification, safety helmets must undergo a series of mandatory tests, including: 

  • Impact

A hemispherical striker is dropped onto the helmet from a height of 1 meter to measure the force transmitted through the helmet

  • Penetration

A pointed cone striker is dropped onto the helmet from a height of 1 meter to assess whether it makes contact with the test dummy head underneath

Other requirements for EN 397 certified helmets include: 

  • Shock absorption
  • Resistance to sharp and pointed objects
  • Resistance to very high temperatures (+150°C)
  • Flame resistance
  • Electrical insulation (440 V)
  • Chin strap attachment

In the UK, all hard hats used in the construction industry must be manufactured to BS EN 397. 

 

Testing an EN12492 helmet 

The EN 12492 standard specifies the safety requirements and testing methods for mountaineering helmets. EN 12492 helmets are recommended by AFAG and supported by the HSE in their guide for arborist climbers PPE. The helmet test standard covers the following areas: 

  • Impact: The helmet must be able to absorb shock from impacts to the front, side, rear, and top of the test head. This is tested by dropping two 5 kg strikers onto the helmet from different heights: 
    • Hemispherical striker: Dropped from 2000 mm (2  meters) onto the crown of the helmet. Note: Not a 10 KG log from 5 meters up!
    • Flat striker: Dropped from 500 mm onto the front, rear, and side of the helmet 
    • Shock load: The force transmitted through the head form cannot exceed 10 kN 
  • Penetration: The helmet must be able to resist penetration from a 3 kg mass dropped from 50 mm. NOTE just to confirm that’s 3 Kg from just 5 CM’s away!
  • Chin strap: The chin strap must be able to withstand a minimum of 500 N of force without breaking or stretching. It should also have a maximum extension of 25 mm 
  • Suspension: The helmet must be designed to stay on the wearer's head during a fall. This is tested by pulling on the chin strap with 0.5 kN of force and by performing a lateral pull test 
  • Ventilation: The helmet should have a total ventilation area of more than 4 cm2 
  • Comfort: The helmet should be comfortable to wear for extended periods of time 

Helmets that meet the EN12492 standard will be marked with the CE Logo mark and the relevant EN standard number. EN12492 is often used for work at height because the type of protection it offers is suitable for these situations. 

 

Select Your Arborist Helmet

So here are some of the best arborist helmets currently available:

Petzl Vertex Vent Helmet

https://www.petzl.com/INT/en/Tactical/Helmets/VERTEX-VENT

  • Features:
    • Ventilation holes for increased airflow.
    • Strong, durable construction.
    • A 6-point suspension system for better comfort and fit.
    • Compatible with various face shields, ear protection, and headlamps.
    • EN 12492 and ANSI Z89.1 standards certified for climbing and tree work.
  • Pros:
    • Widely Used in the Arboricultural Industry
    • Highly comfortable, with adjustable straps.
    • Great ventilation, making it comfortable for longer use.
    • Lightweight and well-ventilated.
  • Cons:
    • Slightly higher price point.

ZERO Pinnacle  Zertec

https://zeroheightsafety.com/products/zpzk01lumino

  • Features:
    • Includes txICEme technology which transfers the users' emergency info to a smartphone.
    • Fully adjustable suspension for a secure fit.
    • Designed with an integrated visor and high-impact protection.
    • Koroyd’s tubular cells which crumple to help absorb impacts
    • Very Lightweight and comfortable with a durable construction.
    • Vented shell for cooling.
    • Antimicrobial washable inner textile padding
    • Takes full and half face direct fitting visors (sold separately)
  • Pros:
    • High-quality protection with great ventilation.
    • Can be customised with ear defenders and face shields.
    • Very breathable lightweight design
    • Euroslots openings take popular ear defenders.  
    • Uses similar Koroyd technology found in the Protos.
  • Cons:
    • Currently a less known brand in the arborist community.
    • Due to its construction quality and technology it carries a higher price when compared to similar looking helmet brands.
    • Availability, made in New Zealand sadly it’s not yet widely available in the UK.

KASK Super Plasma

https://www.kask-safety.com/en/superplasma.htm

  • Features:
    • High-quality impact protection with a tough outer shell.
    • Comfortable foam suspension for a snug fit.
    • Comprehensive accessories range including face shields and visors.
    • Replaceable and washable antimicrobial inner
  • Pros:
    • Proven history in arboriculture.
    • Affordable option.
  • Cons:
    • Euroslot defender adapters don’t come integrated as standard.

Pfanner PROTOS

https://pfanner-austria.at/en/protos-integral/uebersicht/

  • Features:
    • Offers excellent head protection with a high-impact ABS outer shell.
    • The suspension system is designed for superior comfort.
    • Integrated protective glasses.
    • Integrated ear defenders.
    • Crash Absorber technology including Koroyd.
    • Replaceable Klima-Air internal pads.
    • Communications systems can be purchased separately.
  • Pros:
    • Offers robust protection.
    • Comfortable and secure fit.
    • Integrated ear defenders and visor system.
    • Loads of quirky cool designs and colours.
  • Cons:
    • Limited ventilation compared to other models.
    • It’s a larger helmet compared to other models.
    • Only fitted with 26dB SNR rated ear defenders.
    • Currently the highest price model available.   

Key Features to Look for in an arborist helmet:

  • Impact Protection: Look for helmets that meet or exceed safety standards such as EN 12492.
  • Ventilation: This is especially important for those rare sunny days or extended work hours. Helmets with good or adjustable ventilation will help you stay cool.
  • Comfort and Fit: A good suspension system will provide better comfort, especially if you plan to wear your helmet for long hours.
  • Compatibility with Accessories: Ensure the helmet can be fitted with face shields, ear protection, and headlamps as needed.
  • Weight: Lightweight helmets can offer better mobility around the tree and less fatigue.

We rate all of these helmets for use in the arborist community, and the best choice depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.

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