Helmet... hard hat — same thing, right?
❌ Wrong.
Hard hats (old AS/NZS 1801:1997) were only ever designed to protect from falling objects.
Helmets (new AS/NZS 1801:2024, Type 4) are built for more: front, rear, side and crown impacts.
That means protection when something falls on you and when you’re the falling object.
Enter the APEX X2
Specifically designed for Industrial applications with comfort and usability in mind.
Perfect for scaffolders, roof workers and anyone working at heights.
View the range here
More about the new standards
AS/NZS 1801:1997 was originally published in September 1997 and served as the standard for occupational protective helmets in Australia and New Zealand
The standard was formally superseded on 20 September 2024 by AS/NZS 1801:2024.
It was approved on 2 September 2024 (Australia) and 4 September 2024 (New Zealand)
What’s New in AS/NZS 1801:2024
AS/NZS 1801:2024 introduces multiple enhancements and new classification categories that reflect understanding of workplace risks in modern environments:
Expanded Helmet Classification
Type 1: General-purpose helmets focusing on vertical impact protection—similar to legacy protection.
Type 4: New category offering multi-directional impact attenuation, designed to better guard against front, side, and rear impacts
Enhanced Testing Requirements for Type 4 Helmets
Compared with the original standard, Type 4 helmets under the new standard undergo much more rigorous testing, including:
- Impact energy attenuation tested at five separate points (front, rear, both sides, and crown) with a 5 kN force limit at a drop velocity of 5.05 m/s (~1.3 m)
- Dynamic retention system strength and helmet stability tests added to ensure helmets stay firmly in place under movement or impact
- Penetration resistance maintained, similar to Type 1
- Thermal performance across a defined temperature range remains a requirement
Clarified Accessory Compatibility
Both helmets under AS/NZS 1801:2024 must maintain core safety performance when fitted with:
- Earmuffs
- Visors or face protection
- Sun brims or neck protectors
These accessories must not compromise retention, impact protection, or marking visibility
No Added Tests for Some Environmental Effects
Unlike some international standards (e.g., BS EN 397:2025), AS/NZS 1801:2024 does not include:
- UV ageing
- Electrostatic discharge testing
These are not required in AS/NZS; those are enhancements in other global standards and not part of the updated local standard
More Stringent Force Limits in Impact Tests
For crown and off-crown impacts, AS/NZS 1801:2024 (Type 4) limits transmitted force to ≤ 5 kN, reflecting a stricter threshold than some international standards (e.g., BS EN 397:2025, which allows up to 10 kN).
Summary
AS/NZS 1801:2024 marks a significant advancement over the 1997 standard, especially with the introduction of a Type 4 classification to address real-world, multi-angle impact risks in industries like construction, forestry, mining, and maintenance. These enhancements aim to improve head protection in dynamic environments—areas where traditional helmets, designed primarily for vertical impacts, may fall short.
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