Last update: 16.04.2026.

In many workplaces, three hazards often occur at the same time: falling objects, harmful noise, and risks to the eyes and face. Each of these hazards requires its own personal protective equipment. However, wearing all three together is only effective if they are correctly combined. A poorly fitted visor that detaches during grinding, or ear defenders that fail to seal properly due to an incorrectly fitted adapter, no longer provide real protection. Instead, they can create a false sense of safety.

In this article, we explain how to correctly fit hearing protection and face protection to a safety helmet, and why the finer details make all the difference.

Step 0: Before you start, check compatibility

This is the step many people overlook—and exactly where things most often go wrong.

Not every helmet uses the same attachment system. The European standard specifies a 30 mm slot, but some brands use a 16 mm opening. instead. If you buy accessories that don’t fit your helmet, you may end up with components that won’t attach—or, more dangerously, with a configuration that appears secure but isn’t.

So always check:

• The type of helmet slot (30 mm or 16 mm)
• Whether your ear defenders, visor, and adapters are all compatible
• Whether all components are certified for combined use. This means: EN 397 for helmets, EN 352 for hearing protection and EN 166 for face protection

These certifications are not a mere formality. They guarantee that the products have been tested and are suitable for use together—providing the level of protection they are designed to provide.

Attachment in four steps

1. Fit the adapters

Slide the adapters into the slots on both sides of the helmet. You should both hear and feel a distinct click when they are securely locked into place. Didn’t hear a click? Then the adapter isn't fitted correctly. Do not force it, check that you’re using the correct type.

The adapters form the basis of the entire system. Everything that follows depends on these adapters being correctly fitted.

2. Fit the hearing protection

Attach the ear defenders to the adapters until they click securely into place. Then check the following three things:

• Do they click firmly into position, with no looseness?
• Do they cover the ears snugly??
• Do they move smoothly up and down without becoming loose?

Ear defenders that do not fit properly—for example, when the arms of safety glasses interfere with the seal—provide significantly less protection than their SNR rating indicates. Even a small gap can drastically reduce their effectiveness.

3. Fit the face protection

The adapters have two slots at the front for the visor mount. Slide the visor frame fully through these slots until it clicks securely into place. Fully is the key word here: A visor that is only partially attached can come loose with the first impact or sudden movement.

The type of visor you choose will depend on your working environment:

• Mesh visor: ideal for forestry and chainsaw work: offers good visibility and protection against branches and splinters
• Polycarbonate visor: suitable for grinding, metalworking, and environments with chemical hazards: provides protection against sparks, metal particles, and splashes

4. Do the following before you start work on site

Give the helmet a gentle shake. Flip the visor up and down. Move the ear defenders. Everything should feel secure and stable. If anything feels loose, unstable, or clicks unexpectedly, take the time to reassemble it correctly.

Which combination should you use, and when?