What should a climbing helmet be approved by for safe use?

A climbing helmet should be approved by the UIAA (International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation) for safe use. The UIAA sets specific standards for climbing equipment, including helmets, which ensure that the gear meets rigorous safety protocols designed to protect climbers from impacts and falls. This certification indicates that the helmet has been tested for its ability to withstand forces likely to occur in climbing scenarios, and it ensures that the product has undergone a quality assurance process standardized by an international governing body dedicated specifically to climbing safety.

While other organizations, such as ANSI (American National Standards Institute), set standards for various types of protective equipment, the UIAA's certification is particularly critical for climbing helmets, as it is tailored to the unique demands and risks associated with climbing activities.