Safety helmets protect against falling objects, bumps and electrical hazards. Hats are provided for sun and rain protection.
In general, a safety helmet must be worn where a person may:
'Bump caps', commonly worn to protect against minimum sideways impact, do not provide protection against any of the hazards described above.
A wide range of accessories can be fitted to helmets to make them more suitable for variable working conditions. Examples include:
Care should be taken to ensure that accessories and their attachment systems do not reduce the safety characteristics of the helmet nor adversely affect the balance or comfort of the helmet. Particular care should be given to the electrical resistance.
The following should be considered:
The following practices are considered detrimental to the safe working life and performance of the helmet and must be avoided:
It is recommended that safety helmets be cleaned regularly. In general, normal washing methods using warm water and soap are adequate. The use of solvents, very hot water, or harsh abrasives is not advisable.
All safety helmet components and accessories should be visually inspected prior to use by the wearer for signs of dents, cracks, penetration or other damage due to impact, rough treatment or unauthorised alterations which could reduce the degree of safety provided.
Helmets showing damage or deterioration to the shell should be immediately withdrawn from service and discarded (completely destroyed). Helmets with sound shells but with damaged or defective harness components should be withdrawn from service and the complete harness and cradle replaced.
No safety helmet should be reissued unless the helmet has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected. In general, when a helmet is being re-issued to a different person at least a new sweatband should be fitted.
Excessive discolouration of the shell colour or weathering of the surface may indicate a loss of strength. Helmets which have been in service for longer than three years should be thoroughly inspected and replaced as necessary.
Plastic components of harnesses may deteriorate more rapidly under aggressive service conditions and in these cases harnesses should be replaced at intervals not longer than two years.
People who are required to work outdoors shall be provided with a hat which affords maximum protection from the sun. The hat chosen for this purpose will reflect the nature of the work, duration of exposure, and other personal protective equipment required, such as goggles or earmuffs. Sun hats shall provide a suitable brim, peak or neck flap as appropriate.
People who are required to work outdoors during periods of rain shall be provided with a waterproof hat or hood which offers the maximum amount of protection practicable having regard to the nature of the work, duration of exposure and other personal protective equipment required, such as goggles or earmuffs.