Head Protection

The Construction (head protection) Regulation requires employers to supply suitable head protection on construction sites and employees to wear it. Other than construction sites the PPE at Work Regulation 1992 imposes similar duties where there is a risk of head injuries – the regulations detail the responsibility of the employer and employee:

Identifying Hazards

A safety helmet is required in almost every industry where there is a risk of being injured by falling debris. In areas of restricted head space where accidental bumping of the head (e.g. overhead piping) is possible a scalp protector/ Bump cap should be considered.

NB: Bump caps are NOT a substitute for safety helmets and must not be used to protect the head from falling objects.

European Standards of Head Protection

All safety helmets must conform to BSEN 397, which specifies physical and performance requirements of industrial safety helmets. Mandatory tests cover shock absorption, resistance to penetration, flame resistance and chin strap anchorage. Manufacturers can opt to submit products for additional optional tests which could lead to one or more of the following markings appearing on a helmet:

-20C/-30C
The helmet will provide some protection when worn in an environment
at or below this temperature

440V ac

The helmet will protect against short term, accidental contact with live electrical conductors up to this voltage

LD
The helmet will provide some protection from lateral compressive loads

MM
Molten metal splash test

All bump caps must conform to EN812.

Shelf Life, Care & Maintenance

To comply with European standards all helmets are marked with the quarter or month and year of manufacture. If helmets are stored in the boxes in which they were supplied and do not experience environment extremes, the shelf life of a helmet is not limited. However, it is not recommended that a helmet should be in use more than 5 years after the date of manufacture. Excessive wear and tear can drastically reduce this period, and helmets that have been abused, scratched or damaged in any way should be discarded and replaced immediately. <

A helmet should be cleaned with soap and water and dried with a soft cloth, it should never been cleaned with abrasive substances or solvents. It should not be stored in direct sunlight or come into contact with chemicals.

Helmet Branding

All helmets can be personalised with your company logo. Please see our section on Customising your Workwear.