Welcome to our all-in-one guide to industrial protective helmets, important elements of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect workers from possible head injuries in hazardous production conditions. In this article, we'll look at the most important aspects of hard hats, including their construction, compliance, types, and best practices. Our mission is to arm you with the in-depth knowledge you need to make informed decisions about the most appropriate hard hats for your employees.
The importance of industrial safety helmets
Industrial protective helmets are of paramount importance in high-risk industries such as construction, mining, manufacturing, and oil and gas, where head injuries can have serious consequences. These helmets are the most important protective mechanism against falling objects, impacts from stationary objects and electric shock. By providing a secure barrier between the head and potential danger, hard hats play a vital role in preventing head injuries and fatalities.
Key components of protective helmets
Safety helmets are designed taking into account the field of use and consist of many components that provide optimal protection and comfort:
- Outer shell: The outer shell, usually made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polycarbonate, forms the helmet's first line of defense. It resists the penetration of sharp objects and distributes the impact force over a wider area.
- Suspension system: A suspension system, also known as a harness, consists of straps and a holder that holds the helmet on the user's head. It provides reliable fixation and acts as a shock absorber.
- Inner liner: The inner liner, usually made of expanded polystyrene (EPS), is an important shock-absorbing component. It protects the head from sudden blows, reducing the risk of injury.
- Chin strap: The chin strap ensures reliable fixation of the helmet during various movements and positions. It prevents the helmet from falling or shifting during an accident.
Types of industrial safety helmets
- Type I helmets: These hard hats provide vertical impact protection to the head, making them ideal for industries where falling objects are a serious problem.
- Type II helmets: Type II helmets provide additional protection to the sides of the head and are suitable for conditions with potential side impacts.
- Electrically insulating helmets: Designed to protect against electric shock, these helmets are equipped with non-conductive materials to prevent electric shock.
- Protective caps: Hard hats are lightweight helmets designed to work in low-risk environments and provide minimal protection against minor impacts and scratches.
Standards and certificates of protective helmets
When choosing hard hats for your workforce, you need to make sure they meet the necessary safety standards and certifications. General standards include:
- ДСТУ EN 397:2017: In Ukraine, ДСТУ: ДСТУ EN 397:2017 Industrial protective helmets (EN 397:2012 + A1:2012, ИDT), such as Universal protective helmet STANDARD produced by PromSIZ, Protective helmet TRIARMA INDUSTRY II, vent + ratchet with ventilation and Protective helmet TRIARMA INDUSTRY II with SVP, non-vented + ratchet without ventilation.
Correct helmet use and care of safety helmets
To maximize the effectiveness of hard hats, it is important to follow these best practices:
- Regular inspections. Inspect regularly for cracks, dents, or other signs of wear. Damaged helmets should be replaced immediately.
- Correct fit: Make sure each worker's hard hat or helmet fits securely and comfortably. A proper fit ensures that the helmet stays in place during a crash.
- Replacement period: Helmet caps and protective touches have a limited life, so it is very important to replace them according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Suitable accessories: Use only approved accessories such as visors and earmuffs that do not compromise the integrity of the helmet.
Industrial safety helmets are the main element of protecting workers from head injuries in dangerous workplaces. Understanding the key components, types and standards of compliance can empower employers to make informed decisions about the safety of their workers. By prioritizing the well-being of employees and investing in high-quality hard hats, companies can create a safer work environment, reduce the risk of accidents and ensure productive and reliable work.
Where to buy protective helmets?
In the PromSIZ catalog you can buy protective PromSIZ helmets, Triarma helmets, protective caps and others Head and face protection.