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Protecting your head in hazardous environments is crucial, and selecting the right helmet is key. This guide, based on relevant standards and data, helps you navigate the helmet selection process step-by-step.

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Before diving into helmets, understand the specific risks your environment presents. Consider:

? Impact hazards: Falling objects, flying debris, collisions.

? Penetration hazards: Sharp objects, projectiles, falling tools.

? Electrical hazards: Live wires, high voltage equipment.

? Chemical hazards: Splashes, fumes, vapors.

? Environmental hazards: Extreme temperatures, rain, snow, wind.

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? OSHA 29 CFR 1910.135: General requirements for head protection.

? ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014: American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection.

? EN 397: European Standard for Industrial Safety Helmets.

These standards detail specific helmet classifications and performance requirements for different hazard types.

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Based on the identified hazards, choose the appropriate helmet class:

(i) Type A: General-purpose helmets for bump protection.

These are the simplest helmets, designed for minimal bumps and scrapes. They're ideal for:

? Warehouses and storage facilities

? Retail environments

? Light assembly lines

? General housekeeping and maintenance

They typically feature a lightweight plastic shell and minimal suspension. Note: They offer little protection against falling objects, penetration hazards, or electrical risks.

(ii) Type B: Helmets for low-voltage electrical hazards (Up to 2200V).

These helmets provide additional protection against accidental contact with low-voltage electrical sources. They feature:

? Insulating liners to resist low-voltage shocks.

? Wide brims to deflect falling wires.

? Durable shells to withstand bumps and scrapes.

They're suitable for:

? Electricians and electrical workers

? Lineworkers and maintenance personnel

? Manufacturing facilities with low-voltage equipment

Note: Not suitable for high-voltage environments

(iii) Type C: Helmets for high-voltage electrical hazards(Exceeding 2200V).

These helmets offer maximum protection against high-voltage shocks and arc flashes. They're equipped with:

? Thick insulating liners for high-voltage resistance.

? Full brim protection to shield the face and neck.

? Flame-retardant shells to withstand arc flash heat.

They're essential for:

? High-voltage power linemen

? Electrical substation workers

? Workers exposed to high-voltage electrical equipment

(iv) Class E: Helmets for top and lateral impacts.

These helmets go beyond bump protection and offer enhanced protection against impacts from all directions. They feature:

? Sturdy shells to absorb and disperse impact energy.

? Strong suspension systems to cradle the head and distribute force.

? Wide brims for additional lateral protection.

They're perfect for:

? Construction sites

? Mining and tunneling operations

? Logging and forestry work

? Manufacturing areas with falling hazards

(v) Class G: Helmets for high performance against impacts.

These are the top-of-the-line helmets, offering the highest level of impact protection available. They boast:

? Advanced composite shells for superior energy absorption.

? Multi-point suspension systems for exceptional stability and comfort.

? Visors and face shields for additional protection.

They're ideal for:

? Demolition and heavy construction work

? Oil and gas exploration

? High-rise construction and steel erection

? Any environment with extreme impact risks

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? Type I: Protects against top impacts only

? Type II: Protects against top, front, back, and side impacts.

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Helmet materials offer different properties:

? ABS: Lightweight, good for general impacts.

? HDPE: High durability, good for heavy objects.

? Polycarbonate: Excellent clarity, good for chemical resistance.

? Fiberglass: Strong, high-temperature resistance.

In what concerns the materials used in the construction of hard hats, these may vary per producer, but again, there are some standard materials used in safety helmets.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): is a copolymer made by polymerizing styrene and acrylonitrile in the presence of polybutadiene. ABS is impact-resistant and tough and can withstand a temperature range from -40° C to 100° C.

HDPE (Hi-Density Polyethylene): a thermoplastic HDPE has a stronger intermolecular force and tensile strength than lower-density polyethylene. It is also harder and more opaque and can withstand higher temperatures (120 °C for short periods, 110°C continuously).

PC (Polycarbonate): A particular group of thermoplastic polymers, with temperature resistance, impact resistance, and optical properties. Although polycarbonate is impact-resistant, it has a low scratch resistance. PC maintains its properties over a wide range of temperatures (from -40° to 115° C).

PP (Polypropylene): A thermoplastic polymer, normally tough, flexible, and with good fatigue resistance. The melting point is at approximately 160° C.

Fiberglass (fiberglass and phenolic-impregnated textiles): Thermoset is a material made from extremely fine fibers of glass. Properly known as fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) or glass-reinforced plastic (GRP). It has no true melting point but softens at 2.000° C.

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? Suspension system: Ensures comfort and secure fit.

? Ventilation: Keeps cool in hot environments.

? Visor: Protects face from flying debris and glare.

? Earmuffs: Blocks noise pollution.

? Chin strap: Securely fastens the helmet.

Select features based on your needs and comfort.

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? Impact testing data: Databases like ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Appendix A provide impact test results for specific helmet models.

? Selection software: Tools like MSA's Helmet Selector can guide you through the selection process based on your input.

Remember:

? Always inspect helmets for damage before use.

? Replace helmets after significant impacts or exceeding their lifespan.

? Train workers on proper helmet use and maintenance.

By adhering to these steps and incorporating available data and resources, informed decisions can be made, ensuring the selection of the most suitable helmet for specific needs, thereby promoting optimal head protection and fostering a safer work environment.

Reference :

(i) International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA):

(ii) ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (R2019) standard.https://www.safetyequipment.org/c/stdz891-2009.cfm

(iii) https://www.osha.gov/