Let's face it, wearing a helmet isn't the best thing an electrician or construction tradesman can do. I never liked wearing mine, but I can say that it saved my brain from getting hammered by pipes or poked by threaded rods.
Most of the time when working on a construction site, we electricians are so focused on getting the job done on time that we forget about our safety.
We need to start thinking about safety as a priority. You should always look out for yourself. On a typical construction site there are many situations that can easily lead to head injuries or even sudden death.
In this guide, we will cover the most important features of any helmet used when performing electrical work.
Did you know that the construction industry has the highest number of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) of any workplace?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) surveyed construction workers with head injuries, and up to 84% of those surveyed were not wearing head protection. Considering OSHA 1926.100(a), this is not a small number.
Because of the need for safety on all construction sites, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) provide strict regulations and requirements for the use of safety helmets.
Before a safety helmet can be approved for public use, it must meet the minimum requirements set by ANSI and OSHA.
Each helmet must be clearly marked with the following information inside the cap.
General (G) - Suitable for areas with voltage levels up to 2,200 volts, relative to each other. This is the most common type of helmet used on construction sites.
E (Electrical) - reduces the risk of exposure to voltages up to 20,000 volts (relative to earth). These helmets are used by utility workers who are normally exposed to high voltage on a daily basis.
C (Conductive) - Zero protection against electrical hazards
The hat should fit well without being too tight.
You should clean and inspect your helmet regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Check the hat for cracks, dents, frayed straps and darkened finishes - these conditions reduce protection.
Use only mild soap and water for cleaning - strong detergents and other chemicals can damage the hat.
Do not use your helmet as a locker when wearing it - the space between the internal harness and the top of the helmet must remain open for your protection.
Do not put stickers on the hat (glue can weaken electricians' helmets) and keep it out of direct sunlight. If you want to express your individuality, helmets are available in a variety of colours and can be printed with the manufacturer's custom design.
Do you want to know what the biggest complaint about helmets is? Comfort.
Let's face it, when you're buying the best helmet, you're probably not looking at ANSI requirements - you're looking for comfort and positive reviews.
It's important to choose a product that doesn't add unnecessary weight but still provides the required safety. The type of work involved should also be considered before choosing the helmet that best suits your needs.
When you first start working for your company, they may give you a great helmet.
But sometimes it's a creepy piece of crap that feels like the Bob the Builder helmet you'd give a kid to play with.
If it's not against your company policy, why not find something more comfortable? You can usually buy a new, more comfortable helmet for less than $20.
I use Amazon as the basis for my product research because who doesn't trust Amazon product reviews? It's the highest rated best helmet.
Features.
The soft brow pad is replaceable and washable It sits relatively low on your head and also has a 'universal accessory slot' to fit over the hat's ear cups and chin strap.
The unique smooth crown design incorporates a technologically advanced suspension with eight load bearing points to stabilise and balance the safety cap during daily wear.
On impact, the Super 8 impact energy control system dissipates the force by reducing it to smaller increments and spreading it over a larger area.
Features.
Skullgard are designed to provide excellent protection in hot and dangerous industries. They set the standard for protection in environments such as steel mills and other industrial environments.
Skullgard helmets have been tested for radiant heat load, generating temperatures up to but not exceeding 350F.
Features.
This helmet is top quality and ready to pay for it. Personally, I'm fine with the first two options, but the fact that this is a #1 bestseller means it's probably good value for money.
This is a basic, durable, lightweight helmet. It is available in 14 colours, so you can choose the one that will annoy the foreman the most.
Features.
Features.
As the name implies, this helmet is fibreglass, but it's not - it's plastic. However, Honeywell has created a "proprietary injection-moulded glass fibre compound" that is much stronger than the ordinary plastic found in most industrial safety helmets.
The Skullgard cap is designed to provide excellent protection for hot and dangerous industries. This hat is ideal for those who work in environments where a full brim is not required such as steel mills and other industrial environments.
Features.
Just like its big brother, it comes at a great price.
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