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#1 Posted : 12 September 2007 11:07:00(UTC)
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Posted By Phillip
Other than suppliers / manufactures is there any HSE / authoritative guidance that prescribes on how often safety helmets should be replaced?

I am saying none as the frequency of replacement depends upon the helmet's state & usage. My colleagues say either 3 or 5 years but cannot provide a reference.

This is now turning into a mass debate and would I appreciate your comments.
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#2 Posted : 12 September 2007 11:42:00(UTC)
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Posted By C Kennedy
I'm not sure what industry you are in but there is some guidance within BS EN 397 and the HSE's Construction (Head Protection)1989 although I am not sure you will get a definitive timescale! Most of the things I have read say 5 years providing no other damage etc. Maybe worth a ring to the HSE Infoline?
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#3 Posted : 12 September 2007 12:42:00(UTC)
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Posted By garyh
I believe that there is no legal requirement; some organisations go for 3 or 5 years (in the rail industry it is usually every 2 years).

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#4 Posted : 12 September 2007 12:47:00(UTC)
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Posted By Phil
Most helmets have a pictogram with a clock and arrow pointing to the "use by date" either embossed inside or on the peak.

Phil
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#5 Posted : 12 September 2007 13:52:00(UTC)
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Posted By Sarah Prince
If there isn't a company policy go with the Manufacturer’s recommendation which varies between 3 and 5 years depending on the manufacturer.

S
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#6 Posted : 12 September 2007 14:24:00(UTC)
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Posted By LMR
How long is a piece of string? sorry to be facetious.
The longevity of a hard hat depends upon the nature of its use.
Exposed to chemicals - sooner
In a dry warehouse - longer
If 'hit' - immediately replace
When cracked - immediately replace
General rule check every month and at signs of wear - replace
Longest use 3 - 5 years, shortest use 15 minutes!
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#7 Posted : 12 September 2007 14:42:00(UTC)
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Posted By Kenneth Patrick
Philip,

I agree with you. I suspect that all safety helmets are lost or damaged, long before they would need to be replaced because they have deteriorated
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#8 Posted : 12 September 2007 14:45:00(UTC)
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Posted By TBC
http://www.iosh.co.uk/in...iew&forum=1&thread=25060

Good discussion on this some time ago.
Phil - I think the stamp you refer to is the date of manufacture.

Regards
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#9 Posted : 12 September 2007 15:00:00(UTC)
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Posted By Phil
Ive seen them with both on. Date of manufacture, and end life date. They also vay between manufacturers. Obviously a lot less if you keep it in your car rear window exposed to UV's in true "im a construction expert" stylee, as I see most days on the motorway.
And dont get me started on "helmet friendly" stickers!!!!


Phil
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#10 Posted : 12 September 2007 15:48:00(UTC)
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Posted By Simon Dean
'How long is a peace of string'......twice the length from the middle to the end.....

Yeah i know, but its nearly Friday!! :)
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#11 Posted : 12 September 2007 16:47:00(UTC)
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Posted By mike morland
We follow the manufacturers advice, ' These products have been designed to have an in-use life of up to 5 years'.

They state that the life-span will reduce with excessive wear and tear and obviously, damage and therefore requires inspection

We rotate all hats on a 5 year cycle using 6 different colours

2002 BLUE replace 2007 with YELLOW
2003 RED replace 2008 with BLUE
2004 GREEN replace 2009 with RED
2005 WHITE replace 2010 with GREEN
2006 ORANGE replace 2011 with WHITE
2007 YELLOW replace 2012 with ORANGE
2008 BLUE replace 2013 with YELLOW

and so on.........

It works for us.

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#12 Posted : 12 September 2007 16:48:00(UTC)
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Posted By bob smith
the date stamped in the helmet is for shelf life. this is normally 10 years.

i've always worked on

10 year shelf life

5 years in use, this time is reduced if it's for example 8 year old when first used.

in addtion to this we have recorded monthly checks on the helmets condition.

a risk assessment for each environement could also give some guidance.
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#13 Posted : 12 September 2007 18:59:00(UTC)
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Posted By Merv Newman
Bob,

strong disagreement. Ordinary plastic helmets are good for two years. Glass fibre for ten years. Less if you put company name or "first aider" stickers. Come on, how much does a plastic helmet cost ?

Mind you, my gf helmet is past it's 10 year date and I am reluctant to replace it. Too many memories. But the attached safety goggles have gone a bit stretchy. They tend to protect my nose rather than my eyes.

Merv

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#14 Posted : 12 September 2007 19:09:00(UTC)
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Posted By TBC
So Mike you can have as much as 5 different colours on your site at one time. How do you tell the difference in ranking etc?
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#15 Posted : 13 September 2007 11:47:00(UTC)
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Posted By Andy Petrie
we do 3 years for regular users (site staff) and 5 years for occasional users (office based)
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#16 Posted : 14 September 2007 00:28:00(UTC)
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Posted By Karen Wilson
Hi there - the stamped "date" inside the hard hat is the date of manufacture. This will reference either the quarter or month. The hard hat may be used for up to three years maximum (from date of issue) dependent upon storage procedure.

All persons must sign for PPE upon issue. In the construction setting - best practice is to replace the item every two years (or more frequently should the regular inspections determine so).

For individuals who leave their hard hat on display on the back shelf of the car - then the maximum time you can expect from the hard hat is 12 months.

The UV light weakens the structure of the hard hat, (as does adhesive from sticky labels by the way).

If a hard hat has been stored in a box in a store room - it has not been exposed to the UV light and should be as good and fit for purpose as the day it was sold.

Important to check condition regularly and record condition as required by PPE Regulations.

Check also the British Standard.

To check a hats suitability - gently push the sides together and if there is any "creaking"sound from the hat it should be replaced. If the straps inside the hat have become loose - there is a reduction in the distance between the head and the upper surface of hat (lower protection level). If there are any cracks to the hat do not wear it. Solvent based marker pens should not be used to write on the hats, solvent based sticky labels should not be used either - as they weaken the structure of the plastic.

If the hat has already provided protection from impact - it should be replaced.

Hope this helps a little.

Karen Wilson
https:/www.ks-safety.com
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#17 Posted : 14 September 2007 10:34:00(UTC)
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Posted By John J
Phillip,
The reason for not putting stickers on the helmets is not usually the solvent but the fact that you can't fully inspect it for damage with the area covered.
Many companys also enforce this rule due to the corporate image aspect.
We work on 5 years from issue or three if withing a chemical area or exposed to direct sunlight for a large proportion of the job.
These are all subject to regular inspections, generally as part of your toolbox talk.
I'm producing an information sheet on it at the moment so I'll send you a copy,
Reagards,
John



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#18 Posted : 14 September 2007 10:42:00(UTC)
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Posted By Manny
My tip - follow the manufacturers recommendations.

We have helmets from one major manufacturer which recommends 5 yr shelf life and max 5 yr in use life (obviously depends on usage). Also speak to the manufacturer and he will advise you on how to examine your helmet for damage, he may even pay you a visit.

Manny
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#19 Posted : 14 September 2007 15:39:00(UTC)
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Posted By mike morland
TCB

To answer your question - we don't operate a ranking system. I'm more concerned that a hard hat is in use when the situation requires it and that it doesn't become less effective with age as possibly Merv's may have done. (Not a criticism Merv).

Hard hats are worn by forklift truck drivers and by our engineering team as necessary and the colour system is a quick visual check.

If a hat is damaged and needs replacing then it is replaced with the current years colour.

In some cases there won't be a need to replace for 5 years in which case some colours will not be applicable.

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#20 Posted : 14 September 2007 15:52:00(UTC)
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Posted By Andrew Cartridge
Philip

Bearing in mind that it is FRIDAY ;-)

I have a hard hat exemtion policy that may solve all of your problems, just ask & it is yours.



Regards


Andy
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#21 Posted : 14 September 2007 16:01:00(UTC)
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Posted By Colin Reeves
Yea, I know - have a brain tumor, have an operation and have a steel plate inserted, built-in hard hat????

Colin
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#22 Posted : 14 September 2007 16:23:00(UTC)
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Posted By John J
The one I was given

Exemption from Use

You may be exempt from the requirements to wear a hard hat, however, you will be required to obtain a “Certificate of Exemption”. You will receive a wallet-sized card stating your certification. You must carry this card with you at all times.

Basically, if your head meets the Government standards for head protection you do not need a hard hat. Contact your Safety Advisor to schedule you for testing at the earliest possible time.

The testing procedures consist of the following:

• A 24-hour water immersion test. Maximum permitted absorption is 0.5% by weight. The company will supply free breathing air.
• An impact test - while laying horizontally, with your head resting on a 0.75” steel plate, an eight pound steel ball will be dropped several times from a height of 5’. You will pass if there is no damage to your head.
• Your head will be subjected to a variety of acids, gases, solvents, oils, and industrial gases. You must pass with no deformities or obvious color change.
• To determine fire resistance, your head will be subjected to a propane torch for five minutes. If it is only slowly burning, you will achieve only a class A or B rating. If, on completion, there are any holes in your head, you will be restricted to a B rating.
• For the final test, you must sustain 2,200 volts AC, 50 Hz, for three minutes with leakage current not exceeding 9 milliamps. Breakdown threshold has been established at 300,000 volts.
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