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?

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

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!

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

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!! :)

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.

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?

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

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

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

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.