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Posted By A Hayden
We work in an office but have to store all our old files on a mezzanine floor in the warehouse. We have to keep paperwork by law for 6 years, 10 years for some stuff.
This mezzanine has metal rafters which are quite low in some places and twice heads have been banged.
We decided to make it a rule to insist on hard hats having to be worn when accessing this area, but my boss has only authorised the purchase of one which we all have to share.
Two of the staff (quite rightly in my opinion) refuse to wear hats worn by other people so therefore I cannot allow them on the mezzanine. I understand that PPE must be provided by the Company, but are we correct to insist that we should have our own hats. If so, I would appreciate it if someone could refer me to the chapter and verse so I can have better ammunition when exploring these issues with my boss?
(I am not a H&S professional, just seeking advice, so please be gentle with me....)
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Posted By M Forbes
Regarding your post,
I cannot see there being any legislation as to this effect (Although im just presuming). My reason for this, is that if there is a law on the above, it would mean having to supply new PPE for every visitor that comes on site, and this simply isn't feasible.
How many employee are we talking about here, because if its a small amount, i don't understand the problem.
Perhaps to "address" the problem, you could suggest to your boss that he supplies personnell with alcoholic wipes so that they can clean the hard hat after each use. He might be more likely to purchase the additional hard hats if you come up with "solutions" such as the above.
Regards
M Forbes
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Posted By Robert.
Try to address the issue first by rearranging your archive lay-out that could allow free access. How often do you require access?
Consider an archiving company for storage.
Are lighting levels adequate.
make the lower beams really high-vis and / or wrap in a soft (flame retardant) material.
Provide visual information. Communicate.
Other than that, bump caps are cheap!
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Posted By Bob Shillabeer
Why are you using a hard hat? There is no risk from falling objects so mark up the offending girders with suitable tape and labelling/warnings and go from there. Hard hats are not meant to protect people from bumping thier heads in this type of situation, bump caps are designed for use by those who work in confined spaces such as underneath vehicles etc. Where there is a low obstruction that won't move simply highlight it so it can be seen easier.
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Posted By A Hayden
Brilliant, thanks. I have managed to convince him to buy some more and some alcohol wipes...thanks for that, much appreciated.
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Posted By Martyn Hendrie
Provided you are not worried about looks you can get disposable liners for helmets/ hats. They look like a large J cloth with an elastic border for a secure fit.
I saw them when my daughter went for a motor racing "experience" where they are used so that helmets can be shared.
Hope that helps
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Posted By Mitch
Why don't you eliminate the problem, either source alternative storage or treat the rafters, pipe insulation shoud do the trick.
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Posted By MT
To me the solution is to remove the hazard, rather than leave the hazard as is, and provide PPE.
Pad the offending beams with a cushioned material and get rid of the hard hats altogether. Cheaper and more practical by far.
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