It has recently been brought to my attention the design of the hard hats we use has changed. The rim of the hat now has a gutter built in to collect run off water which is directed to run off the front of the hat. It has been suggested that this may introduce a hazard from those working outside in the rain, coming indoors in proximity of electric paneling/ equipment and a danger of water unknowingly held in the rim gutter of the hat running when lent forward falling onto the live equipment. Is anyone aware of any incidents of this nature?

We are currently looking into the use of Bump caps for work within electrical panels as some employees have a tendancy to remove hard hats complaining that they are too bulky for the restricted access. We will be stipulating that in no way should a bump cap be a subsitute for a safety helmet when crossing site and will only be allowed within the panel rooms. If anyone has already tested bump caps and found a good workable one that we could try I would be grateful for the information. I have also been informed that there is no expiry date on a bump cap as there is on a safety helmet.

I think it commonly accepted that electricians do not wear hard hats with a gutter for the exact reason you have stated.