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safetodo01  
#1 Posted : 09 November 2011 18:20:44(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
safetodo01

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?
firesafety101  
#2 Posted : 09 November 2011 19:29:09(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101

Short answer is no. If you have an issues with the design of the hat replace them with one that is acceptable for your usage. Risk assessment?
Denton36597  
#3 Posted : 09 November 2011 20:38:19(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Denton36597

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.
IanS  
#4 Posted : 11 November 2011 09:25:08(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
IanS

Just a thought Denton, but is there really a hazard in you panel rooms that require head protection? You seem to be suggesting that the personnel carry a bump cap through the site - is that really practical and more importantly, will it happen?
Safety Witch  
#5 Posted : 11 November 2011 10:13:30(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Safety Witch

I think it commonly accepted that electricians do not wear hard hats with a gutter for the exact reason you have stated.
paul.skyrme  
#6 Posted : 11 November 2011 10:28:10(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
paul.skyrme

I concur with the above, no gutter on sparks hats, nor plant fitters, nor industrial fitters or anyone working where the rain gutter run off could contaminate the area they are working, e.g. fuel, hydraulic oil tanks etc. Whilst the last 2 are not exactly a safety risk they are a business process issue, water contamination of closed hydraulic systems is a no no, well in fact it could become a safety issue even.
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