Posted By Jonathan Carrick Bill, the PPE regs. guidance states that "head protection should normally be replaced at intervals recommended by the manufacturer" ( . . . not the supplier . . . !).

Posted By Mark Talbot In six month's time, how will you remember when it was supplied anyhow? Go from the date stamp, and follow the manufacturer's guidelines, the inspectors and the personal injury lawyers will !

Posted By Derek Holt The manufacturers recommendations for safety helmets are taken on a subjective basis of UV degradation, normal wear and tear and natural degradation of material type. They usually err on the side of caution. if we are talking the 'normal' type polycarbonate 'hard hat', then the usual recommendation is replacement 1-2 years, or obviously earlier if prone to excessive amounts of UV (good summer) or wear and tear. The latter being the judgement of the competent person inspecting the PPE. There is a case to suggest that the clock starts from receipt or even issue of the item, as such should be recorded as a part of your PPE records anyway. This as you rightly point would depend whether the item has been stored correctly (temp, out of UV etc.). As this is usually an unknown quantity then the advice given as given to use the date of manufacture on the item is correct. It is very unusual for PPE to be more than a few months old when it arrives at your door. It suggests that either the retailer is not selling much or that as one person points out it was from the back of a shelf. Either way you should send it back for replacement. Any reputable retailer/manufacturer will replace without questions asked. If not it speaks volumes and I suggest you then put your purchasing power elsewhere.