A protective helmet is a headgear used to protect groups of workers who operate in hazardous conditions. These are builders, miners, rescuers, cavers, motorcyclists, paratroopers. A protective helmet is used to protect the top of the head from falling objects, the effects of water, electricity, metal spray. The material for helmets is high-pressure polyethylene, however, in the most recent developments, polypropylene, as well as other polymeric materials, have been used.
Design
Safety standards require installation in workplaces where there is a danger of injury to the head, the safety sign "Work in a protective helmet." It has the code M02 (ZK-12). The design of this PPE is as follows:
- The carrier tape is located on the head so that the head is covered in a place where the volume is maximum.
- The occipital tape provides additional reinforcement of the helmet on the head, located below the carrier tape in the neck area.
- Shock absorber - a device that covers the head from all sides. The most important helmet design, springing during the fall of weights on the helmet, smoothing the force of impact.
- Interior upholstery is designed to enhance comfort while wearing. The entire inner part is covered with a special material that gently surrounds the head.
- Cushioning tapes are similar in action to a shock absorber helmet. They smooth out the power of the blows.
- Protective upholstery - a material that contributes to shock absorption with shock absorbers.
- Ventilation openings are openings made in a helmet in order to ensure normal air circulation between the helmet and the head.
- Chin strap - designed for final fastening on the head. It allows you to perfectly fix the helmet, preventing it from slipping.
Safety Helmets
The helmet does not interfere with the use of dust masks and safety glasses. You can operate protective helmets made of polyethylene in the temperature range from -50 to +40 degrees Celsius.
There are special safety helmets, characterized by increased heat resistance. Such products can be used for a long time at a maximum temperature of +150 0 C. They are also able to withstand the temperature of 1000 0 C. for a short time.
For personal protective equipment called "protective helmets" GOST regulates the size of fields and visors. According to the requirements of GOST, construction protective helmets must be equipped with fields not exceeding 1.5 cm in width and a visor having a width of not more than 6 cm. For miner's protective helmets, the requirements are slightly different: the field width is not more than 1 cm, and the visor is 4 , 5 cm. For underground work, as well as where protection against dripping moisture is required, the helmet must have circular fields more than 2 cm wide and a waterproof drape. All protective helmets must have devices to secure the head lamp and cable to it.
During operation, it is often necessary to attach headphones or face shields to the protective helmet. To avoid surprises, it is necessary, when buying the products described, to find out with which brands of fastenings the purchased building protective helmets are compatible.
The use of such PPE (personal protective equipment) in hot weather is accompanied by intense sweating in the head. In this case, it is recommended to wear a comforter under the helmet. What is it for? A helmet comforter is an accessory that maintains good visibility and eliminates the need to wipe sweat from the forehead and eyes.
The type of product, size, manufacturer’s trademark, month and year when it is issued must be affixed to the helmet body. Tests must comply with the requirements of GOST R 12.4.207-99.
Color spectrum
Traditionally, a protective helmet for construction is made in two colors: orange and white. However, today other options are also used: blue, yellow, green, red. In the area of the frontal part there is a place to apply a logo. Protective helmets of various colors are intended for workers of various specialties:
- white - used by the management of enterprises and organizations, workshops and sections, specialists of safety and labor protection services;
- red is intended for engineers and technicians, foremen, foremen, chief power engineers and mechanics;
- orange and yellow are worn by workers and junior staff;
- brown - for miners;
- blue - for mine rescuers.
History
The Sumerian protective helmets that appeared in the middle of the 3rd millennium BC are considered the oldest helmets. They had the form of low domes, not differing significantly from modern helmets.
One of the first means of individual protection of the head was a hat - a fur hat that has volume and protects from cold weather and in battle. During the development of civilization, people came to the manufacture of protective helmets made of metal and leather.
The helmet was originally used in the course of hostilities and served to protect against various shell and bomb fragments and bullets of small penetration power.
Helmets fell into the Russian army in the 16th century. By the beginning of the 19th century, they were used as headdresses for military branches that fought with knives. These are dragoons and cuirassiers. The helmet allowed to some extent to prevent a head from being cut by a blow from above. It served as a milestone on the way to the invention of a protective helmet. Its name comes from the Latin word for metal helmet.
Now the production of protective helmets has been launched, using the highest technologies and protecting against different classes of dangers, such as hot metal, falling heavy objects on the head.
Recommendations for use
- Helmets are not allowed to be repaired.
- It is necessary to carry out daily inspection throughout the entire service life in order to timely detect defects.
- A safety helmet that has been hit, as well as with signs of damage on the case or inside, must be replaced.
- Sanitary processing of helmets during operation consists of immersion in a solution of chloramine (5%) or a solution of bleach (3%) for 30-60 minutes, washing in cold water, wiping and freeze drying.
Warranty Terms
As follows from regulatory documents, manufacturers give a guarantee that a protective helmet will meet the requirements of the standard. Naturally, if the conditions of operation, storage and transportation are observed. From the date of manufacture of the helmet, the protective life is 2 years.
Prices
Consider whether there is a difference between expensive and cheap helmets. In specialized stores, there are a sufficient number of goods with the name "protective helmet", the price of which varies between 60 and 2000 rubles per piece. What is the difference between the two? Can an expensive helmet save me from a brick falling on my head?
Most construction companies do not torment themselves with unnecessary questions, buying cheap helmets for their workers. Is this the right decision? Partly yes. However, it is necessary that the main requirement is met - ensuring the safety of the employee. Each batch is subjected to laboratory tests before it reaches retail outlets. Only helmets corresponding to state standards are allowed on store shelves. Thus, regardless of price, each certified helmet can provide builder protection. It is important that the labeling allows you to determine the purpose. Helmets that are not labeled cannot guarantee safety.
Many are interested: why are expensive helmets produced? The price of expensive products often includes brand fees. In addition, the buyer may need additional functions: a stylish design, a visor or glasses, adjustable ventilation.
Other PPE
Most enterprises have workers who, in order to fulfill their functional duties, need work clothing, safety shoes and other personal protective equipment. It can be dressing gowns, rubber gloves, construction gloves. However, not all employers know the rules for issuing PPE. Their non-compliance is a significant violation. Both general standards for issuing personal protective equipment and industry standards have been developed. Every employer must follow them.