Head protection is used to reduce the risk of head trauma from impact. The helmet shell protects against sharp objects, while the lining acts as shock absorption. You must ALWAYS use a protective helmet if there is a risk that the head may be damaged and/or if there is a sign stating that helmets are required.

The most important thing when choosing a helmet is that you choose one that you find comfortable to wear. There is a large selection of types that meet specific legal requirements. Therefore, you must make sure that the helmet is approved for the work that you have to do. In addition, account must be taken of any equipment that the helmet must be combined with, i.a. hearing protection, safety glasses/visor, chin strap, etc

This guide will help you through the selection of head protection.

RISK

The risk can be divided into 4 areas:

• Materials, tools etc. that topple or crash
• Objects that protrude, heavy materials or heavy equipment that hangs and swings
• Electrical cables that are not insulated
• Tight spaces that make it difficult to move without bumping into

CHOOSE THE RIGHT HELMET TYPE:

It can be difficult to find your way around the large selection of safety helmets. It is important to make sure that the helmet is CE-marked and manufactured according to standard DS/EN 397.
Below you can get an overview of the different helmet types.

Bump cap (EN 812)

Bumpcaps are designed to, most of all, look like a cap. Bumpcaps have a hard shell that protects against minor bumps and shocks. It is important that bumpcaps are not confused with a regular safety helmet, as they are in no way comparable. Bumpcaps do NOT meet the mandatory requirements for a safety shelter, and can therefore only be used where a safety helmet is not required. Bumpcaps are approved according to the EN 812 standard. It is not possible to install additional equipment on a bump cap.

Safety helmets (EN 397)

The safety helmet is the most used head protection in the industrial sector. A classic safety helmet, offers a large selection of extra accessories, such as hearing protection, visor, chin strap, etc
The classic safety helmet is available in a wide selection of brands and colours, so you can find just the safety helmet that suits you best. The helmet is available both with and without ventilation.
The safety helmets are approved according to the EN 397 standard, which means that the helmet i.a. is cold-resistant down to -20 degrees or -30 degrees, and withstands heat of up to +150 degrees. The helmet also has antistatic properties up to 440 V, but this only applies to the NON-ventilated version.

High performance safety helmets (EN 14052)

Safety helmets with high performance basically offer the same properties as the classic EN 397 safety helmet. The only thing that separates them is the approval. Helmets with EN 14052 provide
protection down to -40 degrees, and has antistatic properties up to 1,000 V (only applies to the helmets without ventilation).

Climbing helmets (EN 12492)

Climbing helmets fall under the category of mountain climbing equipment, and are approved according to EN 12492. This standard differs significantly from the EN 397 standard, by i.a. to make high demands on shock absorption. In addition, is
climbing helmets ventilated and equipped with a strong 3-point chin strap, which ensures that the helmet cannot fall off the head. Clear helmets cannot be used as work safety helmets.
Clear helmets have a wide range of additional equipment, such as; reflectors, chin straps, hearing protection, visor, glasses, etc.

Fire helmets (EN 443)

Fire helmets make high demands on heat resistance, which is why they are in a category all by themselves. The fire helmets are only usable for fire and evacuation situations, and cannot be used as a safety helmet.

ADJUSTMENT AND MAINTENANCE:

• The helmet must be discarded if it has cracks or has been subjected to heavy blows or crushing
• The helmet must fit firmly on the head and there must be a suitable safety distance between the helmet shell and the head
• The lining of the helmet is exposed to sweat, dirt and heat and therefore breaks down faster than the helmet shell. Therefore, the cover must be regularly checked and always changed according to the supplier's instructions, but at the latest when the cover shows signs of wear. Always discard the cover if in doubt
• All helmets can be cleaned with warm soapy water, up to 45 degrees

HEAD PROTECTION - LIFETIME/DURABILITY:

The head guard has a limited lifespan - The lifespan is stated in the user manual. The helmet must ALWAYS be discarded if it has been hit, cracked or discolored due to sunlight. Some helmets are equipped with a UV indicator that tells you when the helmet needs to be replaced. 5 years after the date of use, the helmet must be replaced!

The manufacturer advises on the storage time of the helmet before use. Typically, a helmet must be kept in stock for 3 years, and then be in use for 2 years. However, this can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but as a rule of thumb, a helmet has a lifespan of 5 years, regardless of whether it is in stock or in use.

*NOTE*

Writing on the helmet with a felt-tip pen and/or applying non-approved stickers is strongly discouraged, as this can break down the plastic shell and thereby reduce its strength.