Protective helmet. Individual protection means

Protective helmet is a headgear that serves to protect groups of workers who operate in hazardous conditions. They are builders, miners, rescuers, speleologists, motorcyclists, paratroopers. The protective helmet is used to protect the upper part of the head from falling objects, the action of water, electricity, metal splashes. 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 injuring the head, the safety mark "Work in a protective helmet". It has the code М02 (ЗК-12). The design of this PPE is as follows:

• The carrier tape is located on the head so that the head reaches the place where the volume is maximum.
• The occipital band produces an additional strengthening of the helmet on the head, is below the supporting tape in the nape of the neck.
• Shock absorber is a device that covers the head from all sides. The most important design of the helmet, springing during the fall of heavy objects on the helmet, smoothing the force of impact.
• Interior upholstery is designed to increase comfort during socks. The whole inner part is covered with a special material, gently covering the head.
• The shock absorbers are similar in their effect to the shock absorber of the helmet. They smooth out the force of blows.
• The protective upholstery is a material that contributes to absorption of shock force together with shock absorbers.
• Ventilation holes - holes made in the helmet in order to ensure a normal circulation of air between the helmet and the head.
• Chinstrap - designed for permanent attachment to the head. It allows you to perfectly fix the helmet, not allowing it to slide.

Adaptations on safety helmets

The helmet does not prevent wearing dust masks and goggles. Operate protective helmets made of polyethylene, can be in the temperature range from -50 to +40 degrees Celsius.

There are special protective 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 a temperature of 1000 ^° C for a short time.

Individual protective equipment called "protective helmets" GOST regulates the size of fields and visors. According to the requirements of GOST, building protective helmets should be equipped with fields not exceeding 1.5 cm in width and a visor that has a width not exceeding 6 cm. For miner's protective helmets the requirements differ slightly: the width of the fields is not more than 1 cm, and the peak is 4 , 5 cm. For underground works, as well as where protection against dripping moisture is required, the helmet requires circular fields of more than 2 cm in width and a waterproof cape. All protective miner's helmets should have attachments to attach the head lamp and the cable to it.

In the process of operation, there is often a need to attach headphones or face shields to the protective helmet. In order to avoid surprises, it is necessary, by buying the described items, to find out with which brands of fastenings the building protective helmets are compatible.

The use of such PPE (personal protective equipment) during a hot time is accompanied by intense perspiration in the head area. In this case, it is recommended to wear a helmet under the helmet. What is it for? Helmet helmet is an accessory that retains a good view and allows you to get rid of the need to wipe the sweat from your forehead and eyes.

On the case of the helmet, the type of product, the size, the manufacturer's trademark, the month and the year when it is issued must necessarily be applied. Tests must comply with the requirements of GOST R 12.4.207-99.

Color spectrum

Traditionally, the protective helmet for construction is made in two colors: orange and white. However, these days other variants are also used: blue, yellow, green, red. In the area of the frontal part there is a place to apply the logo. For workers of various specialties, protective helmets of various colors are intended:

• White - it is used by the management of enterprises and organizations, workshops and sites, specialists in occupational safety and health services;
• Red is intended for engineering and technical workers, masters, superintendents, chief power engineers and mechanics;
• Orange and yellow are worn by workers and junior attendants;
• Brown - for miners;
• Blue - for mine rescuers.

History

The oldest helmets are the Sumerian helmets, which appeared in the middle of the 3rd millennium BC. They had the form of low domes, not differing significantly from modern helmets.

One of the first means of individual head protection was a hat - a fur hat with volume and protecting from cold weather and in battle. During the development of civilization, people came to the production of protective helmets of metal and leather.

The helmet was originally used in the course of military operations and served to protect against various shell and bomb fragments and small penetration bullets.

In the Russian army helmets were in the XVI century. By the beginning of the XIX century, they were used as the headgear of the arms of the armed forces, which fought with cold weapons. They are dragoons and cuirassiers. The helmet made it possible in some measure not to allow the head to be cut with 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, which means a metal helmet.

Now the production of protective helmets using the highest technologies and protecting from different classes of dangers, such as hot metal, falling on the head of heavy objects, has been set up.

Operating instructions

• Helmets are forbidden to repair.
• It is necessary to perform a daily inspection throughout the life of the product in order to detect defects in time.
• The protective helmet, which has experienced shocks, as well as with traces of damage on the body or inside must be replaced.
• Sanitary treatment of helmets during operation consists in immersion in a solution of chloramine (5%) or a solution of bleach (3%) for 30-60 minutes, in washing in cold water, rubbing and natural drying.

Terms of guarantee

As follows from the normative documents, manufacturers give a guarantee that the protective helmet will meet the requirements of the standard. Naturally, if the conditions of operation, storage and transportation are observed. Since the date of manufacture of the helmet, the protective service life has been 2 years.

Price list

Let's see if there is a difference between expensive and cheap helmets. In specialized stores there is a sufficient number of products that have the name "protective helmet", the price of which varies between 60 and 2000 rubles apiece. What is the difference between them? Is it possible to save an expensive helmet from the bricks that fell on the head?

Most of the construction firms do not torment themselves with unnecessary questions, buying cheap helmets for their employees. Is this the right decision? Partly yes. However, it is necessary that the main requirement is fulfilled - ensuring the safety of the employee. Each lot is subjected to laboratory tests before entering the outlets. On the shelves of stores are allowed only helmets that meet GOSTs. Thus, regardless of the price, each certified helmet can provide protection to the builder. It is important that the labeling allows you to determine the purpose. Helmets that are not labeled can not guarantee safety.

Many wonder: why are expensive helmets produced? In the price of expensive products, often a fee is paid for the brand. In addition, the buyer may need additional functions: stylish design, shield or glasses, adjustable ventilation.

Other PPEs

The majority of enterprises have employees who, in order to carry out their functional duties, need special clothing, special footwear and other personal protective equipment. It can be dressing gowns, rubber gloves, construction mittens. However, not all employers know the norms for the issuance of PPE. Their non-compliance is a significant violation. Both general norms for issuing PPE and sectoral norms are developed. Every employer should follow them.