Types of head protection

Every year workers are killed and many others injured as a result of head injuries. If you wear a safety helmet when there is a risk of head injury then you substantially reduce the risk of being killed or seriously hurt. There are several types of head protection described below.

1.1 Industrial Safety Helmets

These protect against falling objects or impact with fixed objects and offer limited resistance to flame.

Helmets are also available which give protection against:

• impact at high or low temperature;
• against electric shock from brief contact up to 440V ac;
• against splashes of molten metal.

1.2 Bumps Caps

Bump caps protect against bumping the head, for example walking into fixed objects for example in areas with limited headroom.

Bump caps can stop hair from getting caught in machinery and moving parts.

Bump caps do not offer adequate protection where there is a risk of falling objects or moving or suspended loads.

1.3 Transport Helmets

These protect against head injuries from falling off a motorcycle or bicycle. The PPE at Work Regulations does not cover the use of motorcycle and bicycle helmets on the road.

In off-road situations, employers should provide suitable transport helmets. For example motor cycle helmets for persons who use all-terrain vehicles. (ATV’s)

1.4 Leisure Helmets

Helmets are used for activities such as horse riding, canoeing, or climbing, which protect against the risks of that particular activity.