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PRIORITISING HEAD PROTECTION AT SEA
Published: 16 May 2024
Seafarers spend much of their working day wearing head protection, a crucial precaution in an industrial setting where the risk of head injuries is prevalent. Shipowners and operators should provide clear procedures and rules stipulating where and when head protection is necessary, ensuring the seafarers receive the appropriate safety equipment for their roles, free of charge. While the provided headgear is typically in a good condition, it is imperative for seafarers to handle and use it appropriately.
Industrial Safety Helmet
Industrial safety helmets primarily aim to protect wearers from falling objects, although they may lack side or frontal protection. The helmet must conform with an approved standard (e.g. in Europe EN 397), with markings indicating adherence to these standards. Specialised roles may require helmets meeting different standards, such as those designed for firemen (e.g. EN 443:2008) or for working on electrical installations (e.g. EN 50365).
Internally, helmets should display a manufacture date, guiding their service life expectancy. Your employer should have its own policy on retirement age for safety helmets, and manufacturers will have recommended service life intervals. A common standard is two years in use, and five years in storage. It is difficult to be exact with this, as the useful life of a safety helmet can very much depend on how it has been utilised. Seafarers are advised to:
- Conduct pre- and post-use inspections for damage
- Always wear the chin strap to prevent movement
- Refrain from defacing or modifying helmets. The adhesive from certain stickers can weaken the hard hat material and reduce its overall strength. In some circumstances stickers can also cover damage and make it harder to inspect. Never add air holes or make any other modifications that are not provided by the manufacturer
- Clean helmets according to manufacturer guidelines, typically using soap and water
- Remove helmets from service after significant impacts or if doubts arise regarding their condition.
Industrial Bump Cap
In scenarios where confined spaces pose head impact risks, industrial bump caps offer a suitable alternative. A common example is working in a main engine crankcase, where a safety helmet may prove cumbersome and distract from safety. However, they do not protect against falling objects and are best suited for specific work environments.
As with helmets, bump caps adhere to approved standards and have recommended shelf lives of 3 to 5 years. Before each use, users must ensure the caps are free from damage.
While head protection may seem straightforward, understanding its limitations and maintaining it diligently are essential responsibilities for users. In the maritime realm, where safety is paramount, prioritising head protection is not merely a guideline—it’s a commitment to ensuring the well-being of every seafarer navigating the seas.