Health & safety bulletin
Safety helmet liners
17th January 2008
We have recently been asked by site teams if they can wear warm woolly hats under their safety helmets.
The common view is that this would prevent the safety helmet from doing its job, but during the winter we appreciate the working conditions are less forgiving.
The fact remains that the type of safety helmets we insist on (to EN397 standard) were tested when applied straight to the head, without a hat in between. Upon investigation, the manufacturers will not warrant the helmets unless they are fitted directly on top of the wearer’s head. The main concern appears to be the helmet gripping to the hat, which is prone to slip off because it isn’t secured properly.
However, purpose made safety helmet liners can be used.
These are like balaclavas, or hoods that are made of "Thinsulate" - a thin insulating material, designed to keep the wearer’s head warm.
They have Velcro sides to hold the safety helmet on, and are themselves securely fixed to your head.
If you would like a safety helmet liner, please contact your supervisor.
