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Most Australian worksites issue helmets that meet the Australian Standard for Occupational Protective Helmets (AS/NZS 1801 : 1997). This is a good start as 1801’s will protect your head from overhead impacts (ie falling objects). They also include a level of flame resistance.

We know that the myriad of safety Standards can be confusing. So if you need help finding the right height-safe helmet for you – give us a call. We have 20 years of experience helping people like you get the best-fit and best-performing helmet for their needs.

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In an ideal world, all of these safety features would be included, tested and rated under a single Standard. To know that our helmet is height-safe, all we’d have to do is look for that Standard.

If you take one thing away today, it should be to have another look at the helmet you’re using. If all your risks aren’t covered or your needs have changed – you need a different helmet.

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Helmet safety starts with using the right helmet. But not every helmet is right for height. Features that keep you safe on the ground, won’t do the job off it. Why? Because the moment your feet leave the floor, the risks change. And they vary – depending on what you’re doing.

Given the potentially fatal risk, you need to know your helmet will stay on if you fall. Therefore, a chinstrap is an absolute must when working at height.

Protecting your head from overhead impacts remains vitally important. Equipment, tools, materials can still fall when you’re working at height. And you could be in the line of fire.

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Let’s take a helmet rated only to the Standard for Mountaineers (EN 12492). It may be alright for height – but not suitable for industrial applications. Not unless it also meets the basic electrical insulation requirements of Standard EN 397 or EN 14052. Why? Because both of these standards apply to industrial (vs climbing) helmets. And as such they test for flame resistance.

Both Standards test and rate impact and penetration protection at varying angles from the centreline of your helmet. (Note: Check penetration protection for helmets with vents.)

That’s why you must ensure your helmet is rated for overhead or Crown Impacts. This is tested in two ways (rating levels vary per Standard).

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Furthermore, you need a chinstrap that has been stress-tested and will not release under pressure. That’s why your height-safe helmet must also include a Secure Chinstrap.

However, the 1801 Standard is almost 25 years old. While it may address your primary head trauma risks at ground level – it will not address those of working at height (as you’ll see below). As a result, this Standard alone is not sufficient for helmet safety at height.

General industrial safety helmets offer some protection but have not been tested for this. Therefore, look to high performance industrial helmets and those made for mountaineers.

And in the event of a fall – even with height safety equipment to arrest your fall – serious head trauma risks remain. You could hit or catch the edge of something on the way down. You may swing sideways (eg falling off a roof and swinging into the side of a building).

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It’s meant to be everything you need to know about height safety, confined space and rescue all conveniently in one place.

There are three critical features to look for in a height-safe helmet. Protection from overhead impacts, protection from multiple side impacts and a chinstrap that’ll keep your helmet on.

Now let’s say you’re in Electrical Utilities and work-at-height in proximity to electrical installations. In this environment, you’ll need electrical protection beyond the Standards for industrial helmets. As a result, your helmet must also meet Standard EN 50365. This Standard covers the insulation of helmets where there’s potential for contact with low voltage electrical installations.

The most secure chinstraps are found on Mountaineering Helmets. They’re called non-releasing chinstraps because they’ll withstand a 500N (~50kg) force before releasing. In other words – in a big fall, your helmet stays on.

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These articles are here to keep you up to date with the latest industry news and height safety legislation, as well as showcase new product releases and promotions

As the above illustrates, it’s really important to do a thorough risk assessment. You need to know your helmet covers all of your risks – not just some of them.

For example, you may be on the side of a building with people working above you. Or you’re an arborist or linesman and vulnerable to overhead hazards. Perhaps you’re working underneath a glass atrium – or in weather that could uplift fragile roofing.

Both high performance and standard industrial helmets also require a secure chinstrap. However, they’re secure to a lower force – up to 150N (~15kg) –  and must release before 250N (~25kg). This releasing-type chinstrap is more suitable for work on or closer to the ground where fall distance is reduced. The lower release load is designed to prevent any strangulation hazard if the helmet becomes snagged.

Instead, each safety feature is covered by multiple Standards (listed below) which test and rate to varying levels. All of which means you have to look closely to know how your helmet will perform.