176 CALL 132 100 OR SHOP 24/7 AT RSEA.COM.AU CLICK&COLLECT FREE Pick-up from our Stores PPE - HEAD & FACE PROTECTION SAFETY HELMET DETAILS WORKING LIFE OF SAFETY HELMETS TYPES OF HELMET HARNESS SYSTEMS One of the most common questions asked is, what is the working life of a helmet? The answer to this question and indeed all information pertaining to selection, care and use is available in AS/NZS 1800:1998. This standard recommends that in general terms the helmet should be replaced every three years based upon industry testing, however to maintain the helmet the complete head harness insert must be replace every two years. Some customers elect to replace the entire helmet at this time or sooner dependent on its overall condition. Every helmet has an issue date sticker on the inside of the helmet for the wearer to record their name and date of issue. Three years hence remove the helmet from use or earlier if the helmet has changed in colour, exhibits any signs of wear, or damage due to impact or deterioration. (AS/NZS 1800:1998 3.4). If the sticker has not been used, replace the helmet three years from the manufacture date stamp under the brim or peak of the helmet. In the centre of the stamp is the year with a direction arrow pointing to the month of that year in which the helmet was made. Date to be inserted when issued to new owner. Indicates the material the Helmet is manufactured from. Indicates the Year the Helmet was manufactured. “2020”. Indicates the month the Helmet was manufactured. “3 / March”. Helmet Owner’s Name. Material Courtesy of 3M™. The above information is not a definitive statement on the subject matter and is provided as a general outline. Professional advice should be sought before any action is taken in relation to the above subject matter outlined. WHICH TYPE OF SAFETY HELMET? The scope of AS/NZS 1801:2024 standard specifies requirements for occupational protective helmets to protect wearers heads from falling objects in building and construction, quarrying, shipbuilding, forestry, and other occupations with similar hazards. These requirements include the construction and materials of the helmet shell and head harness, mechanical strength of the shell and finish of the helmet. Most safety helmet shells are made from premium impact resistant ABS plastic or polycarbonate. In compliance with the standards, objectives to specify protective helmets that are to be worn in a variety of occupations, safety helmets are classified into three types: • Type 1 - General industrial safety helmets. • Type 2 - Helmets intended for high temperature applications. • Type 3 - Manufactured to AS/NZS1801:1997. Classification Shock Absorption Penetration by Striker Side Stiffness Electrical Resistance Resistance to Ignition Very Hot Temp. 120°C Extremely High Temp. 200°C Thermal Performance of Shell Retaining Chin Strap Strength TYPE 1 General industrial ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ - - - - TYPE 2 Hot work places ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ - TYPE 3 Bushfire fighting ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Safety helmet harnesses (or suspensions) are the internal webbing systems that absorb shock and keep the helmet stable on your head. They are classified by their adjustment mechanisms, their number of contact points, and whether they integrate a chin strap By Suspension Points 4-Point Harnesses: Feature four straps connecting the shell to the head. These provide a lighter, more flexible fit, making them a popular choice for long shifts in general construction and low-to-moderate-risk environments. 6-Point Harnesses: Feature six connection points, offering superior shock absorption and weight distribution. They are ideal in high-risk zones, mining, and areas with potential heavy falling objects. By Adjustment Mechanism Pin-Lock (or Slip-Lock): Uses a simple pin and hole mechanism to adjust the headband size, similar to a baseball cap. It’s a cost-effective choice for assigned individual use but takes longer to adjust. Ratchet: Uses a notched wheel or dial at the rear of the harness. It allows for fast, one-handed tightening or loosening even while the helmet is being worn, providing the most secure and precise fit.
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