Page 16 - HIL Operatives Training Manual V4 16022024_Neat

O P E R A T I V E S T R A I N I N G M A N U A L V E R S I O N 4

segments containing dots, each representing a quarter of a year (i.e. 99 and 2 dots for
manufacture April-June 2020).

Damage requiring helmet replacement includes damage to the head harness, severe impact,
exposure to chemicals, particularly solvents, even if no damage is visible, where there is
scoring to a depth of 25% of the shell thickness and if the shell has visible cracks or any other
significant damage.
Managers, Engineers and Foremen are to ensure that users inspect helmets regularly for any
of the above damage and obtain a new helmet whenever necessary. Those issuing helmets
are to ensure that the helmets are in a good condition when issued. Helmet labels are to be
examined and the issue date should be clearly written on the label inside the helmet on issue.
To prevent shell deterioration, no writing should be applied to the helmet shell and no labels
attached unless specifically approved for the shell material. The total replacement period will
remain as recommended by the manufacturer of the helmet.
Managers, Engineers and Foremen of areas where there is a risk of head injury must make
every effort to reduce that risk to the lowest extent reasonably practicable. They must assess
the risks and employ elimination, substitution, isolation and/or safe systems of work and unless
there is a statutory requirement, only use head protection as a ‘last resort’. Where there is a
statutory requirement or risk of head injury remains, then head protection must be provided
and worn and sufficient instruction training and supervision provided.

Potentially hazardous areas where safety helmets must be worn include those defined in the
Construction (Hard Hat) Regulations 1989 and Dock Regulations (1988) and any area
designated a head protection area. These will include: Building sites, inside and outside
buildings, or elsewhere there is a risk of head injury, other than by falling.
The wearing of safety helmets by all personnel engaged in erecting tower platforms, scaffolding
or slinging operations is mandatory. The use of orange helmets should be restricted to slingers
and banks men directing cranes and vehicles.

• Personnel may only transit through hardhat areas without safety helmets at in-muster
and out-muster times and then only if keeping to defined walkways and away from all
overhead hazards.
• Safety helmet areas must be reviewed during the project as the circumstances and
nature of the work change.

• Managers, Engineers and Foremen will be responsible for issuing safety helmets to
those who need to work in or pass through, hardhat areas. Visitors to hardhat areas
are to be provided with head protection by the Foreman, Manager or Engineer and are
to wear the protection provided.
• The wearing of safety helmets is not required whilst travelling in vehicles (except where
specified) but must be carried for use if the vehicle occupants intend to travel on foot
in a hardhat area.
• Employees working in the safety helmet area without wearing a safety helmet and their
foreman, manager or engineer may be subject to disciplinary action.
• Areas where safety helmets must be worn are to be defined by the appropriate signs
in accordance with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.
• These rules apply to all personnel, agency workers, sub -contractors and the Foreman,
Manager or Engineer is responsible for enforcement.

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