What it does and what it does not replace
Head protection reduces consequences but does not eliminate falling objects, people beneath suspended loads or poorly organised traffic. Article 4 of Royal Decree 773/1997 places PPE after collective technical and organisational measures that sufficiently prevent or limit the risk.
Requiring a helmet therefore does not allow securing materials, restricting hazardous areas or separating people and operations to be omitted. It must form part of a preventive solution rather than becoming its only visible measure.
Industrial helmets and bump caps
The INSST factsheet on industrial helmets distinguishes industrial safety helmets from bump protection. A bump cap is intended for different situations and does not provide the protection of an industrial helmet against falling or projected objects or suspended or moving loads.
Helmets also exist with specific performance, such as electrical protection or suitability for particular thermal conditions. Those properties should not be attributed to every helmet: check markings, manufacturer information and conformity with the protection required.
How to select the right model
- Identify the hazard: origin and direction of impact, objects, environment and tasks.
- Define performance: mechanical protection and additional requirements justified by the assessment.
- Review documentation: markings, model, manufacturer information and limits of use.
- Test fit: stability, adjustment and suitability for the person’s head and task.
- Check the combination: spectacles, face shield, hearing protection or other equipment worn simultaneously.
Colour may serve an internal organisational purpose, but does not demonstrate protective performance. Nor does CE marking mean that the equipment is suitable for every risk.
Fit, retention and accessories
The helmet must be adjusted according to instructions and remain stable during the activity. The use and features of the retention system must match the model and risk; a chinstrap should not be improvised or components replaced with similar-looking parts.
Article 5 of Royal Decree 773/1997 requires compatibility when PPE is combined. A poorly fitted face shield may affect balance or fit. Accessories must be specified by the manufacturer and preserve the performance of the combination.
Inspection, care and withdrawal
Before use, check the shell, harness, adjustment, retention and other components according to the manufacturer’s information. Cracks, deformation, deterioration or missing components require assessment and withdrawal where appropriate.
INSST notes that a significant impact may cause invisible damage and requires following the specified replacement criteria. A universal service life should not be set: it depends on the product, components, use and storage conditions. Paints, adhesives, solvents or drilled holes can alter the equipment and should only be permitted in accordance with instructions.
Information and follow-up at the workplace
Articles 18 and 19 of the Occupational Risk Prevention Act and Article 8 of Royal Decree 773/1997 require appropriate information and training. People must know what the helmet protects against, when to use it, how to adjust it and how to report defects.
Supervision should investigate why a helmet moves, is incompatible or is removed during a task. There may be a sizing, selection or work-method problem. Correcting it improves actual use and avoids attributing every difficulty to lack of attention.
Hypothetical example: a helmet and face shield
A workshop selects protection for a task involving head and face risks. During testing, the proposed shield does not fit the helmet and forces it to be worn out of position. The combination is rejected even though both components have markings.
A compatible combination documented by the manufacturer is reviewed, and fit and use are checked with exposed people. The selection is recorded alongside technical measures reducing the hazard at source.
