Standard Operating Procedure for Helmets

Purpose: The purpose of this SOP is to provide guidelines on how to properly wear,
use, and maintain helmets in the industrial workplace. Helmets are personal protective
equipment (PPE) that protect the head from impact, penetration, and electrical
hazards.

Scope: This SOP applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors who are required
or choose to wear helmets in the industrial workplace.

Responsibilities: The responsibilities of the relevant parties are as follows:

 Company: Company is responsible for providing adequate and appropriate

helmets for the employees, contractors, and visitors. Management is also
responsible for ensuring compliance with this SOP and enforcing disciplinary
actions for non-compliance.
 Employees, Contractors, and Visitors: Employees, contractors, and visitors
are responsible for wearing, using, and maintaining helmets following this
SOP. They are also responsible for reporting any defects, damages, or losses of
helmets to their supervisors or managers.
 Health and Safety division: Supervisors and managers are responsible for
supervising and monitoring the implementation of this SOP. They are also
responsible for providing training and guidance on helmet safety to the
employees, contractors, and visitors.

Resources and Materials: The resources and materials required for this SOP are:

 Helmets: Helmets are protective headgear that consist of a shell, a suspension

system, and a chin strap. Helmets should also have a label or a mark that
indicates the type, class, and date of manufacture of the helmet.
 Helmet Accessories: Helmet accessories are optional items that can be
attached to the helmet to enhance its functionality or comfort. Helmet
accessories include visors, ear muffs, face shields, chin guards, and liners.
Helmet accessories should be compatible with the helmet and should not
compromise its safety performance.
 Cleaning Supplies: Cleaning supplies are items that are used to clean and
disinfect helmets. Cleaning supplies include mild soap, water, sponge, towel
and disinfectant spray.

Procedures: The procedures for wearing, using, and maintaining helmets are as
follows:
 Wearing Helmets: To wear a helmet, follow these steps:
1. Inspect the helmet: Before putting on the helmet, inspect it for any
cracks, dents, holes, or other signs of damage. Also, check the label or
the mark to verify the type, class, and date of manufacture of the helmet.
If the helmet is damaged, defective, or expired, do not use it and report it
to your supervisor or manager.
2. Adjust the suspension system: The suspension system is the part of the
helmet that holds and cushions the head. To adjust the suspension
system, loosen or tighten the ratchet, pinlock, or tablock mechanism
until the helmet fits snugly and comfortably on your head. The
suspension system should be at least one inch away from the shell of the
helmet.
3. Fasten the chin strap: The chin strap is the part of the helmet that
secures it to the head. To fasten the chin strap, buckle or snap it under
your chin. The chin strap should be tight enough to prevent the helmet
from falling off, but not too tight to cause discomfort or restrict
breathing.
4. Check the fit and position: The helmet should fit and position properly
on your head. The helmet should cover your forehead and the back of
your head. The helmet should not tilt forward, backward, or sideways.
The helmet should not interfere with your vision, hearing, or breathing.
 Using Helmets: To use a helmet, follow these guidelines:
1. Wear the helmet at all times: You should always wear the helmet when
you are in the industrial workplace, especially when you are exposed to
potential hazards, such as falling objects, flying debris, or electrical
wires. You should not remove the helmet unless you are in a safe area, or
you have permission from your supervisor or manager.
2. Use the appropriate helmet: You should use the appropriate helmet for
the type and level of hazard that you are facing. Helmets are classified into
two types and three classes, as follows:
 Type I: Type I helmets provide protection to the top of the head. They are
suitable for general industrial applications, such as construction, mining,
or manufacturing.
 Type II: Type II helmets provide protection to the top and the sides of the
head. They are suitable for high-risk industrial applications, such as
firefighting and rescue.
 Class G: Class G helmets provide protection against impact and low-
voltage electrical hazards (up to 2,200 volts). They are suitable for most
industrial applications, except those that involve high-voltage electrical
hazards.
 Class E: Class E helmets provide protection against impact and high-
voltage electrical hazards (up to 20,000 volts). They are suitable for
 industrial applications that involve high-voltage electrical hazards, such as
power lines, transformers, or generators.
 Class C: Class C helmets provide protection against impact only. They do
not provide any protection against electrical hazards. They are suitable for
industrial applications that do not involve any electrical hazards, such as
landscaping, carpentry, or painting.

Color codes of Helmets

 White: White helmets are usually worn by supervisors, managers, engineers, architects,
or foremen. They are responsible for overseeing the operations and ensuring the quality
and safety of the work.
 Yellow: Yellow helmets are usually worn by general laborers, earthmoving operators, or
heavy-duty workers. They are involved in tasks such as construction, mining, or
manufacturing.
 Blue: Blue helmets are usually worn by electricians, carpenters, plumbers, or technical
workers. They are skilled in tasks such as wiring, plumbing, or carpentry.
 Green: Green helmets are usually worn by safety inspectors, new workers, or
trainees. They are responsible for checking the safety standards and compliance of the
work or learning the ropes of the job.
 Orange: Orange helmets are usually worn by maintenance workers, technicians, or
laboratory analysts. They are involved in tasks such as repairing, testing, or analyzing the
equipment or materials.
 Red: Red helmets are usually worn by firefighters, emergency workers, or welders. They
are exposed to high-risk tasks such as firefighting, rescue, or welding.
 Brown: Brown helmets are usually worn by welders or workers who deal with high
heat. They are exposed to high temperatures and sparks from welding or cutting.
 Grey: Grey helmets are usually worn by site visitors or temporary workers. They are not
directly involved in the work, but need to be protected from the potential hazards.

3. Use compatible helmet accessories: You can use helmet accessories to enhance
the functionality or comfort of your helmet. However, you should use only the
helmet accessories that are compatible with your helmet and that do not
compromise its safety performance. You should also follow the manufacturer’s
instructions on how to attach and use the helmet accessories.
 Maintaining Helmets: To maintain a helmet, follow these steps:
1. Clean the helmet: You should clean the helmet regularly to remove any dirt,
dust, or stains. To clean the helmet, follow these steps:
  Remove the helmet accessories: Remove any helmet accessories, such as
visors, ear muffs, face shields, chin guards, or liners, from the helmet.
Clean them separately according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
 Wash the helmet: Wash the helmet with mild soap and water. Use a
sponge or a cloth to gently scrub the helmet. Do not use any abrasive or
corrosive materials, such as steel wool, bleach, or ammonia, as they may
damage the helmet.
 Rinse the helmet: Rinse the helmet with clean water to remove any soap
residue. Do not soak the helmet in water, as it may affect its electrical
insulation.
 Dry the helmet: Dry the helmet with a soft cloth or air dry it in a shaded
area. Do not use any heat sources, such as hair dryers, ovens, or
microwaves, as they may deform or weaken the helmet.
 Disinfect the helmet: Disinfect the helmet with a disinfectant spray to kill
any bacteria or fungi that may cause odor or infection. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions on how to apply and use the disinfectant
spray.
2. Store the helmet: You should store the helmet properly when you are not using
it. To store the helmet, follow these guidelines:
 Keep the helmet away from direct sunlight, heat, or moisture: Direct
sunlight, heat, or moisture may cause the helmet to fade, crack, or warp.
Store the helmet in a cool, dry, and shaded place.
 Keep the helmet away from chemicals, solvents, or oils: Chemicals,
solvents, or oils may corrode, dissolve, or stain the helmet. Store the
helmet in a clean and ventilated place.
 Keep the helmet away from sharp or heavy objects: Sharp or heavy
objects may scratch, dent, or puncture the helmet. Store the helmet in a
safe and secure place.
 Keep the helmet in a protective bag or case: A protective bag or case
may prevent the helmet from getting dirty, dusty, or damaged. Store the
helmet in a protective bag or case that fits the helmet snugly and has a
zipper or a lock.
3. Replace the helmet: You should replace the helmet when it is damaged,
defective, or expired. To replace the helmet, follow these guidelines:
 Replace the helmet when it is damaged: If the helmet has any cracks,
dents, holes, or other signs of damage, you should replace it immediately.
Do not attempt to repair the helmet, as it may compromise its safety
performance.
 Replace the helmet when it is defective: If the helmet has any defects,
such as missing or broken parts, faulty or loose mechanisms, or faded or
illegible labels or marks, you should replace it immediately. Do not
attempt to modify the helmet, as it may compromise its safety
performance.
 Replace the helmet when it is expired: If the helmet has exceeded its
service life, you should replace it immediately. The service life of a helmet
depends on the manufacturer, the type, the class, and the frequency of use
 of the helmet. Generally, a helmet should be replaced every two to five
years, or sooner if it shows signs of wear and tear. You can check the date
of manufacture of the helmet on the label or the mark inside the helmet.
 Dispose of the helmet properly: When you replace the helmet, you
should dispose of the old helmet properly. Do not reuse or recycle the old
helmet, as it may pose a safety risk to yourself or others. Follow the local
regulations and the manufacturer’s instructions on how to dispose of the
helmet.