Re: Helmets
I don't have a copy of the most recent version of ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009. Should you choose to purchase this code (or if someone has one already), then you would know the force of penetration/impact prevented to meet this code. My guess is that, if properly worn and helmet is in approved state of repair, that yes, you would be protected. Some things to note, from the International Safety Equipment Organization.
So, as Derek pointed out the grey area, your local can require you to have certain safety equipment as part of your tool kit so as to provide some measure of common safety protection, along with certain clothing and safety shoes. Since the local is not an employer, they would not be required to provide such equipment. Technically, yes, the venue or whomever is the legal employer would be required to provide such equipment, but since it would be difficult for a payroll service that acts as an employer to provide such equipment, our industry generally relies on the worker to do so. Even if the worker provides their own safety equipment, the employer is still responsible for making sure the employee knows how to use it and that it is in proper working order and that areas where it is required are known to the employee.
The only reason that those companies would not require the approved gear is if a Hazard Assessment has been done to determine that they are unnecessary (or at least when you are in the venue). Those that I know who have worked for those particular employers (as employees, not contracted by an outside employer such as Rhino Staging) were provided with appropriate PPE as needed. They may have also provided the climbing helmets to those working at height if it were determined that there was not the risk provided in OSHA 3151-12R 2003.
So, Curious question about the OSHA approved hardhats. What are they rated to take as far as impacts go? If a shackle falls from 100' and slams into the hardhat, will you come out of it with anything more than a concussion? I ask because at that point I wondered how "worth it" the hardhat is to have since a shackle or a wrench is the most common to fall with what we do, if at that hieght and momentum if the hardhat is really going to protect you enough to not permenantly do damage.
I don't have a copy of the most recent version of ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009. Should you choose to purchase this code (or if someone has one already), then you would know the force of penetration/impact prevented to meet this code. My guess is that, if properly worn and helmet is in approved state of repair, that yes, you would be protected. Some things to note, from the International Safety Equipment Organization.
Industrial head protective helmets meeting the requirements of this standard are classified as Type I for top protection, or Type II for lateral impact protection. Both types are tested for impact attenuation and penetration resistance. Type II helmet performance requirements include criteria for impact energy attenuation from impacts from the front, back and sides as well as the top; off-center penetration resistance, and chin strap retention.
The three classes indicate the helmets electrical insulation rating. Class G (general) helmets are tested at 2200 volts, Class E (electrical) are tested to withstand 20,000 volts, and Class C (conductive) provide no electrical protection.
So, as Derek pointed out the grey area, your local can require you to have certain safety equipment as part of your tool kit so as to provide some measure of common safety protection, along with certain clothing and safety shoes. Since the local is not an employer, they would not be required to provide such equipment. Technically, yes, the venue or whomever is the legal employer would be required to provide such equipment, but since it would be difficult for a payroll service that acts as an employer to provide such equipment, our industry generally relies on the worker to do so. Even if the worker provides their own safety equipment, the employer is still responsible for making sure the employee knows how to use it and that it is in proper working order and that areas where it is required are known to the employee.
Employers should make sure that each employee demonstrates an understanding of the PPE training as well as the ability to properly wear and use PPE before they are allowed to perform work requiring the use of the PPE. If an employer believes that a previously trained employee is not demonstrating the proper understanding and skill level in the use of PPE, that employee should receive retraining. Other situations that require additional or retraining of employees include the following circumstances: changes in the workplace or in the type of required PPE that make prior training obsolete.
The employer must document the training of each employee required to wear or use PPE by preparing a certification containing the name of each employee trained, the date of training and a clear identification of the subject of the certification.
And if the mountain climbing helmets are more used as bump caps and not hardhats, is there a reason why companies like Feld and Cirque haven't been requiring the employees to wear OSHA approved gear? Juuust curious. I'm actually now in a more curious and fascinated mood.
The only reason that those companies would not require the approved gear is if a Hazard Assessment has been done to determine that they are unnecessary (or at least when you are in the venue). Those that I know who have worked for those particular employers (as employees, not contracted by an outside employer such as Rhino Staging) were provided with appropriate PPE as needed. They may have also provided the climbing helmets to those working at height if it were determined that there was not the risk provided in OSHA 3151-12R 2003.
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