What deregulates a
hard hat? I think what you mean is "de-rates". But that's not exactly an accurate term either. What might compromise a
hard hat and cause it to not pass twice yearly inspections? Aha! Now there's the rub....
Regarding stickers/decals/ink,
etc... the manufacturer will tell you what is acceptable. As for the statement that
OSHA says you can put stickers on a
hard hat...do they really? From the link posted:
" painting or applying stickers must be performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, unless the employer can demonstrate that the altered protective helmet is equally as effective and protective as those meeting the requirements of Z89.1”.
Go read the entire link, because you'll find there's even more there to muddy the waters. But I don't think anyone can take this as "
OSHA says I can", because that will get you laughed straight off the job site if the
AHJ sees it differently. What is your schools policy for students, by the way? If you're being issued one because you're an employee (as
PPE is required to be, at least in California), you probably aren't going to be allowed to write on it. Or sticker it. Again, consult your
AHJ. Have you been trained on how to inspect this particular lid? What manufacturers documents came with it?
It really comes down to this: people want stickers on their lid to
call attention to themselves. It's why so many construction workers have theirs covered with so much s**t that you can't possibly inspect for damage. It's also an indicator that inspection and
safety isn't really a priority. If
safety is what you're actually after, ask yourself if your brain is more important that that My Little Pony sticker. You want to rep for Monster? Then rock that flatbill or snapback after the job is done.
Or look at it this way: in my department, I got 420 people total. 250 of them are issued Petzl Vertex helmets.
Every single one of them look the same. Same Petzle hi-vis stickers, per manufacturer
call out. Same 4 colors.
P-touch label for names and
tracking #'s in the same spot on every one of them. Nobody cares about personalization- this is a tool. It's purpose is to make sure you go home safely.
So, read the documentation that came with the
hard hat, and do what it says. Leave the stickers for your
lunchbox.