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.
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.
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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