How to Choose and Look After a Safety Helmet
By Fire Safety BD · Last updated
The parts of a safety helmet, how it should fit, how a bump cap differs, and the signs that a helmet must be replaced.
A safety helmet protects in two ways: the hard shell spreads the force of a blow, and the harness inside holds the shell away from your head so the force is absorbed before it reaches you. Both parts have to be in good condition.
The parts
- Shell — the hard outer body.
- Harness (suspension) — the straps and headband inside. The gap it keeps between shell and head is what absorbs the impact.
- Headband adjuster — a ratchet wheel or pin-lock that sets the size.
- Chin strap — keeps the helmet on when you bend, climb or work in wind.
Getting the fit right
- Adjust the headband until the helmet sits level and does not move when you nod.
- Do not wear it tilted back or over a thick cap that lifts it off the harness.
- Use the chin strap when working at height.
- Do not keep gloves, papers or a phone inside the shell — that space is needed.
Choosing one
- Decide the hazard first: falling objects and site work call for a safety helmet; low headroom indoors may only need a bump cap.
- Pick an adjustable size and try it with the other protection you wear — goggles, ear muffs or a face shield.
- Ventilation slots help in the heat, but are not suitable near electrical hazards.
- Check the markings and the manufacturer's information supplied with the helmet for what it has been tested to.
When to replace it
- After any heavy impact, even if no damage can be seen.
- When the shell is cracked, dented, chalky or brittle.
- When the harness is frayed, stretched or no longer locks.
- When it has passed the service life given by the manufacturer.
Looking after it
Clean with mild soap and water. Keep it away from solvents, paint and stickers that can weaken the shell, and do not leave it in direct sun on a dashboard or window ledge.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bump cap the same as a safety helmet?
No. A bump cap protects against knocking your head on fixed objects such as low pipes or shelving. It is not made for falling objects, so it must not be used in place of a safety helmet on a construction site.
Do helmet colours have a fixed meaning?
There is no single rule. Many sites use colours to tell roles apart — for example one colour for workers and another for supervisors or visitors — but each site sets its own scheme.