This highlights an important point: not all features make a helmet suitable for every job. To ensure compliance, al- ways refer to local safety regulations and standards. Shelton also advised confirming that your helmet meets ANSI Z89 certification requirements. ACCESSORIES THAT FIT YOUR NEEDS Once you have found your ideal helmet model, you may begin looking at acces- sories to customize the fit and features of your PPE. These additional elements can help create a better fit and even at- tach to other pieces of protective gear, enabling you to work more efficiently and safely on the job. That said, there are a few key accessories that all ar- borists should check for that come with the shell. “Your helmet should be compatible with all accessories and PPE that will be worn with it,” Shelton said. “Premi- um helmet manufacturers will often offer eye and face protection, which is crucial for most arbor work, and those that can be easily installed and re- moved are preferred.” Most arborists prefer helmets that have built-in earmuffs or a socket to add ear- muffs that are rated for various levels of decibel protection, Deo shared. You can also find ones with added technolo- gy to help you communicate with your team. “Some helmets have options to wire in Bluetooth headsets,” he explained. “These can be helpful for teams that work together on large properties, so they can speak and hear each other more clearly.” Many helmets take that into account and offer built-in visors or eye protec- tion. You can also add these options depending on what you would prefer when customizing your helmet. Keep in mind that in many cases, these visors are not sufficient eye protection per ANSI standards, so Deo recom- mended operators wear safety eyewear
Helmet fit and function are crucial when you’re navigating limbs and working from ropes high above the ground.
also need to be able to adjust the fit of the helmet while wearing gloves, ac- cording to Shelton. He also suggested reviewing the inte- grated chinstraps for helmets, which maintain head protection when work- ing at height. According to the Petzl representative, arborists should make sure the chinstrap will break away to avoid strangulation in the event of a fall. Another vital safety feature in helmets is ventilation, especially if you are working in extreme weather conditions like heat. “In our kind of heat and humidity, ven- tilation isn’t just a bonus — it’s essen- tial,” said Misty Kelly, operations direc- tor at The French Lumberjack , which is based in Australia. Some helmets may also include sliding shutters as part of their ventilation sys- tems, which can be opened when work- ing in the heat or closed during colder temperatures, rain, or wind.
every arborist, and there are valid rea- sons to avoid it. For instance, if you re- quire a dielectric helmet for electrical protection, it must meet Class E stan- dards. According to Selner, helmets with vents do not qualify under these specifications.
If you require a dielectric helmet for electrical protection, it must meet Class E standards and not contain a vent.
However, ventilation is not ideal for
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