Equally important is recognizing when a helmet has reached the end of its life. If the shell sustains an impact — from falling debris or equipment — it should not simply be brushed off and reused. Most helmets are designed to be sin- gle-impact pieces of PPE, meaning one serious hit is enough to compromise their integrity. This is also why buying a used helmet is a risky choice. Even if it appears un- damaged, prior impacts or wear may have weakened its structure in ways that are not visible, putting your safety in jeopardy. Eventually, every helmet reaches a point where it must be replaced, wheth- er due to damage or age. “Check the manufactured date and product lifespan as dictated by the manufacturer,” Shelton advised. This information is usually found inside the shell, printed on a label or stamp. No matter how well a helmet fits or how many features it offers, it cannot protect you if it is worn out, damaged, or improperly used. Staying vigilant about maintenance and replacement timelines is one of the simplest, yet most effective, ways to protect your- self in the field.
Petzl’s helmets offer safety with comfort, making them a go-to for arborists who spend long hours in their gear.
“Many arborists get into the bad habit of leaving their helmet unclasped,” Deo pointed out. “If they do, the helmet it- self can fall off their head during a fall, which obviously removes any protec- tive element.”
foundational protection of the helmet is the most important aspect, regardless of any variations you add to it. “Personalization is really a preference issue,” Deo said. “But in general, as long as the helmet meets tree care safe- ty standards, it should be fine if worn and used properly.” WHAT YOU MAY HAVE OVERLOOKED You have built a helmet setup tailored to your safety needs, complete with ac- cessories to make the job easier — but what comes next? Like any piece of equipment, your hel- met requires regular maintenance to ensure it continues to offer reliable pro- tection. Check frequently to confirm it still meets the safety standards neces- sary for your work. Components like clasps and harnesses often take a beating and may be over- looked during routine inspections.
Premium helmet manufacturers will often offer eye and face protection, which is crucial for most arbor work, and those that can be easily installed and removed are preferred.
36 | Summer 2025 ArborTIMES ™
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