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PPE — common questions

Straight answers about what we stock, how it is sold and which standard applies.

What is the difference between a safety helmet and a bump cap?

They are certified to different standards and are not interchangeable. A safety helmet to EN 397 is built for falling objects: it is struck by a 5 kg hemispherical striker dropped from 1 metre and must transmit no more than 5 kN. A bump cap to EN 812 is for knocking your head on something fixed, in confined spaces or under a vehicle, and is tested with a 5 kg flat striker from 250 mm at up to 15 kN. EN 812 states plainly that bump caps do not protect against falling or thrown objects or suspended loads. If work is going on above you, it is a helmet.

Do safety helmets expire?

Yes. Shells and harnesses both degrade, and manufacturers state a service life from the date of first use as well as a shelf life from manufacture. The date is moulded into the shell. Replace after any significant impact even if the shell looks undamaged.

Can PPE be branded?

Some of it. Fabric items take print and embroidery normally. Hard PPE such as helmets and eyewear needs a different process and decoration must never compromise the certified protection. Ask before you assume a helmet can carry a logo.

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