In the future, should you wish to verify that the guidance provided herein remains current, you may consult OSHA's website at. Such guidance could also be affected by subsequent rulemaking. Please be aware that OSHA's enforcement guidance is subject to periodic review and clarification, amplification, or correction. We hope you find this information helpful. Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. OSHA would consider painting or placing adhesive stickers acceptable if the manufacturer authorizes the alteration or the employer can demonstrate that the reliability of the helmet is not affected by the paint or the adhesive on the stickers and the paint or placement of stickers would not reduce the ability to identify defects (i.e., use of see-through stickers) or other conditions that would indicate a reduced reliability. Protective helmet manufacturers usually provide very specific instructions regarding paints, stickers, or decals that will not negatively affect the performance of a protective helmet. Another concern is that paints, thinners, and solvents, as discussed in Appendix A of ANSI Z89.1-2003 and the appendices of the 19 versions, can also attack or damage the shell of a helmet and reduce protection.įor these reasons, painting or applying stickers must be performed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, unless the employer can demonstrate that the altered protective helmet is equally as effective and protective as those meeting the requirements of Z89.1. Paints and stickers may eliminate electrical resistance and – depending on the location and quantity – conceal defects, cracks, penetration, and any damage that would be otherwise readily identifiable during the employee's inspection to ensure reliability. 132(a) requires that PPE be ".maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition." To ensure a helmet is and remains in a "reliable" condition, the helmet must be inspected prior to use for signs of dents, cracks, penetration, and any damage due to impact, rough treatment, or wear that might reduce the degree of protection originally provided and used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. However, the employer's ability to comply with the existing requirements of these standards may be adversely affected by the painting or placement of adhesive stickers on the helmet's shell.įor instance, OSHA standard. 1.135 do not contain provisions that explicitly prohibit painting or the placement of adhesive stickers on helmet shells. 135, which incorporates by reference American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z89.1-1986, Z89.1-1997, and Z89.1-2003. The specific requirements for head protection (protective helmets) are outlined in. Reply: OSHA's general requirements for PPE are set forth in. Question: Are adhesive stickers or paints allowed on protective helmets? Your question is paraphrased and our response follows. This constitutes OSHA's interpretation only of the requirements discussed and may not be applicable to any question not delineated within your original correspondence. Your letter has been referred to OSHA's Directorate of Enforcement Programs (DEP) for clarification of OSHA's standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Thank you for your August 10, 2009, letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) Region VI Office.
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