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The Importance of Workplace Protection Your head is your body’s command center. Even the slightest impact can lead to permanent consequences if you aren’t wearing the proper protection. Safety helmets are engineered to absorb the energy of a blow and distribute the force to prevent severe cranial damage. However, for a helmet to be truly effective, it must undergo rigorous manufacturing processes and material stress tests. It’s not just about wearing a plastic accessory; it’s about equipped with a certified, high-tech barrier against impacts and penetration. The Mandatory Standard: NOM-115-STPS-2009 In Mexico, industrial safety is non-negotiable. NOM-115-STPS-2009 is the official regulation governing protective helmets nationwide. This standard dictates manufacturing requirements and testing methods to guarantee resistance to impacts and object penetration. Any PPE that fails to meet this compliance puts workers at serious physical risk. Classification by Electrical Risk Mexican regulations categorize helmets based on their insulation capacity against electrical discharges. Choosing the right one is vital for occupational health: Class G (General): Designed to protect against impacts and low-voltage conductors up to 2,200 V. Class E (Electrical): Provides maximum protection against high-voltage conductors, tested up to 20,000 V. Class C (Conductive): Designed strictly for impact protection; these should never be used near electrical hazards. International Certification: ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 For those seeking a higher tier of protection, it is essential to look for international certifications. The ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 standard is the American benchmark. It classifies helmets by the specific type of impact they are designed to absorb: Type I: Designed to reduce the force of impact resulting from a blow only to the top of the head. Type II: Designed to reduce the force of lateral, frontal, rear, and top impacts. These are more robust and offer comprehensive protection. At LICA, we integrate these specifications to ensure your personal protective equipment stands up to any international safety inspection. Performance Testing and Labeling Before hitting the market, a certified safety helmet must pass critical energy absorption and flame resistance tests. Labeling must be permanent and clearly visible, including the brand name, the specific standard met (NOM or ANSI), the class, and the date of manufacture. Never accept equipment that lacks this engraved data. Traceability is key to ensuring risk prevention on construction sites or in industrial plants. Additionally, remember that the suspension and headband systems must meet ergonomic standards to prevent user fatigue. Conclusion Adhering to the safety standards and certifications required in Mexico is the only way to guarantee a safe and efficient operation. As we’ve outlined, NOM-115-STPS-2009 is the baseline requirement, while ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 raises the bar for cranial protection. Selecting the correct Class (G, E, or C) and Impact Type (I or II) will define the integrity of your gear in the event of an accident. At LICA, we ensure that every product in our catalog strictly complies with these regulations for your total peace of mind. Need a quote for certified helmets? Let us help you choose the exact model for your industry’s needs. References: STPS: NOM-115-STPS-2009, Protective helmets—Specifications and test methods. ANSI/ISEA: Z89.1-2014, American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection. LICA: Industrial safety product data sheets.

Many professionals overlook the fact that plastic has a technical and molecular expiration date. Don’t wait for an accident to happen to find out your gear is obsolete. Here is how to conduct a proper audit of your personal protective equipment (PPE). The Invisible Degradation of Polymers High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is the gold standard material for manufacturing safety helmets. Although it is extremely durable, its chemical structure degrades over time due to constant environmental factors. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun breaks down the plastic’s chemical bonds, making it brittle and porous. This phenomenon is known as material fatigue, and it is virtually imperceptible in its early stages. A degraded hard hat does not absorb impact energy; instead, it transmits it directly to the skull. It can even shatter into sharp shards, posing an additional risk to the user. Because of this, a hard hat’s service life isn’t just a suggestion—it is a technical safety limit. Understanding this process is vital for any industrial safety manager. How to Locate and Read the Manufacture Date Every piece of high-quality PPE must have its date of origin stamped on it. Look inside the shell for a circular engraved stamp that looks like a clock face. The number in the center indicates the year, while the arrow points to the month of the mold injection. It is a common mistake to confuse storage time with actual field use. Most manufacturers recommend replacement after a maximum of five years from the date of manufacture. However, under heavy use, this period should be drastically reduced to two years. If the stamp is worn away or missing, the equipment must be removed from service immediately. Traceability is the only way to guarantee that the polymers still retain their elastic properties. Quick Guide for an Effective Visual Inspection A meticulous visual inspection can reveal damage that an untrained eye might miss. First, check if the hard hat has lost its original shine or looks dull. Fading (chalking) is the primary symptom of severe damage from prolonged sun exposure. Look for tiny cracks, especially at stress points and along the edges of the shell. Perform a squeeze test: lightly compress the sides of the helmet toward the center. If you hear cracking sounds or feel excessive rigidity, the material has lost its ability to flex. Any deep scratch or gouge acts as a dangerous “stress concentrator.” Any hard hat that has sustained a heavy impact must be discarded immediately. Even if there are no external marks, the internal structure could be micro-fractured and useless. The Critical Role of the Suspension and Chin Strap A hard hat is more than just a shell; the suspension system is what actually saves lives. This web of straps creates a “buffer zone” (clearance) between the shell and your head. If the straps are frayed or the plastic clips appear “whitish” (stress whitened), the system will fail. The buildup of sweat, oils, and dust accelerates the rotting of the suspension’s textile fibers. Never modify the interior of the helmet or use suspensions from a different brand. Additionally, the chin strap must be in perfect condition to prevent the helmet from falling off. A snug fit ensures the protection stays in place during a fall or sudden movement. Inspecting these accessories is just as important as checking the rigid shell of your PPE. External Factors That Accelerate Expiration Certain working conditions drastically reduce the durability of your head protection: Chemical Exposure: Contact with chemicals, solvents, or industrial vapors alters the plastic’s chemistry. Adhesives and Paint: Painting the helmet or applying stickers with strong adhesives can weaken the shell’s structure. Temperature Extremes: Working in foundries or cold storage facilities fatigues the material rapidly. Improper Storage: Even leaving a hard hat on a car’s rear dashboard under the sun accelerates degradation. Conclusion: Constant Vigilance for Real Protection Workplace safety is not a one-time event; it is a process of continuous review and improvement. We have seen how UV radiation and time compromise your gear’s integrity. Identifying the manufacture date and performing visual inspections are simple but vital steps. Remember: the suspension and proper maintenance are what make the helmet work. An expired hard hat won’t protect you. Learn to spot the signs and take control of your own safety today. At LICA, we are committed to providing the best personal protective equipment on the market. Don’t let another day go by with questionable gear—prevention is your most important tool. References International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA). Z89.1: Industrial Head Protection Guide. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Technical Manual: Personal Protective Equipment. National Safety Council (NSC). Hard Hat Care and Maintenance Fact Sheet. LICA Industrial Safety. User and Maintenance Manual for Protective Helmets.

According to the most recent statistics of the Mexican Institute of Social Security, an average of 1,364 deaths occur per year due to work risk, the main cause is the lack of personal protective equipment, therefore it is important to attend to the safety rules and suggest to your clients the personal protective equipment appropriate to their needs or work they perform. As a supplier of industrial safety equipment, it is part of your goals that all workers in the industry have the right equipment. It is important to remind you during this month of World Day for Safety and Health at Work and throughout the rest of the year, that at Lica we want safe! Therefore, we offer you more than 1500 industrial security products to protect the industry.