AU2010100565A4 - Helmet - Google Patents

Description

1 BACKGROUND ART WELDING FACE SHIELD AND HARDHAT COMBINATION Welding face shield/hardhat combinations have been developed to meet construction site safety requirements. Typical helmet combinations position the face shield approximately 45mm [almost double the distance] further away from the wearers face compared to a standard face shield which does not include a hardhat. As a consequence, this increased distance results in greater leverage placing additional strain on the back of the wearer's neck causing neck soreness and therefore the need to take more frequent and longer rest breaks. In addition, this increased distance causes the wearer's field of view to be reduced resulting in almost zero peripheral vision and making it more difficult when working in confined spaces. Due to this restricted view, industry standard considers it an unsafe work practice to use an angle grinder with the face shield down and the welding lens in the raised position. The preferred practice is to interchange the welding face shield with a clear full face shield when grinding work is to be done. While performing TIG welding or other welding procedures that require two hands, it is common practice to "nod" the welding face shield from the raised to the lowered position. Unlike standard welding face shields, the hardhat/face shield combination does not include a head harness ratchet size adjustment, resulting in the hardhat/face shield moving or dislodging from the wearers head. This also occurs when welding over head. The hardhat needs to be removed from the wearers head to make any tightness adjustments. AN APPLICANT DATE Allan Inder-Smith 04-06-10