Industrial safety helmets - ATRAFace shields and hearing protectors

Face shields and hearing protectors

Head protection against falling objects is not the only function of ATRA's specialized safety helmets. Thanks to the use of dedicated additional accessories, it is possible to protect the face, eyes, and hearing. This is particularly important when performing construction, production, or arborist work. PROTEKT, a Polish manufacturer of devices and systems ensuring work safety, provides users with high class special face shields, and hearing protectors for ATRA helmets.

Face shields for ATRA helmets

 

The special design of all ATRA series helmets with 30 mm slots allows the additional use of special face shields. Among the products offered by PROTEKT, we need to mention:

 

  • polycarbonate face shield - providing protection against hot metals (or molten solids), liquid splashes, and medium energy elements. The shield has optical class 1 and complies with the EN166 standard;
  • mesh face shield - used to protect the eyes and face against small particles of low energy, especially in forestry work where splinters of branches or stones are dangerous. The shield is made of polypropylene and steel mesh. It meets the requirements of EN1731 standard.

 

The special design of the face shield for ATRA helmets ensures effective protection against hazards coming from the side of the face. All sets are composed of: visor, frame, hinges and mounting adapters (for attaching the helmet shields or ear protectors).

 

ATRA hearing protectors

 

Hearing protectors designed to provide additional protection of ATRA helmets are another accessory. PROTEKT provides the following types of ATRA ear protectors meeting the EN 352-3 and ANSI S3.19 standards:

 

  • metal construction with SNR 25.9 dB and NNR 22 dB, noise reduction;
  • plastic construction with SNR 23 dB and NNR 30 dB, noise reduction.

 

The above-mentioned ear protectors are available in two versions: detachable (with an adapter making it easier to attach and detach the ear protectors) and non-detachable (when there is no need to frequently remove the ear protectors). Each version is available in yellow and red colors, which additionally increases the worker's visibility.

 

Choosing Between Mesh and Polycarbonate Visors

 

Selecting the correct face protection depends entirely on the hazards present at the worksite. A polycarbonate face shield is the standard requirement for protection against high-speed particles, chemical splashes, and molten metal. It provides a solid barrier that seals the face off from fluids and sparks, making it essential for heavy industry and construction. However, these shields can sometimes fog up in humid conditions despite anti-fog coatings, making mesh options a viable alternative for specific tasks.

 

Mesh face shields are the superior choice for forestry and arboriculture, where the primary risks are wood chips and larger flying debris. The mesh structure offers excellent ventilation, preventing fogging and keeping the worker cool during strenuous activity. It effectively blocks sawdust and branches but does not protect against liquid splashes or fine dust. Therefore, arborists often pair these with safety glasses for a dual layer of protection. For comprehensive forestry safety, these shields should be paired with specialized equipment for arborists.

 

The Importance of Integrated Hearing Protection

 

Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and often goes unnoticed until it is too late. Attaching hearing protectors directly to the safety helmet ensures that protection is always at hand and not lost in a pocket. Helmet-mounted earmuffs apply consistent pressure for a proper seal without the discomfort of a headband squeezing the head under the helmet.

 

When selecting ear defenders, always check the SNR (Single Number Rating) to ensure the attenuation level matches the noise level in the environment. For environments with varying noise levels, detachable models allow the wearer to flip the cups up when communication is needed. These accessories are crucial add-ons to the base industrial safety helmets ATRA.