are climbing helmets really required?

[Maui Palm & Tree Care]

just wondering if climbing helmets like the vertex or kask are required by OSHA for tree work? i have been using a hardhat with chin strap but its only rated for a impact from the top and not the sides. im thinking about pulling the trigger on a new helmet but not sure if a climbing helmet is even required?

as long as it protects your heads its doing its job right? im tight on money but i can probably squeeze in a $100 purchase this month if it is a necessary purchase . what do you think?

 

[PUClimber]

The helmets are not something thats is required. My thoughts are if you have a chin strap you are okay. It can't come off that way and they are still used quite a lot by the larger line clearance crews as well as a few of the larger companies.

 

[cerviarborist]

If you've got a $10 brain, go with the $10 helmet.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Chin straps aren't required. But...is there a compelling reason not to wear one? Even one of the elastic ones that go onto construction style hard hats.

 

[jmcscrap]

[ QUOTE ]
If you've got a $10 brain, go with the $10 helmet.

[/ QUOTE ]

LMAO - great quote!!

 

[JeffL]

Why skimp? I mean, it is your brain afterall......

 

[Maui Palm & Tree Care]

i really dont like the way the vertex looks and it didn't fit my head shape that well so i think im going to pull the trigger on white ecrin roc. buying from sherill.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Joshua,

If you use flip down ear protection/muffs you might not be happy with the Ecrin. Since the helmet doesn't have scallops above the ears the muffs make the helmet ride up or the muffs push down on your ears.

 

[cashmoneytreeboy]

i have logged over 18,000 hours in a ecrin,

 

[Maui Palm & Tree Care]

thanks tom. i actually like the ear plug style a bit better. since i have been using the flip down muff style i noticed it doesn't reduce volume as much as the plug style does. also the mesh face shield is giving me issues in the sun. it tends to distort colors and cause a nasty glare. im switching over to my sun glasses and ear plugs.

 

[treehumper]

It's not a fashion show up there Josh. My vertex best never looked good but it fit well and stayed on my head with the chinstrap.

 

[Norm_Hall]

[ QUOTE ]
i really dont like the way the vertex looks and it didn't fit my head shape that well so i think im going to pull the trigger on white ecrin roc. buying from sherill.

[/ QUOTE ]

Have you thought about the Alveo? It's lighter and has thumb adjusters on both sides above the ears. Also has the 'Vizir' face shield option.
I have 1 and like it better than the Ecrin and Vertex.

 

[Toparboring]

Ever think how you look with a branch sticking in your skull now thats fashion for awakeings. Chin strap no chin strap, muffs or plugs, doesn't matter much when you heading to the emergency room how cool you looked. Took me yelling at my dad and a small branch hitting him for him to dawn a helmet. Just find one that fits work with it and get comfy your family will thank you for wearing one.

 

[Phil]

don't you own a super sweet skateboarding helmet? those things are rated for top, side and diagonal impact.

 

[surfarmer1]

Try wearing a climbing helmet when in the tree and maybe another style that is more comfortable when you are working on the ground..if comfort is an issue...

 

[markprz]

alveo

 

[Maui Palm & Tree Care]

wht are some pros and cons with all the helmets mentioned compared to the ecrin?

 

[lync]

if iam not mistaken ecrin is not side impact rated. Ive used both helmets and the vertex is more ccomfortable. the vertex with earplugs is my preferance.

 

[Rocks_and_Trees]

IMO, when you're wearing a helmet for 8 hours a day you might as well get the best available. I've been wearing the Alveo. It's lighter than any helmet I've had before, ventilated, and fits ok. I really don't like the way it looks, but they all look a bit goofy.

 

[Maui Palm & Tree Care]

how does the alveo feel? its missing the suspension design and it looks like it only has a layer of foam between your head and the shell. hmmm, looks like it might move around a lot.