Safety helmet colours
[edit] Overview
Build UK was established in 2015 and is the leading representative organisation for the UK construction industry, delivering change and enabling the construction supply chain to improve the efficiency and delivery of construction projects for the benefit of the UK economy. By bringing together Clients, Main Contractors, Trade Associations representing over 11,500 Specialist Contractors and other organisations committed to industry collaboration, Build UK represents in excess of 40% of UK construction.
In April 2016, Build UK published a new standard ‘Safety Helmet Colours’, to be implemented on all new construction sites, and all existing construction sites where practicable (exceptions include Network Rail, who only permit white and blue helmets on its infrastructure).
The standard was drafted in consultation with Build UK members to provide ‘… a clear and consistent approach to improve communication and safety across construction projects’.
Safety helmets are primarily intended to ‘…protect the upper part of a wearer’s head against injury from falling objects’ (ref BS EN 397 Industrial safety helmets), however, they can also indicate the role and competence of the wearer to others.
The colour standards for safety helmets set out by Build UK are:
- Black: Supervisor.
- Orange: Slinger / Signaller.
- White: Site Manager, Competent Operative, Vehicle Marshal (distinguished by the wearing of a different coloured high visibility vest).
- Blue: All those on site not undertaking one of the other roles.
It also prescribes two helmet stickers:
- Green: First Aider.
- Red: Fire Marshal.
All helmets must meet BS EN 397 or BS EN 12492 Industrial safety helmets.
Safety Helmet Colour was published alongside a Training Standard, specifying and promoting card schemes carrying the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) logo, which helps contractors assess the competence of construction workers and with their eligibility to work on-site.
Suzannah Nichol MBE, Chief Executive of Build UK, said: “Health and safety is a priority for Build UK and we are delighted with the positive response from our members who have welcomed the latest standards, which aim to make life easier and help them meet the increasing demands of working on-site. We will continue to bring the contracting supply chain together to engage intelligently and collaboratively in policy debates ensuring that Build UK, as the voice of the industry, leads positive and meaningful change”.
In September 2016, Highways England announced they would adopt the hard hat colour system for all construction and maintenance sites from 1 January 2017.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Homes England supports Greencore Homes
42 new build affordable sustainable homes in Oxfordshire.
Zero carbon social housing: unlocking brownfield potential
Seven ZEDpod strategies for brownfield housing success.
CIOB report; a blueprint for SDGs and the built environment
Pairing the Sustainable Development Goals with projects.
Types, tests, standards and fires relating to external cladding
Brief descriptions with an extensive list of fires for review.
Latest Build UK Building Safety Regime explainer published
Key elements in one short, now updated document.
UKGBC launch the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap
First guidance of its kind on direct climate impacts for the built environment and how it can adapt.
CLC Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy 2025
Launched by the Minister for Industry to look at fatalities on site, improving mental health and other issues.
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
Common Assessment Standard now with building safety
New CAS update now includes mandatory building safety questions.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.