Inspecting climbing and work helmets: what the codes and regulators list
What OSHA, CCOHS, WorkSafeBC and the New Zealand arboriculture code list for looking over a work helmet before use, when it leaves service, and how it is stored.
Checked against the sources at the bottom of this page on October 9, 2026. Rules, fees and pay change: the source has the last word.
This page reports what the named codes, regulators and makers say. It is not training and does not teach the work. This page reports what the official source says. It is not legal advice: ask the office named here. Every source below was read on October 9, 2026. Which standards a helmet carries in each country is set out in helmets by standard, and the general rules for all kit are in gear inspection rules.
Credits: SafeWork NSW text is adapted from the Tree works code of practice (March 2026), copyright State of New South Wales (SafeWork NSW), licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0; changes were made, because the text is summarised and reworded. WorkSafe New Zealand material is summarised from its Approved Code of Practice for Safety and Health in Arboriculture, with the source acknowledged.
What each source says
| Source | What it says |
|---|---|
| OSHA 1910.135, United States | The rule sets out when a helmet is worn (falling-object hazard, and an electrical-rated helmet near exposed conductors). The rule text read contains no inspection step. |
| OSHA safety and health information bulletin on safety helmets, United States | Refers to the maker's guidelines for care, use and storage. As a general rule it lists nine points: the outer shell for cracks, dents and damage; the suspension, headband, chin strap and interior cushioning for wear; legible labels and certification marks; any approved accessories; fit; the maker's lifespan guidance; cleaning with mild soap and water and air drying before storage; retirement after an impact even with no visible damage; and a record of each inspection. |
| CCOHS protective headwear fact sheet, Canada | Says the CSA Z94.1 standard requires markings that include the year and month of manufacture. It says makers may state a useful life, and that the shell, liner and suspension are inspected before each use for cracks, dents, cuts and wear. It says heat, sunlight or chemicals can leave headwear chalky, dull or stiffer, and that headwear struck by an object is replaced even with no visible damage. |
| WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation 8.11, British Columbia | Headgear that is damaged, or has missing, mismatched or modified parts, is taken out of service. Chin straps or another effective means of retention are required for workers who climb or work above 3 m (10 ft), or who are exposed to high winds or other conditions that may cause loss of the headgear. |
| WorkSafe NZ arboriculture code, 2.2.2, New Zealand | Helmets are inspected before use and removed from service if signs of excessive wear or damage are found. Otherwise they are replaced as the maker recommends. The code says helmets should not be stored in direct sunlight and that paints, petrol, oil or solvents can cause deterioration. |
| SafeWork NSW code, New South Wales | The PPE table names AS/NZS 1801:2024 for occupational protective helmets with a chinstrap. The code text read sets no helmet inspection steps. |
| United Kingdom | No official page found on October 9, 2026 that lists a pre-use check for a work helmet. |
What the sources agree on
OSHA, CCOHS and the New Zealand code all name damage and wear as the reason a helmet leaves service. OSHA and CCOHS both say an impact retires a helmet even with no visible damage. OSHA, CCOHS and the New Zealand code all tie the service life to the maker's guidance and to sunlight, heat or chemical exposure.
What the sources leave out
None of the sources read sets a fixed helmet age in years, and none sets a fixed interval for a formal inspection. The CSA fact sheet points to the year and month of manufacture marking, and leaves the useful life to the maker.
For the courses that teach climbing work, see certifications by country.
Sources
- OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.135 Head protection, read October 9, 2026
- OSHA, Safety and Health Information Bulletin: Head Protection, Safety Helmets in the Workplace, read October 9, 2026
- CCOHS, OSH Answers: Protective headwear, read October 9, 2026
- WorkSafeBC, OHS Regulation Part 8 Personal protective clothing and equipment, read October 9, 2026
- WorkSafe New Zealand, Approved Code of Practice for Safety and Health in Arboriculture, read October 9, 2026
- SafeWork NSW, Tree works code of practice, March 2026, read October 9, 2026