A firefighter crawls through zero-visibility smoke. An oil and gas worker enters an area where an invisible gas leak could turn deadly. A construction employee works near a crane’s suspended load outside their field of vision.
In high-risk jobs, workers are increasingly using technology long associated with military aviation: helmet-mounted displays, or HMDs. These systems place selected information on a display in or near a worker’s field of vision, helping the worker check critical information without looking away from their work at a separate gauge, screen, or instrument panel. For example, some firefighter self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) systems may use a facepiece-mounted heads-up display to show breathing-air status. Other potential workplace applications include alerts for hazardous gases, equipment conditions, restricted areas, and proximity hazards.
HMDs can improve situational awareness and safety when employees select, maintain, and use them carefully. However, too much information on a display can also distract workers from hazards around them. HMDs do not replace training, hazard recognition, engineering controls, safe work procedures, or sound judgment. These tips can help ensure your crew uses HMDs safely as one more layer of on-the-job protection.
1 Inspect and test the system before every shift.
Before work begins, check that the display powers on and that its sensors, cameras, alarms, communications, and controls operate as intended. Test alarms and gas sensors as required by the manufacturer’s instructions and your company’s procedures. Report malfunctions before entering a work area so workers do not discover a problem during an emergency.
2 Don't let a dead battery cut off safety information.
Fully charge batteries before each shift and replace or recharge them on a regular schedule. Keep backup batteries or alternate equipment available when workers depend on the system for critical safety information.
3 Train workers before they rely on the display.
Teach workers what each symbol, color, alarm, and warning means. Include the system in drills and emergency exercises so workers can use it confidently before they face an actual emergency.
4 Put critical warnings first.
Too much information can distract workers or cause them to miss an urgent alarm. Configure displays so immediate dangers — such as toxic gas, low breathing air, an evacuation warning, or a dangerous-proximity alert — take priority over routine information.
5 Keep the display and sensors clear.
Clean visors, screens, sensors, and camera lenses before use and whenever conditions require it. Smoke, dust, mud, grease, condensation, and scratches can obstruct the display or interfere with a camera or sensor’s ability to detect hazards.
6 Stay focused on the work surroundings.
An HMD should add to a worker’s awareness — not replace it. Continue to watch and listen for moving equipment, falling objects, coworkers, changing conditions, and other hazards that may not appear on the display.
7 Plan for equipment failure.
Tell workers what to do if the display freezes, loses signal, provides questionable readings, or goes blank. Require employees to report problems immediately and remove defective equipment from service until it is repaired or replaced.
8 Use only approved helmet attachments.
Install HMDs only with the mounts, brackets, straps, cables, and other accessories approved by the helmet and HMD manufacturers. Check that attachment hardware is secure and undamaged. Route cables so they will not snag, interfere with other protective gear, or obstruct the worker’s movement or view. Do not drill holes, alter the shell or suspension, or use makeshift mounting methods.
9 Make sure the complete system still protects the worker.
Before adopting an HMD, confirm that the helmet, display, attachments, and any other accessories are compatible as a complete system. The added equipment must not weaken the helmet's fit, stability, electrical or impact protection, or other required protective performance. Provide head protection that meets applicable OSHA head-protection requirements — 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.135 for general industry or 29 CFR 1926.100 for construction — and follow the applicable edition of American National Standards Institute/International Safety Equipment Association Z89.1 and the manufacturers’ instructions.
Need help building a safety and health program or complying with OSHA standards? Contact the Occupational Safety and Health Consultation (OSHCON) Program for confidential, free, on-site assistance at OSHCON@tdi.texas.gov or 800-252-7031. For more workplace safety training and resources, visit www.txsafetyatwork.com or download these DWC publications:
- Personal Protective Equipment Fact Sheet (English/Spanish).
- Protective Headgear Safety Training Program (English/Spanish).