Head Protection

Can we use a different brand hard hat with an Oberon faceshield or suit hood?

Can we use a different brand hard hat with an Oberon faceshield or suit hood? Yes, Oberon has different adapters available that can fit other manufacturer’s hard hats. However the selection is limited and you must consult with an Oberon Representative for assistance. The originally supplied Oberon hard hat shall never be switched for another manufacturer’s hard hat without first changing the adapters. Failure to comply will result in broken adapters and increased risk to the worker. Oberon has conducted all...


Will the Hood Ventilation System pull in toxic smoke after an arc flash incident?

Will the Hood Ventilation System pull in toxic smoke after an arc flash incident? This is highly unlikely. Workers need the fresh air provided by an Oberon hood ventilation system to properly function during a work task execution. The risk of heat stress causing disorientation and dizziness is far more severe than the likelihood of the fan unit pulling in toxic fumes from an arc flash. Oberon has tested its hood ventilation system and made no observations of the fan causing...


What is the difference between green versus grey arc flash faceshield or hood lenses?

What is the difference between green versus grey arc flash faceshield or hood lenses? Both Oberon green/yellow and new clear True Color Grey (TCG) lenses provide protection from an arc flash incident. A clear grey lens is safer than the old green technology because the likelihood of a worker making a mistake that could cause an arc flash has been reduced.   Oberon’s True Colour Grey is a medium density filter that allows all visible light to pass through it with no distortion....


Can I use Febreze on my PPE?

Can I use Febreze on my PPE? The stock answer is “the garments should be free of flammable contaminants”…whether that be oily/flammable dirt or additives from the cleaning process such as fabric softeners. The MSDS for Febreze states that Febreze does contain Ethanol which is flammable (also documented in the MSDS). If you require a blanket statement that it is OK to use Febreze regardless of how or how much is used, then the answer is NO because the MSDS states clearly that there is a flammable...


Can I use anti-fog wipes on Oberon products?

Can I use anti-fog wipes on Oberon products? It is not recommended to use wipes on most of our arc flash face shields and arc flash hood windows as they already have a permanent anti-fog coating on the inner surface. Using wipes will likely damage the coating causing it to stop working. If the coating has been damaged already and does not function, we would then suggest that you experiment with the wipes in a bottom corner of the face shield...


How do I disinfect my Oberon hood?

How do I disinfect my Oberon hood? The interior of the Arc Flash Hood can get soiled from perspiration and/or heavy usage. When more than one worker uses the hood, bacteria and other germs can get transmitted from one worker to another. In these situations, it is highly recommended that the hood be washed periodically according to the washing instructions on the hood’s label. However, between washings, the interior of the hood can be disinfected using anti-bacterial disinfectant spray. Spray the...


Can Arc Flash PPE be shared between workers?

Can Arc Flash PPE be shared between workers? No, due to personal hygiene and the risk of spreading infectious disease. Please see our white paper in the resource section of our website for more details. In summary, hard non-porous surfaces can be effectively disinfected, such as the arc flash hood visor, hard hat and other plastic components. However, we do not believe that fabrics can be safely shared between workers due to the ineffectiveness of disinfectant sprays or wipes on a...


How safe is it to wear hard-wired telecommunication headsets under the arc flash hood?

How safe is it to wear hard-wired telecommunication headsets under the arc flash hood? This question is best answered by addressing several points; Wireless communication is the safest alternative. Wherever possible, one should opt to using wireless headset under their arc flash hood. The communications device would be completely covered by the hood and would not interfere with the performance of the hood. However, working conditions may make it difficult to use wireless communications. Strong electromagnetic field could interfere with communication...


When should I use arc rated earplugs?

When should I use arc rated earplugs? The NFPA 70E Standard requires workers wear hearing protection any time an arc flash incident is likely to occur. This requirement is the same for either arc flash PPE selection method; incident energy analysis or arc flash PPE categories. The Standard states hearing protection required and points to ear canal inserts. Other types of hearing protection are permitted to be used in lieu of or in addition to ear canal inserts provided they are...


Can I wear my hard hat in the reverse position?

Can I wear my hard hat in the reverse position? Reverse wearing option helmets are intended to pass all testing requirement whether they are worn facing frontward or backwards in accordance with the manufacturer’s wearing instructions. Oberon asks that you reverse the suspension when wearing our hard hats in reverse.