HARD HAT, Plumber's

Standard issue white plastic hard hat for construction sites. Inside the hat is a grey fabric webbing harness to cushion the head from any impact on the hat. This is attached in four places with plastic clips which look as though they could be removed by sliding upwards if the harness was to be replaced. However they would remain firm under an impact from above. The webbing harness comprised two strips of webbing which cross over in the centre of the head. Attached to this is a grey plastic adjustable band which runs around the crown. There is a piece of vinyl clipped to the front of the band. The back adjusts by clipping three lugs inside three of a series of holes in the other end of the band. The following information is cast into the plastic "SIZE RANGE 6 1/2 - 7 3/4 MSA". There is a circular emblem divided into many segments with the numbers "84 85 86" in the three central segments. The underside of the brim is marked with the same emblem, the letters "MSA" and a triangular emblem with the numbers "1801-1981" inside it. There are two stickers inside the helmet. The first has the same triangular emblem with the words "MANUFACTURED TO AUSTRALIAN STANDARD" around it, and "1801" below it. It also states "INDUSTRIAL SAFETY HELMET" and has the number "700814" together with information on the standard. The lettering is black on white. The other sticker is lettered in red on white. It states "SAFETY WARNING / Helmets must be replaced if / damaged due to severe impact or / deterioration. Do not modify or / remove parts. Replace complete / harness only. Helmets can be / seriously damaged by substances / such as petrol, paint, adhesives, / aerosol sprays or cleaning agents. / MSA (AUST.) Pty Limited." A green and white elasticated towelling band is attached with a plastic clip to holes on each side of the inner rim. It is adjustable in length, and has been pushed over the back rim of the helmet out of the way. The helmet has a sloping 4cm wide brim at the front and a narrow brim around the sides and back. There is a narrow slot on each side which may have been intended for a different harness system. The top of the hat has a "V" shaped ridge with the point of the V at the front. The hat is covered in stickers and at the front has the the word "Rosco" written in black marker pen. Above this is a sticker for "MATTHEW HALL" with the letters "MH" printed over a red triangle which has the words "SAFETY FIRST" on its lower edge. The helmet was standard issue for his employer, Matthew Hall. Diagonally across the crown of the helmet is a black sticker with the words '"Rage with a Raunchy Lady"' in white and with a large pair of red lips under the word raunchy. Below this on the left edge is a blue sticker with white writing in the style of the Ford cars logo, with the word "Fuck". At the back of the helmet are two "MACHINE/ MEN" stickers. One has the caption "ENEMY / ROBOT / HERR / FIEND" and a picture of a robot standing over an expensive car. The other has the caption "ENEMY / ROBOT / WAR PATH" and a picture of a robot and an khaki green helicopter. On the right hand side is a sticker of Micky Mouse with a mean expression on his face, one hand on his hip and the other giving the "finger up" gesture. The helmet was standard issue together with the t-shirt (H90.243) and jacket (H90.242). Boots were also issued but were not donated to the museum. There was a waiting period of 2 weeks before being issued with the jacket. The helmet belonged to Ross Peet, a plumber who works in Perth or up north, and lives in Margaret River when he has time. He has worked on the Princess of Wales wing at Fremantle Hospital, the Merlin Hotel and the R & I tower behind the Palace Hotel. See H90.235-237, 242-5 and 249 for other objects and costume relating to his work as a plumber.

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