/ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Head Protection | 1

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Head Protection

PPE—Head Protection

Head injuries are caused by falling or flying objects, or by bumping the head against a fixed object. Other head injuries can come from electrical shock.

OSHA requires that employees shall ensure that any affected employees wear protective helmets when working in areas with potential head injuries or falling objects.

Hard hats lessen injury because they are designed to do several things:

  • Resist penetration,
  • Absorb shocks from blows, and
  • Insulate the head from electricity (when designed to do so).

Types and Classes of Hard Hats

Hard hats fall into two types and three classes, and are intended to provide protection against a specific hazardous condition. The types of hard hats are:

  • Type 1 – Has a full brim that is a t least 1.25 inches wide.
  • Type 2 – Has no brim and has a peak extending forward from the crown.

There are three classes of hard hats:

  • Class A – Provide general service and limited voltage protection. These hats are used for protection against impact hazards.
  • Class B – Provide utility service and high voltage protection. This class of hat protects the head from impact and penetration from falling objects and high-voltage shock and burn. Class B hats are used mainly during electrical work.
  • Class C – Provide special service and no voltage protection. These hats provide lightweight comfort and impact protection, and are used where there is no danger from electrical hazards.

To prolong hard hat life and usefulness, proper care and periodic inspection of hard hats should be required. Instruct affected employees to:

  • Check daily for signs of dents, cracks or penetration. Check the shell, suspension, headband and sweatband. Do not use if any of these parts are damaged.
  • Store hard hats away from heat sources and out of direct sunlight. Sunlight and heat can affect the degree of protection the hat provides.
  • Avoid getting paint or solvent on the hat, as this may damage or weaken the hat.

Employee Training

At 29 CFR 1910.132 OSHA requires employee training which is applicable to the use of protective headgear. Training should include:

  • When PPE is necessary.
  • What PPE is necessary.
  • How to properly don, remove, adjust and wear PPE.
  • The limitations of PPE.
  • The proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE.

Training Tips

Discuss with employees what hazards they may potentially be exposed to, and what kind of head wear is needed to protect against those hazards.

Demonstrate the proper way to put on a safety hat, and how to adjust and wear it.

For more information see:

  • 29 CFR 1910.135—Head Protection.
  • ANSI Z89.1-1986—Protective Headgear for Industrial Workers

PPE – Head ProtectionHandout

You may be exposed to the hazards of falling objects at work and need to protect yourself from the risk of head injuries. Construction workers, tree trimmers, ship builders, miners and electrical workers and many other occupations are required to wear protective headgear.

Types and Classes of Protective Headgear

There are two types of headgear:

  • Type 1 – has a full brim that is at least 1.25 inches wide.
  • Type 2 – has no brim and has a peak extending forward from the crown.

There are three classes of headgear

  • Class A –general service with limited voltage protection.
  • Class B –utility service with high voltage protection.
  • Class C –special service with no voltage protection.

When choosing hard hats, look for ones that meet ANSI Z89.1-Safety Requirements for Industrial Workers.

Training Information

Your employer must train you on the need for and use of protective headgear. Training should include:

  • Information on when PPE is needed.
  • An explanation on what protective headwear is required, and where to obtain it.
  • How to put on, take off, adjust and wear protective headwear.
  • The limitation of PPE.

The proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE.

Employee Responsibility

Keep your hard hat in good condition.

Inspect your hardhat everyday for:

  • Cracks, dents and wear—discard hats that are damaged or chalky looking.
  • The condition of the suspension system—look for torn straps, broken sewing lines, loose rivets, defective lugs and other defects.
  • Cleanliness—wash your hard hat monthly in warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
  • The presence of paint or solvents—these can weaken the shell of the hard hat.

PPE – Head Protection Sign–Off Sheet

The employees of ______Company Name______, have taken part in a training session PPE – Head Protection. The session covered:

  • What head portection is needed or recommended, and where to obtain it.
  • How to don, remove, adjust and wear protective head gear.
  • Limitations of the PPE.
  • The proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE.

Date of Training: / Facility:
Employee Signature / PRINT NAME

______

Supervisor’s Signature