ppe: head protection

PPE: Head Protection29 CFR 1910.135, 29 CFR 1915.155,

29 CFR 1926.100

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Session ObjectivesYou will be able to:• Identify head hazards• Choose appropriate head protection• Know the limitations of head protection• Use and take care of your head protection


Hazard Assessments• Assess the workplace• Evaluate every job • Determine appropriate PPE• Certify the completion of the hazard

assessment in writing


Head Hazard Assessment• Falling objects• Exposed electrical

conductors• Low-hanging

obstructions


Falling Objects• You are at risk when

working below others• Incidents are difficult

to anticipate• Most impact injuries

occur to workers not wearing head protection• Most workers injured

while doing normal jobs


Exposed Electrical Conductors• Electrical shock or

burns could occur • Head protection

insulates and protects• Select right class

of head protection


Bump Hazards• Bumps, scrapes,

bruises

• Low-hanging pipes, steel structures, machinery components

• Nonroutine cleaning or maintenance


Head Hazards and Injuries—Any Questions?• Any questions about

workplace hazards to your head?


Hard Hat Design• Resist penetration• Absorb shock• High-density, light-

weight polyethylene• Stamped with ANSI

Z89 specifications


Hard Hat Types• Type I–Top impact and

penetration protection

• Type II–Top and side impact and penetration

protection

• ANSI Z89.1


Hard Hat Classes• Class C – No electrical protection• Class G – Low voltage (tested at 2,200

volts)• Class E – High voltage (tested at 20,000

volts)


Hard Hat Testing• Temperature extremes

• Impact resistance

• Penetration resistance

• Electrical insulation


Standard Head Protection•Wide profile and brim• Increased ventilation• Sun protection• Suspension system• Ratchet systems• Brow pads


Highly Protective Helmet• Impact and penetration resistance from

all directions• Chin strap• Air vents molded into helmet• Crown pad and brow pad• Accessories


High Temperature Hats• Advanced thermoplastic materials• Utilities, welding, foundries, steel mills•Meet NFPA 1977-1998 Standard• Exposed to 350ºF for 5 minutes• Resistant to radiant heat and flame


Bump Caps• Protect against bumps, scrapes, cuts• Used when helmet or hard hat unnecessary•Made of lightweight hard plastic•May accommodate faceshields or visors• Do not meet ANSI Z89 standards


Hard Hat Selection—Any Questions?• Any questions about

choosing appropriate head protection?


Wearing Hard Hats Backward• Type I hard hats have

been tested• Crown must be

symmetrical• Suspension must be

reversed• Type II helmets should

not be worn backward


Stickers or Markings• Adhesive stickers will not chemically

damage helmets• Stickers may cover cracks or other signs

of damage• Keep stickers at least 3/4 inch away from

edge of helmet• Engraving is restricted to underside of brim• Do not engrave the crown area or near

suspension sockets


Visibility• Increase visibility to

equipment operators and vehicles• High-visibility colors• Fluorescent striping• Reflective striping


Objects Inside a Hard Hat• Maintain clearance

between shell and head

• Metal part may reduce electrical insulation properties

• Do not place objects above or below crown straps

• Fabric winter liners or sunshades are acceptable


Useful Life of a Hard Hat• Replace every 2 years if exposed to

chemicals, sunlight, temperature extremes• Date codes are molded into brims• Replace if struck by a forcible blow


Maintenance and Care• Clean with mild detergent and hot water• Inspect shell for damage or excess wear• Inspect suspension straps for cuts, frays,

chemical damage• Never drill holes • Do not use paints or cleaning solvents


Field Test Hard Hats• Compress shell sides inward 1 inch• Release pressure• Shell should return to original shape• Compare elasticity to new shell• Replace if not elastic or if it cracks


Head Protection—Any Questions?• Any questions about

the use and care of hard hats?


Key Points to Remember• Follow recommendations in head hazard

assessment•Wear the correct type and class of helmet

for the hazards found• Inspect and clean hard hats daily • Limit stickers and other markings• Replace hard hats according to work

conditions

ppe: head protection

Documents

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volts business legal

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