Safety Discussion

TOPIC: Head Protection General Information Head protection practices are vital for employee safety in areas that may have overhead work. ANSI Z89.1 lists two classifications when selecting the proper hard hat: Type I: Hard hat designed to reduce forces from an impact from the top of the head. This is generally the most common hard hat type utilized in general industry. Type II: Hard hats designed to reduce forces from an impact from the top of the head and off center. Generally these hard hats are lined with high density foam. Hard Hat Electrical Classifications: Class G (General): Designed to protect wearers from low voltage contact. (Formerly Class A) Class E (Electrical): Designed to protect wearers from high voltage contact. Class C (Conductive): Not designed to protect wearers from electrical contact. Hard Hat Maintenance Inspect your hard hat daily. Look for cracks, gouges, flaking plastic or a chalky appearance on the plastic. Remove the hard hat from service if any defects are found. If you wear your hard hat backwards, make sure the hard hat has the reverse donning arrow marking. This indicates that the hard hat was tested to meet all safety requirements whether it is worn forward or backward. If the reverse donning arrow marking is not on your hard hat, do not wear it backwards. Questions to Generate Discussion • What Type of hard hat are you currently wearing? • What Class of hard hat are you currently wearing? • What might trigger the need to remove your hard hat from service

after performing an inspection?

The material in this document is provided for informational purposes only and not as a comprehensive or exhaustive resource on this topic. This material has been compiled from a multitude of sources believed to be accurate; however, the author assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or currency of this information and encourages you to consult experts in this area for more information. In no event does the content of this document supersede any applicable local, state, or federal statutes or regulations.

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