21 Apr Hard Hats

Hard Hats

There is no excuse for failing to wear a hard hat when head protection is required. Hard hats are designed to protect workers from falling or flying objects, overhead hazards, and certain electrical hazards. Wearing the correct hard hat can prevent a serious or fatal head injury.

When Hard Hats Are Required

Hard hats shall be worn whenever employees are exposed to potential head injuries, including hazards from:

• Falling or flying objects.
• Tools or materials being used or stored overhead.
• Overhead lifting and crane operations.
• Protruding or fixed objects that could be struck by the head.
• Construction activities occurring above employees.
• Electrical conductors or equipment when electrical head protection is required.

Employees shall also comply with designated Hard Hat Areas and site-specific PPE requirements.

Hard Hat Types and Classes

Hard-hat classifications have changed over the years. The former Classes A, B, and C have been replaced by the current ANSI/ISEA classifications:

• Class G (General): Provides limited electrical protection in addition to impact protection.
• Class E (Electrical): Provides a higher level of electrical protection for work involving electrical hazards.
• Class C (Conductive): Provides impact protection but does not provide protection against electrical conductors.

Hard hats are also classified by impact protection:

• Type I: Designed primarily to reduce the force of impacts to the top of the head.
• Type II: Designed to reduce the force of impacts to the top and sides of the head.

The appropriate hard hat shall be selected based on the hazards identified for the work. Metallic or conductive head protection shall not be worn where electrical contact hazards exist.

Inspection and Replacement

Inspect your hard hat before use. Check the:

• Shell for cracks, dents, gouges, brittleness, or other deterioration.
• Suspension for cuts, tears, stretching, or fraying.
• Adjustment mechanism for proper operation.
• Chin strap and accessories, when used, for damage.
• Entire assembly for signs of chemical, heat, or ultraviolet damage.

Damaged or deteriorated hard hats shall be removed from service and replaced.

A hard hat that has received a significant impact shall be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions, even if there is no visible damage.

Care and Maintenance

Hard hats must be properly maintained to provide effective protection.

• Keep the shell and suspension clean.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and sanitizing.
• Never drill holes, cut, reshape, or otherwise modify a hard hat.
• Do not paint a hard hat unless specifically permitted by the manufacturer.
• Do not use solvents, adhesives, or chemicals that could weaken the shell.
• Store hard hats away from excessive heat, sunlight, and chemicals.
• Ensure the suspension is properly installed and adjusted.

Do not interchange suspensions between different makes or models unless specifically approved by the manufacturer.

Chin Straps, Liners, and Accessories

Use only chin straps, winter liners, face shields, hearing protection, and other accessories that are compatible with the hard hat and permitted by the manufacturer.

Accessories used where electrical hazards exist must not compromise the helmet’s electrical protection. Employees shall not place unauthorized materials or objects between the suspension and their head.

Hard-Hat Colors

Employers may use hard-hat colors to identify trades, work groups, supervisors, visitors, or other personnel. However, color does not determine the protective rating of a hard hat. Always verify the manufacturer’s markings to determine its type and electrical class.

Remember

A hard hat works only when you wear the correct type, maintain it properly, and keep it on when required. Never modify your hard hat or continue using one that has been damaged or subjected to a significant impact.