03 Jun Hard Hats – Protective Headwear

Hard Hats – Protective Headwear

Hard hats protect workers from serious head injuries caused by falling or flying objects, impacts, penetration hazards, and, when properly rated, electrical hazards. A single blow to the head can cause permanent injury, making proper selection, use, inspection, and care of head protection essential.

When Hard Hats Are Required

Head protection must be worn when employees are exposed to potential head injuries from hazards such as:

• Falling or flying objects.
• Objects or equipment that could strike the head.
• Low overhead clearances or protruding objects.
• Construction, material-handling, or overhead work.
• Electrical conductors where there is a potential for contact with the head.

Employees must wear the type of head protection appropriate for the hazards identified for their work.

Hard Hat Types and Classes

Modern protective helmets meeting ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 are classified by both impact protection and electrical protection.

Impact Types

• Type I: Designed to reduce the force of impacts primarily to the top of the head.
• Type II: Designed to reduce the force of impacts to the top as well as the front, back, and sides of the head.

Electrical Classes

• Class G (General): Provides limited electrical protection and is tested at 2,200 volts.
• Class E (Electrical): Provides higher electrical protection and is tested at 20,000 volts.
• Class C (Conductive): Provides impact protection but no protection against electrical conductors.

The older Class A and Class B designations have been replaced by the current Class G and Class E classifications.

Always verify the manufacturer’s markings inside the helmet to determine its impact type, electrical class, and applicable standard.

Wear Head Protection Correctly

A hard hat can only provide its intended protection when it is properly worn and maintained.

• Adjust the suspension so the helmet fits securely and comfortably.
• Wear the helmet in the orientation specified by the manufacturer.
• Do not wear a hard hat backward unless the manufacturer specifically permits reverse wearing.
• Keep the suspension properly installed and adjusted.
• Do not place unauthorized objects between the suspension and shell.
• Do not modify, drill, cut, or alter the shell or suspension.
• Use only manufacturer-approved accessories.

Chin straps may be appropriate when work conditions could cause the helmet to fall or be knocked from the employee’s head.

Inspect Before Use

Inspect your hard hat before each use.

Check the shell for:

• Cracks, dents, cuts, or punctures.
• Brittleness or chalking.
• Discoloration or deterioration.
• Damage caused by chemicals, heat, or ultraviolet exposure.
• Unauthorized holes, paint, or modifications.

Inspect the suspension for:

• Torn or stretched straps.
• Damaged attachment points.
• Fraying or deterioration.
• Missing or damaged components.
• Loss of proper adjustment.

Immediately remove damaged or defective head protection from service.

A hard hat that has sustained a significant impact should be removed from service according to the manufacturer’s instructions, even when damage is not readily visible.

Hard Hat Care

Proper care helps maintain the protective qualities of the helmet.

• Clean the shell and suspension according to manufacturer instructions.
• Use mild soap and warm water when appropriate.
• Do not use solvents, harsh chemicals, or cleaners that could weaken the material.
• Do not paint the helmet unless specifically permitted by the manufacturer.
• Use only approved labels, decals, or markings.
• Keep the helmet away from excessive heat and direct sunlight when stored.
• Do not leave hard hats on vehicle dashboards or rear-window shelves where temperatures can become excessive.
• Store head protection where it will not be crushed, damaged, or contaminated.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for replacing the shell, suspension, and other components rather than relying on an arbitrary replacement schedule.

Bump Caps Are Not Hard Hats

Bump caps may help protect against minor bumps and scrapes when working around stationary objects or in areas with limited head clearance.

However, bump caps are not substitutes for approved hard hats or protective helmets. They are not intended to protect workers from falling or flying objects or other hazards requiring industrial head protection.

If the hazard assessment requires a hard hat, a bump cap is not acceptable.

Remember

Hard hats only protect you when the correct type is selected, properly worn, regularly inspected, and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Protect your head before the hazard strikes—head injuries can happen in an instant and have lifelong consequences.