19 Jan Head Protection

Head Protection

Your head contains the brain and other structures essential to nearly everything you do. A serious head injury can result in permanent disability or death. Proper head protection is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of injury from falling or flying objects, impact hazards, and certain electrical hazards.

Employees shall wear approved head protection whenever workplace conditions present a potential for head injury.

When Head Protection Is Required

Protective helmets shall be worn when employees are exposed to hazards such as:

• Falling or flying objects.
• Overhead work or materials.
• Striking the head against fixed objects or structures.
• Construction activities where overhead hazards are present.
• Work beneath scaffolds or elevated work areas.
• Electrical conductors or equipment where electrical head protection is required.
• Other hazards identified by the company’s PPE hazard assessment.

Head protection shall meet the applicable ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 requirements and be appropriate for the hazards encountered.

Types and Classes of Head Protection

Modern protective helmets are classified according to the protection they provide.

Impact Types:

• Type I – Designed primarily to reduce forces resulting from an impact to the top of the head.
• Type II – Designed to reduce forces from impacts to the top and sides of the head.

Electrical Classes:

• Class G (General) – Provides limited electrical protection.
• Class E (Electrical) – Provides higher-voltage electrical protection.
• Class C (Conductive) – Provides no electrical protection.

Employees exposed to electrical hazards must use head protection with the appropriate electrical classification.

Proper Fit and Wear

A hard hat or protective helmet can provide its intended protection only when it is properly fitted and worn.

Employees shall:

• Adjust the suspension or retention system for a secure and comfortable fit.
• Wear the helmet in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Keep the suspension properly seated inside the shell.
• Use only manufacturer-approved accessories.
• Use chin straps when required by the manufacturer, task, or conditions to keep the helmet securely in place.
• Never place unauthorized objects between the suspension and the head.

Some helmets are specifically designed and manufacturer-approved for reverse wearing. Do not wear a hard hat backward unless the manufacturer permits that configuration.

Inspection and Care

Inspect head protection before each use. Look for:

• Cracks, dents, cuts, gouges, or holes.
• Brittleness, fading, chalking, or other deterioration.
• Damaged, stretched, torn, or worn suspension components.
• Damaged straps, buckles, or attachment points.
• Evidence of chemical, heat, or ultraviolet damage.

Immediately remove damaged or defective head protection from service.

Clean helmets according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not use solvents, gasoline, harsh chemicals, or other products that could weaken the shell.

Do Not Modify Your Head Protection

Never:

• Drill holes into the shell.
• Cut or alter the shell or suspension.
• Paint the helmet unless specifically permitted by the manufacturer.
• Apply unauthorized adhesives, stickers, or accessories.
• Store objects between the shell and suspension.
• Use a hard hat as a seat, step, bucket, or storage container.

Stickers and decals should only be applied when permitted by the manufacturer and must not interfere with inspection of the shell.

Hard Hats Are Not Bump Caps

A bump cap is not a substitute for an approved protective helmet. Bump caps provide limited protection against minor bumps and scrapes but are not intended to protect employees from falling or flying objects or other hazards requiring OSHA-compliant head protection.

Storage

Store head protection where it will not be exposed to excessive heat, sunlight, chemicals, or physical damage. Avoid leaving helmets for extended periods in areas such as vehicle dashboards or rear windows where excessive heat and ultraviolet exposure can accelerate deterioration.

Remember

Head protection only works when you wear the right helmet, wear it correctly, and keep it in good condition. Inspect your head protection before use and replace it whenever damage, deterioration, or a significant impact could affect its protective capability.