Introduction
Hard hat safety is one of the most essential aspects of protecting workers in environments where head injuries are a risk. From construction sites to industrial settings, hard hats provide vital protection against falling objects, impacts, and electrical hazards. However, ensuring safety goes beyond simply wearing a hard hat.
Head Protection
Wearing a hard hat is simply the easiest way to protect an employee’s head from injury. Hard hats are designed to protect from impact and penetration hazards, as well as electric shock and burns. Employees are required to wear hard hats under certain conditions, including:
- Where workers might bump their heads against fixed objects, such as equipment, exposed pipes, or beams
- Areas where objects might fall from above and strike a worker on the head
- Performing tasks at heights
- Work in trenches, excavations, or confined spaces
- And, when accidental head contact with electrical hazards is possible
Protection Requirements
Per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.135, “employers shall ensure that each affected employee wears a protective helmet when working in areas where there is a potential for injury to the head from falling objects.” Additionally, the CFR states that protective helmets designed to reduce electric shock hazards, shall be worn by each affected employee when exposed to electrical conductors that could contact the head.
Head protection must meet ANSI Z89.1 standard requirements and employers must ensure employees wear hard hats that provide appropriate protection against potential workplace hazards. According to ANSI Z89.1, 2014, there are 2 levels or types of protection, including:
- Type I – This type provides protection from objects that fall directly on top of the helmet, but not from objects that strike the side, front, or back of the head
- And, Type II – This type provides protection from strikes to the top of the head and provides protection from blows to the sides, front, and back of the head. Type II is more suitable for workers who are not always in a standing position
Hard Hat Classification
Hard hats are divided into three classes based on their level of protection, including:
- Class G (General) – This class is intended for general service use. They can also be used in building construction, shipbuilding, lumbering, and manufacturing. Additionally, this class provides good impact protection but limited voltage protection. Class G hard hats are proof-tested at 2,200 volts
- Class E (Electrical) – This class is designed for electrical/utility work. They can protect against falling objects and conductors with higher voltage levels. Class E hard hats are proof-tested at 20,000 volts
- And, Class C (Conductive) – This class provides limited protection but does protect from bumps against fixed objects. Class C hard hats do not provide any protection against electrical hazards
Proper Use
Hard hats are most effective when used and worn properly. Some safety recommendations include:
- Ensure proper fit by always wearing the hard hat in the proper direction, never backwards
- Headbands and straps should be against the head; never put anything between, such as cigarettes
- Adjust suspension systems to maintain proper clearance between the head and the shell of the hat
- Do not attempt to modify, cut holes for ventilation, heat, bend, or paint a hard hat; stickers may be allowed
- And, use as intended for the type of job for which it is rated
Inspection and Maintenance
When inspecting a hard hat, look for any dents, cracks, or penetration marks. Additionally, look for any damage due to impact or rough treatment and any wear that may reduce the degree of protection. If a hard hat has gouges, cracks, or other severe damage, replace it with a new one. If a hard hat has fallen or been hit hard where the degree of protection is compromised, replace it with a new one.
To ensure the effectiveness of a hard hat, do not store it in direct sunlight. Exposure to UV rays can shorten the life span and degree of protection. Regularly clean a hard hat with mild soap and water, and store it in a cool, dry place.
Conclusion
Hard hat safety is a cornerstone of workplace protection, and it’s essential that workers and employers alike prioritize the proper use, maintenance, and inspection of this critical gear. A well-fitted and well-maintained hard hat can make all the difference in preventing head injuries and ensuring a safer work environment.