Personal Protective Equipment Head Protection

Hazard mitigation v Head injuries are caused by: falling or flying objectsfalling or flying objects bumping your head against a fixed objectbumping your head against a fixed object electrical shock and burnselectrical shock and burns 1a

Hazard mitigation v Hard hats: resist penetrationresist penetration absorb the shock of a blowabsorb the shock of a blow lessen injurylessen injury 1b

Types of head protection v Hard hats fall into two types and three classes v Types include: Type 1 - full brimType 1 - full brim Type 2 - no brim, peak extending forwardType 2 - no brim, peak extending forward 2a

Types of head protection v Classes include: Class A - general service - limited voltage protectionClass A - general service - limited voltage protection Class B - utility service – high voltage protectionClass B - utility service – high voltage protection Class C - special service - no voltage protectionClass C - special service - no voltage protection 2b

Types of head protection v Class A hats protect against impact hazards (and have limited voltage protection) MiningMining Building constructionBuilding construction TunnelingTunneling LumberingLumbering 2c

Types of head protection v Class B hats protect the head from: impactimpact penetration from falling and flying objectspenetration from falling and flying objects shock and burnsshock and burns –Mainly used in electrical work 2d

Types of head protection v Class C hats are designed for lightweight comfort and impact protection Used where there is no danger from electrical hazardsUsed where there is no danger from electrical hazards 2e

Proper care of hard hats v Check hats daily for dents, cracks, or penetration v Inspect the: shellshell suspensionsuspension headbandheadband sweatbandsweatband 3a

Proper care of hard hats v Keep hats out of the rear- window shelf of cars v Clean the hats once a month in warm, soapy water v Avoid getting paint on the hard hat 3b

Affected employees v Employees who are exposed to hazards that require PPE Construction workersConstruction workers Tree trimmersTree trimmers LoggersLoggers Electrical utility workersElectrical utility workers ShipbuildersShipbuilders MinersMiners Petroleum/chemical workersPetroleum/chemical workers 4a