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Protection Starts at the Top Selecting and Maintaining Your Hard Hat ard hats are among the most commonly worn H personal protective equipment, yet head injuries make up a significant number of occupational injuries requiring days away from work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics more than 76,000 of the 1.2 million workplace injuries requiring at least one day away from work in 2010 were because of occupational head injuries. These injuries range from minor bumps to concussions or even severe trauma, which can result Type 1 Versus Type 2 Electrical Hazards & Class in death. Furthermore, any head Hard hats labeled ANSI Type Designations E, G and C injury suffered by a worker can I/CSA Type 1 are intended to In environments where workers cause significant direct and protect the wearer against can be exposed to electrical indirect expenses to a company. impact to and penetration of the hazards, hard hats must protect crown, or top, only. These are against electrical shocks, burns For these reasons, it is important most commonly worn in the U.S. and electrocution. Dielectric hats to be aware of hard hat options By contrast, ANSI Type II/CSA are designed to do just that and –as well as their proper use and Type 2 hard hats protect against are designated as Class E and care—to ensure workers are both lateral and crown impact, Class G. Class E hard hats protected. and are more commonly worn in protect at up to 20,000 volts Canada due to safety standards while class G hats protect at up Selection & Standards there. While Type II/Type 2 hats to 2,200 volts. Hard hats marked When it comes to selecting a are slightly larger, heavier and as Class C hats are conductive, hard hat, performance should be can sometimes be warmer to meaning they allow the flow of the number one consideration. wear, the added level of electric current to pass through The U.S. Occupational Safety protection they provide can be the hat to the wearer, and and Health Administration lifesaving. In fact, the adoption therefore are not recommended (OSHA) and the Canadian of Type II hats is on the rise in around electrical hazards. The Standards Association (CSA) the U.S. as employers become ANSI and CSA ratings for have standards in place to help increasingly aware of the added dielectric hats are the same, and ensure workers are properly protection they provide. Evaluate can be found molded into the protected. These organizations your site’s hazards to determine underside of the brim. Be sure to require compliance with ANSI the right type of protection. do a hazard assessment of the Z89.1-2009 and CSA Z94.1 When selecting Type II/Type 2 worksite to determine the total standards respectively, and hats, look for features such as amount of possible voltage each standard specifies two liners that allow ventilation to exposure and whether dielectric levels (types) of protection. encourage safe, comfortable all- protection is required. day wear. In addition to the hard hat itself, Reverse Donning be sure to consider the mounting Wearing a safety cap backwards systems used to attach is commonplace. However, not Head injuries accounted additional face or hearing all caps are intended to be worn for more than 76,000 of the protection to hard hats. The backwards. In response to its 1.2 million workplace attachment system may alter the popularity, ANSI updated its injuries requiring at least dielectric rating of the cap. Be 2009 standard to include an one day away from work in sure to confirm whether the optional reverse donning test for chosen mounting system is safe caps. Today, hard hats meeting 2010. for use. Finally, never drill holes the standard for reverse wear US Bureau of Labor Statistics into a cap, as this severely are marked with a symbol affects the cap’s dielectric depicting two arrows adjoined in properties. a circle (see illustration). Look for this symbol when selecting Suspension Options head protection. Hard hats Studies have shown that A hard hat’s suspension is the without this symbol are not uncomfortable caps are not worn internal framework that absorbs approved for reverse wear and consistently, leaving workers and distributes energy upon may put an individual at risk of vulnerable to injury. To achieve impact. Hard hats generally serious injury when worn a comfortable fit, take into come with four-, six- or eight- backwards. account the number of point suspensions in a variety of suspension points, the type of materials, including fabric, nylon suspension material and ribbon and plastic. The number headband options. In most of points indicates how many cases, an adjustable suspension connections exist between the with a replaceable, washable suspension and cap. Caps with sweatband is preferable. To more suspension points have a ensure a safe fit, hats must be greater ability to spread weight – worn as snugly as possible, so and impact – over a wider area, consider sizing and adjustability which can help minimize the options as well. Sizing is most after effects of an impact. In To reverse a cap, many models popularly adjusted by pin locks addition, the greater the number require the wearer to remove the or ratchets, though other of suspension points the higher suspension, reverse it, and then options, such as sliding bands, the level of comfort and stability. reinstall it. This process can take are available. These adjustment Because the weight of the hat is several minutes to perform and, features make resizing the cap distributed more evenly, it feels to do so safely, the worker quick and easy. lighter, and reduces the “wobble” should exit the hazard area. This feeling some wearers not only costs valuable time, but Daily Inspection and experience. It is very important also puts the wearer at Maintenance to note that the hard hat shell significant risk if the suspension Once you’ve chosen a hard hat, and its suspension are designed is not reinstalled properly. Look it’s important to care for it and tested to perform as a for hard hats with suspensions properly. Both ANSI and CSA complete system. Therefore, that are easy to reverse. Caps guidelines require end users to should a cap’s suspension need with swing-hinge headgear take conduct a thorough inspection of to be replaced, it must be only seconds to reverse, without their hard hats and suspensions replaced with one from the same removing the suspension, thus before each use. Here are some manufacturer to ensure it meets improving worker compliance, specific steps to follow: protection criteria. Regardless of safety and productivity. whether four-, six- or eight-point, • Visually inspect the hat for all three suspension types are Size & Fit evidence of cracking and capable of delivering the impact Next to performance, wearer gouging. Replace the hat protection required to meet ANSI comfort is the second most immediately if any such and CSA standards. important feature of a hard hat. instances are found. • If the hat suffers from any type ANSI requires hard hats to of impact or impalement, or has perform properly in temperatures While ANSI and CSA do not experienced a fall greater than ranging between 0- and 120- regulate the service life of eight feet, replace it immediately degrees Fahrenheit. Hats used protective caps, the industry in temperatures outside this even if there is no visible recommendation is to replace a damage. range should be tested and approved accordingly. hard hat shell every five years • Check the structural integrity Chemicals, such as those found and the suspension every 12 of the cap. Many conditions in paint and insect repellant, months from its first day of adversely affect the hat’s useful interfere with the performance service. An easy way to track a and integrity of the hat and/or lifespan, including ultraviolet cap’s service life is by noting its exposure, temperature suspension. For this reason, it is extremes, chemical exposure recommended that a hard hat first day of service on the ANSI and daily wear. Prolonged never be painted or sprayed or CSA label found inside the exposure to sunlight can with any chemicals. hat. degrade the shell and lead to flaking or crazing. Extreme • Inspect the suspension. Check temperatures can also impact to ensure the fabric is not frayed Occupational head injuries protective properties. or torn, and plastic parts are not happen every day, and when cracked or damaged. If the they do, a hard hat can be a suspension exhibits signs of lifesaving piece of equipment. It fraying, tearing or cracking, is important to choose the right replace it immediately. hat for the hazards and to maintain the hat so it is always • Store your hard hat in a place in proper working condition where it will not be subject to should an accident occur. sunlight/UV radiation, chemicals, temperature extremes (hot By selecting the right hard hat – and/or cold) or accidental one that delivers both maximum impact. protection and all-day comfort – you can ensure a healthier, • Gently wash your hard hat with more productive workforce. warm, mild, soapy water at least once per week. The buildup of Fibre-Metal® is a leading head workplace contaminants can protection brand from Honeywell hide cracks and gouges and Safety Products. For more information may even degrade the shell. visit www.fibre-metal.com. Regular cleaning will help you get the most out of your hard hat. While ANSI and CSA do not regulate the service life of protective caps, the industry recommendation is to replace a hard hat shell every five years and the suspension every 12 months from its first day of service.

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