PPE: Head Protection
29 CFR 1910.135, 29 CFR 1915.155,
29 CFR 1926.100
Session Objectives
You will be able to:
• Identify head hazards
• Choose appropriate head protection
• Know the limitations of head protection
• Use and take care of your head protection
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Hazard Assessments
• Assess the workplace
• Evaluate every job
• Determine appropriate PPE
• Certify the completion of the hazard
assessment in writing
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Head Hazard Assessment
• Falling objects
• Exposed electrical
conductors
• Low-hanging
obstructions
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Falling Objects
• You are at risk when
working below others
• Incidents are difficult
to anticipate
• Most impact injuries
occur to workers not
wearing head protection
• Most workers injured
while doing normal jobs
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Exposed Electrical
Conductors
• Electrical shock or
burns could occur
• Head protection
insulates and protects
• Select right class
of head protection
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Bump Hazards
• Bumps, scrapes,
bruises
• Low-hanging pipes,
steel structures,
machinery components
• Nonroutine cleaning
or maintenance
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Head Hazards and
Injuries—Any Questions?
• Any questions about
workplace hazards to
your head?
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Hard Hat Design
• Resist penetration
• Absorb shock
• High-density, lightweight polyethylene
• Stamped with ANSI
Z89 specifications
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Hard Hat Types
• Type I–Top impact and
penetration protection
• Type II–Top and side
impact and penetration
protection
• ANSI Z89.1
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Hard Hat Classes
• Class C – No electrical protection
• Class G – Low voltage (tested at 2,200
volts)
• Class E – High voltage (tested at 20,000
volts)
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Hard Hat Testing
• Temperature extremes
• Impact resistance
• Penetration resistance
• Electrical insulation
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Standard Head Protection
• Wide profile and brim
• Increased ventilation
• Sun protection
• Suspension system
• Ratchet systems
• Brow pads
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Highly Protective Helmet
• Impact and penetration resistance from
all directions
• Chin strap
• Air vents molded into helmet
• Crown pad and brow pad
• Accessories
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High Temperature Hats
• Advanced thermoplastic materials
• Utilities, welding, foundries, steel mills
• Meet NFPA 1977-1998 Standard
• Exposed to 350ºF for 5 minutes
• Resistant to radiant heat and flame
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Bump Caps
• Protect against bumps, scrapes, cuts
• Used when helmet or hard hat unnecessary
• Made of lightweight hard plastic
• May accommodate faceshields or visors
• Do not meet ANSI Z89 standards
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Hard Hat Selection—Any
Questions?
• Any questions about
choosing appropriate
head protection?
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Wearing Hard Hats
Backward
• Type I hard hats have
been tested
• Crown must be
symmetrical
• Suspension must be
reversed
• Type II helmets should
not be worn backward
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Stickers or Markings
• Adhesive stickers will not chemically
damage helmets
• Stickers may cover cracks or other signs
of damage
• Keep stickers at least 3/4 inch away from
edge of helmet
• Engraving is restricted to underside of brim
• Do not engrave the crown area or near
suspension sockets
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Visibility
• Increase visibility to
equipment operators
and vehicles
• High-visibility colors
• Fluorescent striping
• Reflective striping
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Objects Inside a Hard Hat
• Maintain clearance
between shell and head
• Metal part may reduce
electrical insulation
properties
• Do not place objects
above or below crown
straps
• Fabric winter liners or
sunshades are
acceptable
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Useful Life of a Hard Hat
• Replace every 2 years if exposed to
chemicals, sunlight, temperature extremes
• Date codes are molded into brims
• Replace if struck by a forcible blow
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Maintenance and Care
• Clean with mild detergent and hot water
• Inspect shell for damage or excess wear
• Inspect suspension straps for cuts, frays,
chemical damage
• Never drill holes
• Do not use paints or cleaning solvents
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Field Test Hard Hats
• Compress shell sides inward 1 inch
• Release pressure
• Shell should return to original shape
• Compare elasticity to new shell
• Replace if not elastic or if it cracks
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Head Protection—Any
Questions?
• Any questions about
the use and care of
hard hats?
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Key Points to Remember
• Follow recommendations in head hazard
assessment
• Wear the correct type and class of helmet
for the hazards found
• Inspect and clean hard hats daily
• Limit stickers and other markings
• Replace hard hats according to work
conditions
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