Safety & Hard Hats-Why Use Head Protection?
Head injuries are very serious. Over 100,000 occupational head injuries are reported every year! 84% of workers who suffered impact injuries to the head were not wearing head protection!!
Your head is a very delicate part of your body. Seeing, hearing, smelling, eating, drinking, tasting, speaking, thinking, and controlling all of the involuntary functions, like your heartbeat, throughout the rest of your body, all take place in the head.
Potential Hazards
Hard Hats are extremely versatile and can protect employees from a multitude of potential hazards. For example:
Impacts to the Head
Falling, flying or thrown objects, including road debris, are common causes of head injuries, as well as falling or walking into hard, fixed objects. These injuries include scrapes, lacerations, neck sprains, concussions, skull fractures, and even fatalities.
Electrical Shocks
Accidents involving electricity result in electrical shocks and burns. The Hard Hats that meet ANSI 89, 1-1997 Type 1 and are rated in Class E, G and C are dielectric. Classes E and G relate to high and low voltage specifications, in addition to impact and penetration protection.
Splashes, Spills, and Drips
Hard Hats provide coverage from potential splashes, spills and drips of toxic liquids such as acids, caustics, and molten metals that can burn or irritate skin, scalp, and eyes.
Other - Flammability
Hard Hats that meet ANSI Z89, 1-1997 also are tested for flammability resistance.
Inspection & Maintenance for Hard Hats:
Outer Shell - DO's & DON'TS
DO:
• Inspect headwear before each use for any visible signs of dents, cracks, gouges, penetration, chalking, loss of gloss or any other signs of damage prior to use that might reduce the degree of safety originally provided. Users are cautioned that if unusual conditions occur, such as extreme high or low temperatures or if there are signs of abuse or mutilation of the hard hat or any component, the margin of safety may be reduced. Where damage or defects are detected, the Hard Hat should be discarded and replaced with a new unit.
• Replace Hard Hat even when hairline cracks start to appear.
• Replace Hard Hat that has been struck by a forceful object, even if no damage is obvious.
• Remove and destroy any hard hat if its protective abilities are in doubt.
Note: Safety headwear will deteriorate over time from exposure to sunlight and other chemicals. The normal service life of a hard hat is considered to be 5 years from the date of manufacture which can be found permanently marked on the inside surface of the hard hat shell.
DO NOT:
• Do not drill holes, alter or modify the shell. Alterations may reduce the protection provided by the hard hat.
• Do not use paint, solvents, gasoline, chemicals, or harsh cleaning materials on the shell. These can make plastic headwear brittle, more susceptible to cracks and reduce protection by physically weakening it or negating electrical resistance. Paint can also hide cracks that may develop.
• Do not use winter liners that contain metal or electrically conductive material under Class G or E Hard Hats.
• Do not use metal labels on Class G or E Hard Hats.
• Do not transport headwear in rear windows of vehicles since sunlight and extreme heat may adversely affect the degree of protection.
• Do not draw the chin strap over the brim or peak of the Hard Hat.
• Do not wear Hard Hat backwards. The peak should always face forward. Do not attach any product not specifically approved by the hard hat manufacturer.
The Suspension - DO's & DON'TS
DO:
• Inspect suspension before every use. Its life span is affected by normal use, heat, chemicals and ultraviolet rays. Where damage or defects are detected, the suspension should be discarded and replaced with a new unit. Hard Hat Suspensions will deteriorate over time from exposure to sunlight and other chemicals. The normal service life of the Suspension is considered to be 1 year of regular use. Where use is intermittent, the suspension may last longer.
• Look closely for cracked, torn or frayed suspension material or adjustment slots.
• Check the suspension lugs carefully. Long periods of normal use can damage the Suspension. Perspiration and hair oils can speed up the deterioration of Suspension materials.
• Replace the Suspension if it has torn or broken threads.
• Adjust headband size so that headwear will stay on when the wearer is bending over, but not so tight that it leaves a mark on the forehead.
• Ensure that the Suspension is in good condition. The main purpose of the Suspension is to absorb energy.
DO NOT:
• Do not put anything between the Suspension and the shell. There must be clearance inside the headwear while it is being worn. In case of a blow to the head, that space helps absorb the shock.
• Do not mix different manufacturer Suspension types and hard hats. Replacement suspension harnesses shall be from the same manufacturer and for the same model of hard hat.
Cleaning:
Clean Hard Hat shell and suspension regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Immerse in hot water (Approximately 140°Fahrenheit/60° Celsius) with mild anti-bacterial detergent for one minute. Scrub and rinse in clear hot water.
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