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Figure 1: Workers with appropriate head protection and suspension position.
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OSHA hierarchy of controls is:
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Engineering Controls
-
Administration Controls
-
Personal Protective Equipment
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Head injuries may be caused by falling or flying objects, or by bumping the head
against a fixed object. Protective helmets must
do three things:
- Resist penetration
- Absorb the shock of a blow
- Protect against electrical shock
Head injuries may be prevented by the selection and use of appropriate
head protection.
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Use of Head Protection
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Potential Hazards:
- Head trauma due to contact with falling objects
- Electrical shock or burns due to contact with exposed electrical
conductors
- Various head and neck injuries due to the striking low overhead
objects (for example piping, I-beams)
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Workers must wear a
protective helmet (hard hat) when working in areas where there is a
potential for injury to the head from falling objects. [1915.155(a)(1)]
- Workers must wear a
protective helmet designed to reduce electrical shock hazards where
there is potential for electric shock or burns. [1915.155(a)(2)]
- Wearing a hard hat can reduce the impact from striking low
overhead objects.
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Figure 2: Hard hat provides protection from falling
objects. |
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Selection Criteria
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Potential Hazards:
- Head trauma from falling objects
- Bumping the head against fixed objects
- Electric shock and burns from contact with exposed electric
conductors
- Head injury due to use of head protection not meeting nationally
recognized standards
Requirements and Example Solutions:
- Protective helmets must comply
with ANSI Z89.1. [1915.155(b)(1) and
(b)(2)]
- Hard hats are designed to provide protection from impact and
penetration hazards caused by falling objects. Hard hats must be worn
when working below other workers who are using tools and materials
which could fall. [ANSI Z89.1-1986]
- Head protection which provides protection from
electric shock and burns is also available. [ANSI Z89.1-1986]
- Class A helmets provide electrical protection from low-voltage
conductors (less than 2,200 volts).
- Class B helmets provide electrical protection from high
voltage conductors (less than 20,000 volts).
- Class C helmets provide only impact and penetration protection and since they are usually made of aluminum, which
conducts electricity, that should not be used around electrical
hazards.
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Figure 3: Hard hat will prevent striking head on overhead
objects. |
- Materials used in helmets must be water-resistant and slow
burning. [ANSI Z89.1-1986]
- Each helmet must consist of a shell and suspension system (such as
a head band). [ANSI Z89.1-1986]
- Helmets must have suspension systems (such as head bands) that are adjustable to prevent the
helmet from falling off the head. [ANSI Z89.1-1986]
- Suspension systems must be worn in the correct direction (for
example an adjustment strap in the back of head). See Fig 1. [ANSI Z89.1-1986]
- Helmets and suspension systems (such as head bands) should be inspected daily, maintained as necessary, and replaced promptly when damaged. [ANSI Z89.1-1986]
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Note:
- Modifying the hard hat by drilling holes or painting should not
occur unless in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.
- Bump caps do not meet hard hat requirements.
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