Personal Protective Equipment

Head Protection

Hazard mitigation

• Head injuries are caused by:• falling or flying objects• bumping your head

against a fixed object• electrical shock and

burns

1a

Hazard mitigation

• Hard hats:• resist penetration• absorb the shock

of a blow• lessen injury

1b

Types of head protection

• Hard hats fall into two types and three classes

• Types include:• Type 1 - full brim• Type 2 - no brim,

peak extending forward

2a

Types of head protection

• Classes include:• Class A - general service - limited voltage

protection • Class B - utility service –

high voltage protection• Class C - special service

- no voltage protection

2b

Types of head protection

• Class A hats protect against impact hazards (and have limited voltage protection)• mining• building construction• tunneling• lumbering

2c

Types of head protection

• Class B hats protect the head from:• impact• penetration from falling

and flying objects• shock and burns

• mainly used in electrical work

2d

Types of head protection

• Class C hats are designed for lightweight comfort and impact protection• used where there is no

danger from electrical hazards

2e

Proper care of hard hats• Check hats daily for dents, cracks, or

penetration

• Inspect the:• shell• suspension• headband• sweatband

3a

Proper care of hard hats

• Keep hats out of the rear-window shelf of cars

• Clean the hats once a month in warm, soapy water

• Avoid getting paint on the hard hat

3b

Affected employees• Employees who are exposed to hazards

that require PPE• construction workers• tree trimmers• loggers• electrical utility workers• shipbuilders• miners• petroleum/chemical

workers

4a