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Head Protection (Hard Hats)

Training on the use of hard hats in

the workplace

Developed by the Division of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH)

for employee training

August, 2009

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Head Protection (Hard Hats)

The following topics will be covered:

Head Hazards

Types of Hard hats

Limitations

Use and Care

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Your Head

The human skull does a prettygood job of protecting the brain,eyes, ears and nose, but it has itslimits.

The force of a golf ball hitting yourhead at moderate speed, or simplywalking into a hard object canfracture your skull. A stronger force

can cause more severe injuries.

Since head injuries can be veryserious, head protection is requiredon certain kinds of jobs.

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Falling or flying objects are acommon cause of head injuries.

Also, falling onto or walking intohard objects can cause serioushead injuries.

These injuries can include scalplacerations, neck sprains,concussions, skull fractures,brain damage or even death.

Possible Head Injuries

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How hard hats protect you

-A rigid shell that resists and deflectsblows to the head,

- A suspension system insidethe hat that acts as a shock absorber

- A shield for your scalp, face, neck,and shoulders against overheadsplashes, spills, and drips of hot orcaustic liquids;

- Some hats serve as an insulatoragainst electrical shocks

Hard hats protect you with the following:

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Types of Hardhats

Electrical Hard Hats

This special type providesboth impact protection andprotection from either high orlow voltage electricity.

Electrically insulating hardhatsare labeled Class E or G and

are used by workers doingelectrical work.

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Bump Caps

Bump caps are made from lightweightplastic and are designed only to protectyou from bumping your head onprotruding objects.

Bump caps do not have a suspensionsystem to protect you from fallingobjects nor do they protect you fromelectrical shocks.

WARNING: You can never substitute abump cap for a hard hat.

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Where are hard hats required?

Any worksite where you arepotentially exposed to flying orfalling objects,

Around or under scaffolds orother overhead structures,

Any demolition work with

overhead hazards,Any other locations required bycompany policy.

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When are Hard Hats Required?

All logging operations,

While working as a flagger,

Work near live electrical conductorsthat could contact your head.

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Where we require hard hats

List your specific locations, jobs or taskswhere hard hats are required at the worksite.

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Using a Hard Hat

Adjust the suspension inside your hardhat so that the hat sits comfortably, butsecurely on your head.

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Care of Hard Hats

Clean your hard hat as needed toremove oil, grease, chemicals, andsweat that can collect in and aroundyour hat.

You can clean your hat with mild soapand hot water for 5-10 minutes. Rinsewith clear water, wipe, and let air dry.

Because prolonged exposure to

sunlight and heat can damage yourhat, store it in a clean, dry, and coollocation out of direct sunlight.

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Hard Hat Replacement

Inspect headwear before each use for anyvisible signs of dents, cracks, gouges,penetration, chalking, loss of gloss or anyother signs of damage that might reduce the

degree of safety originally provided.

Replace hat when hairline cracks start toappear.

Replace hat that has been struck by a forcefulobject, even if no damage is obvious.

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Use of Hard Hats

Dontuse paint, solvents,gasoline, chemicals, or harsh

cleaning materials on the shell.

Donttransport headwear in rearwindows of vehicles since sunlightand extreme heat will weaken it.

Dontput anything in the spacebetween the suspension and theshell.

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Hard Hat Suspension whats under the shell

Inspect suspension before every use.Look for cracked, torn or frayed straps.Replace suspension when damage ordefects are detected.

Suspensions will deteriorate over timefrom exposure to sunlight and chemicals,perspiration and hair oils.

The normal service life of the suspensionis about oneyear of regular use. Thesuspension may last longer withintermittent use.

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Hard Hat Suspension (continued)

Dont mix different manufacturer

suspension types and hard hats.

Replacement suspensionharnesses must be from the samemanufacturer and for the samemodel of hard hat.

Dont wear a hard hat backwards

unless you rotate the suspension.

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Stories on how hard hats saved lives

Relate your own story or link to the following two true stories:

hard hat true stories

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Quiz

When are hard hats required to be worn?

a) all the time

b) whenever the boss is looking

c) when there is an overhead hazard

d) when operating a backhoe

Question 1

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Quiz

How often should hard hats be replaced?

a) after a major impact

b) when they look bad

c) every three years

d) when you go to a new construction job

Question 2

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