In any business or workplace, the safety of everyone should always be a top priority. The possibility of getting in an accident and getting injured inside the workplace is always present. This is why businesses should invest in having a sufficient supply of personal protective equipment for their employees. One of the most important pieces of a PPE is the protective headgear.

This ensures that the worker’s head portion is shielded and secured against any possible injuries. Head injuries within a business of a workplace can have catastrophic consequences and should be avoided in the best way possible. This is why under the head protection regulation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), strict guidelines should be adhered to.

Head Protection Requirements

• - Protective headgear or hard hats must be able to absorb the impact of any falling object.
• - It must be able to prevent any type of penetration.
• - It should fit the employee’s head properly
• - It must be resistant to water or any type of liquid.
• - In cases when it comes in contact with fire, it should burn slowly.

In addition to that, OSHA also required hard hats to be fitted with a lining that is designed to absorb impact and a hard outer shell. Specifically, it should also include a headband and straps that are suspended from the outer shell and should be 1 to 1 ¼ inch away from the user’s head.

Classification of Hard Hats

To ensure that workers are wearing the type of hard hats designed for a specific task and that they meet the standard requirements of the American National Standard or ANSI, they are classified into 3 categories.

• - Class G or General Helmet - this type of hard hats are designed to have protection against object penetration and impact. They also have voltage protection of up to 2,200 volts.
• - Class E or Electrical Helmet - this type is designed for electrical field workers and provides voltage protection of up to 20,00 volts. It also features protection from flying and falling objects, as well as any impact and penetration accidents.
• - Class C or Conductive Helmet - this type offers more comfort, however minimal protection. It also lacks protection from electrical accidents.
• - Bump Caps - for workplaces that have low clearance, employees usually wear bump caps. However, this type offers no protection against falling and flying objects and is not approved by ANSI.

Hard Hat Maintenance

Like any other protective gear, hard hats should also be inspected and maintained properly. Here are some tips on how to care for your hard hats properly.

• - Check and clean hard hats on a daily basis. For hard hats that have deformities and cracks, immediately remove them from their storage.
• - Avoid using cleaning agents that can weaken the outer shell of your hard hat. It is best to consult the manufacturer to know which product to use.
• - Avoid inserting holes and putting labels on your hard hats since it can compromise its protective capabilities.
• - Refrain exposing hard hats to direct sunlight or extreme heat as these can cause damage to it.