[Eng-div] Hard Hats

[Gayle Coleman]

*The following message is from H. Robertson, Engineering DSO:*


-Due to a recent incident with a fractured safety helmet I would like 
everyone to review the age and condition of their PPE. -

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for 
head protection are referenced in 29 CFR 1910.135 
<http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9785> 
and 1926.100 
<http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10663>.
Hard hats purchased after July 5, 1994, must comply with the performance 
guidelines in the ANSI Z89.1-1986, american national standard for 
personal protection---protective headwear for industrial workers 
requirements.


      What is the current ANSI standard?

The current ANSI standard is ANSI Z89.1-2003.

          + *Type I* -- Protection from blows to top of head
          + *Type II* -- Protection from blows to top/sides of head
            (required in Canada)
          + *Class E* (Electrical) are tested to withstand 20,000 volts
            (was Class B)
          + *Class G* (General) are tested to withstand 2,200 volts (was
            Class A)
          + *Class C* (Conductive) provide no electrical protection (was
            Class C)

*When should a hard hat be replaced?*

      o Most manufacturers allow up to 5 years.

MSA brand hard hats do have "Useful Service Life Guidelines". These 
guidelines suggest replacing the suspension every 12 months and the hard 
hat after 5 years of use. Any hard hat that fails the visual inspection 
should be removed from service until the problem is corrected.


      What are some signs that your hard hat should be replaced?

      o Cracks, nicks, dents or gouges to shell
      o Stiffness or brittleness
      o Fading, dull color or a chalky appearance
      o If exposed to high levels of sunlight, replace more frequently

In addition to everyday wear and tear, ultraviolet (UV) radiation can 
pose a problem for hard hats constructed of plastic materials. Damage 
caused by UV radiation is easy to spot: the hat will lose its glossy 
finish and eventually take on a chalky appearance. Further degradation 
could cause the shell to actually start flaking away. Once the effects 
of UV radiation are detected, the hard hat shell should be immediately 
replaced.

Commonly Asked Questions:

Q.         Can I put decals on my hard hat?
A.         In most instances, yes.

Q.         Can hard hats be painted?
A.         ANSI Z89.1-2003 appendix A4 states that caution should be 
exercised when painting hard hat shells since some paints and thinners 
may attack and damage the shell and reduce protection levels. The hard 
hat manufacturer should be consulted before painting.

Q.         Can I wear my hard hat backward?
A.         Most likely. Check the hard hat for the "reverse donning 
arrow" marking. The current 2009 edition addresses the issues of reverse 
wearing of hard hats.



-- 
Henry Robertson
DSO, Engineering Division
Safety Systems Group
PH# - 757.269.7285
FAX - 757.269.7352
http://www.jlab.org/accel/ssg/

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