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1. What is it for?
Head protection is designed to protect you if there is a risk that you could be struck by falling objects and/or strike your head against a fixed object (e.g. where there is restricted headroom).
2. What types are available?
Two types of head protection are generally available:
- Safety helmets — which must comply with national standards or equivalent European norms and should be marked as such inside the shell. They will absorb the force of a blow by partial destruction of, or damage to, the shell and the harness or protective padding inside. If necessary, they can also be fitted with ear defenders and/or visors; and
- Bump caps — a plastic shield designed to fit inside uniform caps or a padded cap. These are more comfortable to wear than safety helmets but are designed only for low-impact hits. They do not provide the same level of protection as safety helmets and must not be worn instead of safety helmets in hard hat zones.
In this section, all references to head protection apply to both safety helmets and bump caps. As you will see, there are some rules which apply specifically to safety helmets only. Full details are given below.
3. What are its limitations?
Safety helmets are intended solely to protect the head against knocks and falling objects. You should bear in mind that if the objects are particularly heavy, or fall from a considerable height, your neck or spine could still be damaged.
Any helmet subjected to a severe impact must be replaced, even if there are no visible signs of damage.
Remember: plastic head protection has a shelf life. The date of manufacture is marked on the inside of the helmet. The operational life of a helmet may vary but can be up to 5 years – depending on the material and type and you should check expiry dates regularly even if the helmet is looked after carefully.
4. Where must head protection be worn?
Under health and safety legislation, some areas are designated as ‘hard hat zones’. Signs similar to those shown here indicate that head protection must be worn.
The most common area where officers have to wear head protection is on docksides, but they may also be required in certain storage areas or where machinery or people are working at height.
If you are visiting traders’ premises, you should be especially aware of any such areas. Factory floors, construction sites and general industrial areas may have hard hat zones.
Health and safety law does not directly require bump caps in certain areas in the same way it does safety helmets. However, if your manager has ordered you to wear a bump cap as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of injury in the course of your work, you must wear one.
Remember: fasten the chin-strap. If you don’t, you could lose the helmet at an inopportune moment. You must also make sure that the internal cradle is properly adjusted to fit your head. If the internal cradle is too large or too small, contact your supplier to obtain an alternative.
5. How do I look after it?
You should keep head protection clean, but do not wash it in strong detergents. If the helmet is used by more than one person, it is advisable to wipe the inside with a mild disinfectant after each use.
On no account should safety helmets be painted, decorated with adhesive tape, marked with marker pens or deliberately scratched, as this will damage them.
You should inspect safety helmets periodically to check for signs of wear or tear. A record of these inspections should be kept.
When not in use, store all items of head protection in a cool, dark place. They should not be exposed to strong sunlight or extreme heat or cold.
6. What about motorcycle crash helmets?
A crash helmet is usually obligatory when riding a motorcycle or a cycling helmet when riding a bicycle. However, these are not an acceptable substitute in hard hat zones.
The guidance contained in this section intended to serve as a general reminder of the risks that are sometimes encountered during the examination and sampling procedure and of the safety equipment that you should use and precautions that you should take.
You must refer to the legislation and the guidance of your national administration for more information.
FAQs
There are three main features that head protection must include: Clear instructions explaining proper adjustment and replacement. A hard outer shell. Shock-absorbing lining with a headband and suspension straps that suspend the shell between 2.54 and 3.18 centimeters away from the head.
What is the PPE standard for head protection? ›
All hard hats must comply with ANSI Z89. 1, American National Standard for Personal Protection - Protective Headwear for Industrial Workers - Requirements. The suspension system inside the hat is designed to help absorb and dissipate impact while keeping a clearance between the head and shell of the hat.
What is the PPE for the head? ›
Head PPE can include safety helmets, hard hats, and bump caps, each designed for specific conditions and situations. Employers must ensure that their employees are adequately educated on the various types of headgear available and how to correctly use them.
When should head protection be used? ›
If you are at risk for head injury at your workplace, you should wear the appropriate head protection against impact and small flying or falling objects. If head protection is required, establish a complete safety protection program including selection, fit testing, training, maintenance and inspection.
What are the OSHA requirements for overhead protection? ›
When work is performed at least 6 feet (1.6 m) but less than 15 feet (4.6 m) from the roof edge, the employer must ensure each employee is protected from falling by using a guardrail system, safety net system, travel restraint system, or personal fall arrest system.
What is the ANSI standard for head protection? ›
ANSI Z89.1-1986
The standard identifies Type 1 and Type 2 helmets. Type 1 helmets incorporate a full brim (the brim fully encircles the dome of the hat); Type 2 helmets have no encircling brim, but may include a short bill on the front (similar to a baseball cap). In terms of electrical performance, ANSI Z89.
What is safety head protection? ›
What is it for? Head protection is designed to protect you if there is a risk that you could be struck by falling objects and/or strike your head against a fixed object (e.g. where there is restricted headroom).
What needs to be checked on head protection prior to use? ›
A visual inspection should be performed prior to use each day. Any hard hat that fails the visual inspection should be removed from service and replaced. Hard hats should be free from signs of impact (i.e. dents, cracks, or penetration) and rough treatment (i.e. abrasions, gouges, or excessive wear).
What are the standards for helmet protection? ›
Materials – the helmet must be made of materials that don't react with sweat, skin or substances commonly found in cosmetic products. Field of vision – the helmet must permit reasonable visibility when in use. Shock absorption qualities – the helmet must protect all sides of your head in the event of an impact.
What PPE is needed for head injury? ›
Protecting employees from potential head injuries is a key element of any safety program. A head injury can impair an employee for life or can be fatal. Wearing a safety helmet or hard hat is one of the easiest ways to protect an employee's head from injury.
NOTE – Vented hard hats or safety helmets cannot be used for electrical work. High and Low-Temperature Environments. In high temperatures or where there is exposure to molten materials, employers should select head protection with advanced heat resistant properties, which can provide appropriate protect ion to workers.
Does OSHA allow hardhats to be worn backwards? ›
Question: According to a letter issued by OSHA on July 22, 1992, under §1926.100(a) and (b), hard hats used by employees must be worn with the bill facing forward unless the hard hat manufacturer certifies that the bill facing back meets ANSI Z89.
What does head protection must be worn mean? ›
Head protection signs are a visual reminder to employees and visitors that protective equipment must be worn in certain areas of a workplace to protect them from falling objects and potential head injuries.
Who wears head protection? ›
Construction and industrial workers who are subject to hazards from falling debris or objects, bumping into fixed objects, or electrical shock hazards should wear head protection. The class and type will depend on the specific nature of the hazard and where the worker will most likely be hit.
What are the OSHA requirements for head room? ›
Exits shall be so designed and maintained as to provide adequate headroom, but in no case shall the ceiling height nor any projection from the ceiling be less than 7 feet from the floor, except doorways (See Section 3235) and stairways (See Section 3231). (Title 24, Part 2, Section 3304(c).)
What are the OSHA requirements for face protection? ›
General requirements.
The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.
What is the standard of safety helmet? ›
The EN 397 standard specifies physical and performance requirements, methods of test and marking requirements for industrial safety helmets.
What is the OSHA standard 1926.100 A? ›
29 CFR 1926.100(a) states: Employees working in areas where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, or from falling or flying objects, or from electrical shock and burns, shall be protected by protective helmets.
