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Head Protection

Hard Hats 101

This document provides basic information on hard hat use, testing and standards compliance. In

all cases a risk/hazard assessment should be carried out and use limitations considered to

ascertain the protection required.

The main function and purpose for wearing a protective hard hat is to:

1. Help protect workers from head trauma due to small objects falling from above

2. Help prevent force from transmitting down the spine if an impact from above occurs

3. Help protect from low level electrical shock (Applies only to hard hats that meet ANSI/ISEA

Z89.1-2009 Type I, Class G and E.)

How does the hard hat protect workers from each hazard?

Hazard

Provides Protection

Head trauma from small falling

objects

Hard outer shell usually made from HDPE

(High-Density Polyethylene), ABS (Acrylonitrile

Butadiene Styrene) or other Thermoplastic

material.

Force transmission down the

spine from impact

Inner suspension that is attached to the shell

reduces forces that would otherwise be

transmitted to the head and spine

Low level electrical shock

Hard outer shell. The homogeneous material

insulates against low level electrical shock. Not

all hard hats provide electrical protection.

Always review the hard hat user instructions

and warnings to evaluate electrical protection.

Typical applications for the Hard Hats, when used with other appropriate PPE include:

• Construction work

• Heavy and light industrial

• Petrochemical

• Mining

• Road construction

• Forestry

• Utilities

In all cases a risk/hazard assessment should be carried out and use limitations considered

to ascertain the protection required.

Summary of content (6 pages)

PAGE 1
3M™ Head Protection Hard Hats 101 This document provides basic information on hard hat use, testing and standards compliance. In all cases a risk/hazard assessment should be carried out and use limitations considered to ascertain the protection required. The main function and purpose for wearing a protective hard hat is to: 1. Help protect workers from head trauma due to small objects falling from above 2. Help prevent force from transmitting down the spine if an impact from above occurs 3.
PAGE 2
3M™ Head Protection Hard Hats 101 Page 2 of 6 Compliance Standards Overview Impact Type ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009 Establishes the minimum performance requirements for protective helmets that reduce the forces of impact and penetration and that may provide protection from electrical shock.
PAGE 3
M™ Head Protection Hard Hats 101 Test Type Force Transmission (Individual tests / Average) Page 3 of 6 • • • • Apex Penetration (Pass / Fail) • • • • Flammability (Pass / Fail) • • • • Summary of ANSI/ISEA Hard Hat Testing Guidelines Impactor shall have a mass of 8 lbs. Striking face of impactor shall be spherical with radius of 1.9 inches Impactor shall remain rigid upon impact Impactor shall be dropped from a height that yields an impact velocity of 18 ft/s. (12.
PAGE 4
3M™ Head Protection Hard Hats 101 Page 4 of 6 Optional Testing Requirements for ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009 Requirement Reverse Wearing Low Temperature High-Visibility Test Pass the force transmission test when mounted in the reveres position on the test head form. Test samples placed in environmental chamber maintained at -22°F (-30°C) for at least four hours and then tested to the impact and penetration test requirements.
PAGE 5
3M™ Head Protection Hard Hats 101 Page 5 of 6 Frequently Asked Questions Q. When should head protection be provided to workers? A. When there is potential for: 1) Objects to fall from above 2) Contact with fixed objects (exposed beams, pipes, etc.) 3) Contact with exposed electrical conductors Q. How does a hard hat protect the worker? A.
PAGE 6
3M™ Head Protection Hard Hats 101 Page 6 of 6 • Inspect your hard hat shell and suspension frequently. Check for cracks, frayed straps and any sign of damage before every use. Replace the hard hat immediately if you notice any signs of wear, damage, abuse or degradation. • If the hard hat has sustained an impact, dispose of it immediately, even if damage is not visible. • Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will degrade the hard hat shell. Do not store in direct sunlight when not in use.