On a construction site, wearing hard hats is a good way to protect employees and yourself from life-altering injuries and even death. As you work to ensure safety on your site, remember that workers should be trained to recognize and understand the different types of OSHA-compliant hard hats. Further, they should be taught how to care for their hard hats.
OSHA hard hat regulations are in place to initiate the inclusion of the necessary head protection in work environments. Along with these specific regulations, there are also ANSI (American National Standards Institute) components.
How does it all work? OSHA presents the requirements you must follow, and ANSI delivers the means by which you follow these requirements.
What Is a Hard Hat?
A hard hat is a helmet worn to prevent workplace injuries to the head. Such head injuries might result from falling objects, debris, weather-related elements, etc. It’s not uncommon for workers to bump into fixed objects on a site or to encounter electrical hazards. Hard hat requirements protect workers from splashes and even exposure to ultraviolet light.
A hard hat must correspond with the following:
- Absorb shock caused by a blow to the head
- Resist penetration by either falling or stationary objects
- Be water-resistant and slow to burn
Hard Hat vs. Bump Cap
When hard hat safety in construction is not required on-site, a bump cap may be worn instead. Employees can avoid minor bumps that could lead to potential bruises, cuts, or abrasions if they wear bump caps.
Are Bump Caps OSHA-Compliant?
We’ll answer this question while answering the following: Are bump hats ANSI-compliant? Bump caps are not ANSI compliant; therefore, they are not OSHA-compliant. In addition, bump caps do not protect against falling objects. Consequently, they are never appropriate for workplaces that require hard hat protection.
Hard Hat Safety Facts Found Inside Hat
You might be asking, “are my hard hats meeting requirements?” This is how you’ll know. You should see the following information printed inside your hard hat. Check the following:
- Manufacturer’s name
- ANSI standard
- ANSI type (I or II)
- ANSI class (G, E, or C)
- Size
- Date of manufacturing
For some types and classes, you will also see guiding arrows, “LT” (low temperature) marks, and “HV” (high visibility) descriptions.
When Are Hard Hats Required?
OSHA-compliant hard hats are required if the following hazardous conditions are present in the work environment:
- If objects may fall from overhead and potentially strike employees
- If electrical hazards exist and accidental head contact is a risk
- If there are stationary fixtures, such as beams and pipes, on which employees may bump their heads
Below, you will find a simplified list of ANSI and OSHA hard hat rules, but please review in-depth materials to ensure all safety measures have been taken. Better yet, contact Safety by Design and let us help you today. We specialize in workplace organization, employee safety, and fall protection training in Houston.
OSHA Hard Hat Requirements
So, how can you meet OSHA’s hard hat rules? Follow these steps to avoid OSHA violations.
- The hard hat’s design must perform against impact, penetration, and electrical shock.
- The hard hat must be the type and class (ANSI) for specific hazardous conditions.
- The hard hat should undergo testing requirements to ensure its OSHA compliance. Beyond manufacturers’ routine testing, employers should verify that hard hats are fully compliant.
Read more about OSHA’s hard hat requirements here.
ANSI Hard Hat Requirements
Now, when does a hard hat meet ANSI’s requirements? There are two types of hard hats, and there are three classes. The classes are based on the varying levels of electrical hazard protection offered.
- Your hard hats must meet one of the two types: TYPE I: Protects the top of the head. TYPE 2: Protects both the top and the sides of the head.
- Your hard hats must meet with one of the three classes: CLASS G: These are general hard hats rated for 2,200 volts. CLASS E: These are electrical hard hats rated for 20,000 volts. CLASS C: These are conductive hard hats, and they do not offer electrical protection at all.
Read more about ANSI hard hat requirements here.
It’s best to use third-party safety companies like Safety By Design to ensure you’re OSHA and ANSI-compliant regarding your employees’ hard hats. We make it our business to know the ins and outs of these rules and regulations. We’ll give you peace of mind as our OSHA risk assessment consultants help ensure ultimate safety for all in your workplace.
How Long Are Hard Hats Good For?
OSHA hard hat replacement requirements must be considered when hats develop dents, cracks, penetration, or even wear from rough care and treatment. An OSHA hard hat expiration date does not exist, but manufacturers may set a specific date for expiration.
Most replace their hard hats every five years. In addition, they replace the support strap annually.
How Often Should A Hard Hat Be Inspected?
Every time hard hats are used, they must be inspected for any damage that may render them ineffective and non-compliant. Beyond a visual safety inspection, hard hats should be squeezed with two hands, applying force. If squeaking or unusual sounds are detected, it is time for a replacement.
Safety By Design Can Help Protect Your Workers
Use the safety compliance management services of Safety By Design today! Safety is our mission. We know what it takes and are experts in practical, fully-compliant safety program development for Texas businesses. Protect your workers and contact our team today to learn more about OSHA training in Houston!
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