Do you want to protect yourself from head injuries and spillage on the worksite and want to know how to wear a hard hat correctly?
If yes, then keep reading, as this article will help you know about the correct way to wear a hard hat. Hard hats are an essential tool for people working on construction sites, laborers, and road makers.
Wearing a hard hat correctly is of utmost importance. These helmet-like hats protect your head from severe injuries that may occur due to falling objects, shocks, electric charge, and spillage. But wearing it backward or improperly might put you in a hazardous condition. This article discusses some tips to wear a hard hat properly. So, without further ado, let’s jump in.
A Hard Hat
A hard hat is a type of head protection typically worn in industrial or construction settings to protect the wearer’s head from falling objects, debris, and electrical hazards.
It consists of a rigid outer shell made of durable materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polycarbonate, which is designed to distribute the impact force of falling objects or impacts across the surface of the helmet. The inside of the hard hat is usually padded with suspension systems, such as straps or a webbing system, to provide comfort and a secure fit for the wearer.
Hard hats are an essential safety measure in many workplaces where there is a risk of head injuries. They are commonly used in construction sites, manufacturing plants, mining operations, and other similar environments. The bright colors of hard hats also serve as a visibility aid, making it easier to identify and locate workers on a busy site.
How to Wear a Hard Hat: A Small Business Guide
Knowing how to put on an appropriate hard hat is essential concerning working safety, specifically those in smaller businesses. Properly using this vital personal protection equipment (PPE) can differentiate between an incident and a catastrophic accident.
In this post, we’ll go over the specifics and nuances of wearing the hard hat, what is necessary, and suggestions for keeping and examining your hat to warrant its complete protection.
Why Wearing a Hard Hat Correctly Matters
In 2019, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recorded more than 52,000 falls in the workplace. These numbers are shocking and highlight the crucial role of hard hats in preventing serious head accidents.
Head injuries may cause:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
2. Concussions
3. Skull Fractures
4. Severe Lacerations
Knowing how to put on the correct hat for work helps entrepreneurs with small enterprises protect their most valuable asset: their employees.
Hard Hat Basics: Types and Components
Before discussing the details of wearing a hard hat, it is essential to understand its basic structure and the various styles available.
Types of Hard Hats
1. Type I Hats are designed to shield against vertical impacts and penetration.
2. Type II Hats: Protect against lateral and vertical impact and penetration.
Components of a Hard Hat
A typical hard hat comprises of:
1. The outer shell layer of protection is generally made of polyethylene.
2. Suspension Straps inside are designed to take the shock away and keep the shell above the head.
3. Chin Strap: Allows you to keep your headgear securely on your head.
4. Sweatband To impart comfort situated in the suspension systems.
The Proper Technique to Wear a Hard Hat
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Inspect the Hard Hat
Make sure to inspect your hard hat before every use. Find:
1. Deep scratches or cracks within the shell
2. Frayed or damaged suspension straps
3. Broken or with missing components
If you notice any damage, replace the hard hat immediately.
Step 2: Adjust the Suspension System
The suspension should sit perfectly but not too tightly on your head.
1. Adjust the headband so the cap is approximately 1 inch over your head.
2. Then tighten or loosen your nape strap to ensure an ideal fit.
Step 3: Position the Hard Hat Correctly
Put the hard hat over your head, with the brim directed towards the front. You must ensure that:
1. The front of your face is located lower than your forehead
2. The hat is evenly placed and does not tilt the other side
Step 4: Use the Chin Strap
Chin straps are vital to maintaining the hard hat’s correct posture, particularly in windy weather or when working from the highest heights.
1. Attach the chin strap tightly to stop the hat from falling off.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. The wearing of the Hard Hat Backwards could cause a breach of protection.
2. Over-packing under the Hard Hat: Items such as caps and beanies may alter the fit and compromise the safety function.
3. Do not ignore the expiry date like the rest of PPE wearers, hard hats also have the potential to last for approximately five years after the date of manufacture. Be sure to check the expiry date and change it if necessary.
Maintaining Your Hard Hat
A regular maintenance schedule can extend the life and efficiency of your hard hat.
Cleaning Tips
1. Utilize gentle soap as well as warm water to wash your hands.
2. Beware of the use of harsh chemical substances that could degrade substances.
Storage
Place your hard hat inside the cooler, in a dry location, in a shaded area away from the direct sun since excessive heat may reduce the strength of the material.
Periodic Inspections
Conduct more in-depth examinations every month. Find:
1. UV-induced damage or bristles
2. The stretch of the suspension material determines the elasticity
Legal Requirements and Standards
OSHA Regulations
As per OSHA guidelines, Employers are accountable for supplying and ensuring that PPE is used. Failure to adhere to the regulations may result in heavy fines, ranging from $13,653 to $13,653 per offense in 2023.
ANSI Standards
Hard hats must meet specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Check for:
1. ANS/ISEA Z89.1 The standard marking
2. The designations for Type and Class indicate the protection level offered
Benefits Beyond Protection
The correct use of a hard hat is primarily about safety. However, it can also bring additional benefits, such as:
1. Inspiring a safety culture at work
2. Promoting morals- employees are valued and feel secure.
3. Legal conformity can reduce the risk of fines.
Real-life Scenarios: The Consequence of Negligence
Case Study
A small company in construction where an Employee who was wearing an unfit hard hat was struck with a severe concussion as a result of a falling object. The investigation found the suspension system had not been appropriately adjusted, highlighting the importance of wearing proper PPE. The company faced a lawsuit that cost $500,000 in legal costs and settlements, not even considering the effect on the employees’ health.
Lessons Learned
Training and Education: Train employees regularly on PPE use.
Regularly scheduled inspections: Check periodically as well as replacements.
Control System: Implement processes that make PPE utilization a conditional part of work.
Some Safety Precautions for Wearing a Hard Hat
According to a survey conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in America. Most workers on the worksite who encountered head injuries were not wearing a hard hat or wearing it improperly.
The survey showed that the workers were unaware of the hard hat’s functionality and the safety precautions while wearing a hard hat. A hard hat comes with different functions.
Aside from a shell and a strap, there are extra holes to accessorize your hard hat and add safety goggles, eye shields, or hearing protection to them. Below are some smart safety rules that you should know how to wear a hard hat correctly:
1. Adjust The Chin Strap
You should adjust the chin strap when working on higher elevations so that your hard hat won’t fall off your head.
A chin strap is adjustable to your head size and face shape preventing the hard hat from bumping off from your head while working in elevated positions.
2. Look out for Suspended Loads
It would be best to look out for suspended loads and materials and refrain from walking under them. These suspended loads might damage the outer shell if you bump your head into them. It will deteriorate your helmet’s productivity and hence injure your head.
3. Replace When Damaged or Flaked
You should keep looking for any damages, dents, flaking, holes, or chalking in your hard hat. As these damages may render it ineffective and risk your safety.
If the outer shell has lost its gloss and luster, you should consider replacing it as the protective luster is significant in absorbing shocks. It also acts as an insulator in electric environments.
4. Keep a Safe Distance Between the Head and the Shell
An essential feature of the suspension cords is to keep a safe distance between the head and the shell. Some workers negligently use this space to store tools, cigarettes, keys, or lighters.
Using this space as storage destroys the purpose of safety. Because when you encounter a hard impact, the stored objects may severely damage your skull. So, a little distance between the inner shell and the head must be kept.
5. Brim to the Front
You should wear your hard hat in the correct direction. The proper orientation of a hard hat prevents splashes and spills from falling into your eyes or directly on your forehead.
(FAQs)
Q: Why is it important to wear a hard hat?
A: Wearing a hard hat is important for protecting your head from falling objects, electrical hazards, and other potential hazards that can cause head injuries. Hard hats are commonly worn in construction sites, industrial settings, and other work environments where there is a risk of head injuries.
Q: How should I wear a hard hat?
A: To wear a hard hat properly, adjust the suspension system inside the hard hat to fit snugly on your head. The hard hat should sit level on your head and cover the top of your forehead. The chin strap should be adjusted to keep the hard hat in place and prevent it from falling off.
Q: Can I wear a baseball cap under my hard hat?
A: It is not recommended to wear a baseball cap under a hard hat as it can interfere with the fit and function of the hard hat. Instead, wear a sweatband or other type of headgear that is designed to be worn with a hard hat.
Conclusion
Hard hats are essential when working in areas where there are chances of head injuries from falling objects, or electric shocks. Wearing a hard hat correctly and accurately is essential as it can assure your safety during work.
This article discussed some misconceptions regarding the functionality of a hard hat and safety precautions for a hard hat. We hope you find it informative and helpful for you to know how to wear a hard hat correctly.
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