Safety Matters – Manufacturing

Selecting the Right Head Protection for the Job

When it comes to keeping workers safe on the job, nothing is more important than head protection. In the manufacturing arena, head injuries may be caused by falling, flying or fixed objects. When these types of injuries occur, they can lead to significant head trauma or even irreversible, long-term damage.

The following content was developed to help provide manufacturing workers with a general overview of the different types and classes of head protection, as well as maintenance tips to keep in mind.

Types and Classes of Head Protection

There are several different kinds of head protection available to the manufacturing industry. The list below highlights the distinctions:

Types

• Type 1—Type 1 head protection is designed to reduce the impact of blows to the top of the head. While this type of protection is great for falling objects, Type 1 head protection provides no defense for blows to the sides of the head. 
• Type 2—Type 2 head protection is intended to reduce the impact of blows to the top or sides of the head.
• Bump caps—Bump caps are designed to provide protection for employees who work in areas with low clearance. While they may offer a certain level of head protection in these situations, bump caps do not meet the definition of a hard hat as specified by OSHA and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). As such, this type of head protection may not provide adequate defense against manufacturing hazards.

Classes

• Class C—Class C (conductive) head protection is not intended to provide protection should it come into contact with electrical hazards.
• Class G—Class G (general) head protection is intended to reduce the danger of contact with low-voltage conductors. This class of head protection is required to pass a proof test of 2,200 volts.
• Class E—Class E (electrical) head protection reduces the danger of contact with higher voltage conductors. This class of head protection is nonconductive and proof-tested at 20,000 volts.
• The type and class of head protection you use should be appropriate for the task you are performing.

Care and Maintenance

As with all types of personal protective equipment, head protection should be inspected regularly and well-maintained. The following are some care and maintenance tips to consider:

• Inspect your head protection daily. When inspecting head protection, look closely for any cracks and holes on the shell. In addition, examine the suspension system to ensure it’s installed correctly and shows no signs of damage.
• Avoid wearing head protection backward or in an unintended fashion.
• Store head protection in a clean area where it isn’t exposed to direct sunlight.
• Clean head protection regularly with warm water and a mild soap.
• Follow the original manufacturer’s guidelines on use, maintenance and replacement.
• Replace head protection that shows any signs of wear or damage.

Talk to a Workplace Safety Pro

We’re in the business of making your business safer. To learn more about head protection, talk to the manufacturing safety professionals at VTC Insurance Group. You can reach us at 248.828.3377 or visit vtcins.com.

This blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.