Hard Hat Safety: Use, Inspection, and Maintenance

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER]

Revision Date: [DATE]

Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE]

Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the requirements and guidelines for the proper use, inspection, and maintenance of hard hats to prevent head injuries in the workplace. It applies to all personnel, including employees, contractors, and visitors, who are required to wear hard hats while performing work-related activities. This SWP covers the selection, fitting, inspection, use, care, and storage of hard hats. It also addresses the responsibilities of supervisors and workers in ensuring head protection. This procedure does not cover specialized helmets used for specific tasks such as welding or electrical work, which require additional safety measures.

2. Definitions

Hard Hat A rigid protective helmet designed to protect the head from impact, penetration, and electrical shock. Competency The ability to perform a task to a recognized standard. Hazard A situation that has the potential to cause harm to people, property, or the environment. Risk The likelihood that a hazard will cause harm and the severity of that harm. Control Measures Measures taken to eliminate or reduce the risk associated with a hazard.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure all workers are provided with appropriate hard hats that meet safety standards.
• Enforce the mandatory use of hard hats in designated work areas.
• Provide training to workers on the proper use, inspection, and maintenance of hard hats.
• Regularly inspect hard hats for damage and ensure replacements are available.
• Maintain records of hard hat inspections and replacements.
• Investigate incidents involving head injuries and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

3.2 Workers

• Inspect the hard hat before each use for any signs of damage, wear, or defects.
• Wear the hard hat correctly, ensuring it fits snugly and the suspension system is properly adjusted.
• Report any damage or defects to the supervisor immediately.
• Replace the hard hat if it has been impacted or penetrated, even if no visible damage is apparent.
• Clean the hard hat regularly with mild soap and water. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.
• Store the hard hat in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures when not in use.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Falling objects (tools, materials, debris)	Head injury (concussion, skull fracture, laceration)	Ensure all workers wear properly fitted hard hats in designated areas. Regularly inspect hard hats for damage and replace as needed.
Electrical hazards (contact with live wires)	Electrical shock, burns	Use hard hats with appropriate electrical rating. Inspect hard hats for damage before use.
Low clearance (overhead pipes, beams)	Head injury (bumps, lacerations)	Ensure workers are aware of low clearance areas. Use signage to warn of potential hazards. Wear high-visibility hard hats.
Flying debris (dust, particles, fragments)	Eye and face injuries	Use hard hats with face shields or safety glasses. Ensure proper fit and adjustment.
Slips, trips, and falls	Head injury (concussion, skull fracture)	Use hard hats with chin straps. Ensure proper fit and adjustment.
Exposure to extreme temperatures (heat, cold)	Heat stress, hypothermia	Provide hard hats with ventilation. Schedule frequent breaks in shaded areas. Provide water and encourage hydration.
Poor visibility (night work, confined spaces)	Head injury due to collisions	Use hard hats with reflective markings. Provide adequate lighting in work areas.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Hard Hat: Provides impact protection to the head. Must meet ANSI Z89.1 or CSA Z94.1 standards. Select the appropriate type and class based on the potential hazards.
• Safety Glasses/Face Shield: Protects eyes from dust, debris, and chemical splashes. Must meet ANSI Z87.1 standards. Select appropriate lens tint for the work environment.
• Winter Liner: Provides additional protection in cold weather conditions. Ensure it does not interfere with the fit and function of the hard hat.
• Reflective Markings: Enhances visibility in low-light conditions. Ensure it does not compromise the integrity of the hard hat.

Inspect the hard hat before each use for any signs of damage, wear, or defects. Check the shell for cracks, dents, or punctures. Inspect the suspension system for tears, fraying, or missing parts. Clean the hard hat regularly with mild soap and water. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners. Store the hard hat in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

6. Equipment and Tools

• Mild Soap and Water: Used for cleaning hard hats. Use mild soap and water to avoid damaging the shell or suspension system.
• Clean Cloth: Used for drying hard hats after cleaning. Ensure the cloth is clean and lint-free.
• Inspection Light: Used for inspecting hard hats. Ensure adequate lighting to identify any defects or damage.

Ensure the inspection light is in good working condition. Replace batteries as needed. Clean the lens of the inspection light regularly to ensure optimal visibility.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

1. Assess the Work Area: Before commencing any work, assess the potential hazards in the work area to determine if head protection is required.
2. Select the Appropriate Hard Hat: Select a hard hat that is appropriate for the identified hazards and meets the required safety standards (ANSI Z89.1 or CSA Z94.1). Ensure the hard hat is the correct size and in good condition.
3. Inspect the Hard Hat: Inspect the hard hat shell for any cracks, dents, or other signs of damage. Check the suspension system for tears, fraying, or missing parts. Ensure the suspension system is properly attached to the shell.
4. Adjust the Fit: Adjust the suspension system to ensure a snug and comfortable fit. The hard hat should not move freely on the head. If a chin strap is provided, ensure it is properly fastened.
5. Wear the Hard Hat Correctly: Wear the hard hat at all times while working in designated areas. Ensure the hard hat is worn with the brim facing forward to provide maximum protection.
6. Clean the Hard Hat: Clean the hard hat regularly with mild soap and water. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the shell. Allow the hard hat to air dry completely before storing.
7. Store the Hard Hat Properly: Store the hard hat in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Do not store heavy objects on top of the hard hat.
8. Replace the Hard Hat as Needed: Replace the hard hat if it has been impacted or penetrated, even if no visible damage is apparent. The hard hat should also be replaced if it is more than five years old, or as recommended by the manufacturer.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Ensure all workers are trained on the proper use, inspection, and maintenance of hard hats. - Provide training sessions and refresher courses.
• Enforce the mandatory use of hard hats in designated work areas. - Post signage and conduct regular inspections.
• Regularly inspect hard hats for damage and ensure replacements are available. - Establish a system for reporting and replacing damaged hard hats.
• Maintain records of hard hat inspections and replacements. - Use a logbook or electronic database to track inspections and replacements.
• Investigate incidents involving head injuries and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. - Conduct thorough investigations and implement recommendations.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an incident resulting in a head injury, follow these steps:

1. Immediately stop work and assess the situation. 2. Provide first aid to the injured person. 3. Call for medical assistance if necessary. 4. Secure the area to prevent further incidents. 5. Report the incident to the supervisor. 6. Investigate the incident and implement corrective actions.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Worker struck by falling object and is unconscious.: 1. Evacuate the area immediately. 2. Call emergency services. 3. Do not attempt to move the injured person unless there is an immediate danger.
• Worker receives an electrical shock to the head.: 1. Disconnect the power source. 2. Provide first aid for electrical burns. 3. Call emergency services if necessary.
• Worker sustains a laceration to the head.: 1. Provide first aid for cuts and lacerations. 2. Apply pressure to stop bleeding. 3. Seek medical attention if necessary.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, including near misses and injuries, must be reported immediately to the supervisor. The supervisor will complete an incident report form and submit it to the safety department. The incident report should include details of the incident, the injured person's name, and any witnesses.

The safety department will investigate all reported incidents to determine the root cause and contributing factors. The investigation will involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing the work area, and examining any equipment involved. A written report will be prepared outlining the findings and recommendations for corrective actions.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

Safety powered by SALUS