Page 14 - Occupational Health & Safety, November 2018

HEAD & FACE PROTECTION
dard provides performance and testing requirements for industrial hard hats, both Type I for top protection and Type II for protection against lateral impacts.
OSHA’s important standards include 1910.135; 1910.132, the main personal protective equipment standard; 1910.133, Eye and Face Protection; and 1910.252(b)(2), the eye protection section within the Welding, Cutting, and Brazing standard.
Recommended PPE for Emergency Crews
On Sept. 19, OSHA posted a reminder that emergency crews in the areas affected by Hurricane Florence should be aware of haz- ards from flooding, power loss, structural damage, fallen trees, and storm debris.
“Workers involved in storm recovery can face a range of safe- ty and health hazards,” said OSHA Region 4 Administrator Kurt Petermeyer. “Risks can be minimized with knowledge, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment.”
The agency noted that only individuals with proper training, equipment, and experience should conduct recovery and cleanup activities, and that the protective measures after a weather disaster should include:
■ Evaluating the work area for hazards
■ Assessing the stability of structures and walking surfaces
■ Fall protection for elevated surfaces
■ Assuming all power lines are live
■ Using chainsaws, portable generators, ladders, and other equipment properly
■ Using personal protective equipment, such as gloves, hard hats, hearing and foot protection, and eye protectors
OSHA’s Region 4 includes the states hit hardest by Florence’s flooding, North Carolina and South Carolina, as well as Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.
Taking Care of Your Hard Hat
Some useful tips for the inspection, care, and use of hard hats:
■ Do not store a hard hat in direct sunlight. Manufacturers recommend that workers never leave their hard hats in the rear window well of a vehicle or anywhere the hard hat would be ex- posed to sunlight while not in use, because UV rays can do signifi-
cant damage.
■ Clean the shell and suspension system with mild soap and
rinse with warm water.
■ Inspect the shell for damage, excess wear, perforations, or
cracking.
■ Inspect the suspension straps for cuts and wear, as well as for
signs of chemical damage.
■ Do not use adhesives, paints, or cleaning solvents on your
hard hat unless the use is approved by its manufacturer. Jerry Laws is the editor of Occupational Health & Safety.
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