Page 42 - OHS, October 2022

PPE: CONSTRUCTION
PPE For Keeping Construction Workers Safe on the Job
Understanding how PPE works can result in safer workspaces.
ABY STEVE MAURER
ccording to the Commonly Used Statistics page1 on the OSHA website regarding the top 10 most frequently cited standards, the construction industry led the way in five of the top 10, including (1) fall protection, (3)
ladders, (5) scaffolding, (6) fall protection training, and (8) eye and face protection. In building construction (NAICS 236) alone, there were 2,742 citations given and 191 inspections, for a total penalty cost of $9,586,100.2
Don’t worry. The construction industry isn’t the lone wolf for OSHA violations. General industries of all types are guilty of the same infractions for worker safety. So, a lot of what we’re going to discuss in this article applies to a wide range of industries, not just construction.
We’re going to cover two of the top safety concerns: head and eye protection, and fall protection and training. Let’s start with head and eye protection.
Head Protection Basics and Beyond
Jobsite head protection comes in two flavors: hard hats and safety helmets. The most visible difference between the two is the brim or lack thereof. Hard hats have brims, either partial or full perimeter, whereas safety helmets are fairly brimless and are “cut out” around the ears. Safety helmet design is similar to climbing helmets. Safety helmets are normally sold with a four-point anchored chin strap. With hard hats, a chin strap is more likely an optional accessory.
Both hard hats and safety helmets have a place in construction. Because of their snugger design, helmets are great for confined space areas or any job where close encounters with a brim would be problematic. The brim on a hard hat, however, serves several purposes. Not only does it help shade the wearer’s eyes when working outside, but it also protects the worker’s face from falling debris. A full brim hard hat deflects debris from all sides.
By the way, a partial brim hard hat can only be worn with the brim to the back of the head if specifically designed for that purpose. Check the manufacturer’s specifications.
Head Protection—Types and Classes
Type and style are not interchangeable. Type refers to impact protection, and style differentiates between hard hats and safety helmets. There are two types—Type I and Type II—and both are rigorously tested and certified for compliance to ANSI Z89.1- 2014 in the U.S. and CSA Z94.1 in Canada.
Type I headgear is only rated for impacts to the top of the head. For protection against top, off-center and lateral impacts, only Type II is approved for use. Certainly, a Type I hard hat or safety helmet will protect against incidental bumps and hits. But for true impact resistance from any direction other than from directly above, Type II headgear must be used.
There is a trend toward using safety helmets. I’ve not seen a safety helmet specifically rated as a type II using ANSI or CSA certifications for lateral impacts. Just a heads up, if you’re going to
38 Occupational Health & Safety | OCTOBER 2022
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specify them for your crew when side impact hazards exist, make sure they’re certified for it. Climbing helmets are rated using EN 12492: 2012, a European standard. That standard does include side impact testing.
Hard hat or safety helmet class refers to its electrically conductive properties. There are three classes: Class C, Class G and Class E. Their electrical ratings are as follows:
■ Class C (conductive) affords no protection against electrical contact.
■ Class G (general) can be used where incidental contact will not exceed 2,200 volts.
■ Class E (electrical) is rated for up to 20,000 volts.
Other Head Protection Considerations and Tips
Before we move on to fall protection, let’s look at a few headgear quick tips and facts.
Expiration. Headgear does have an expiration date of sorts. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the shell every four or five years and the suspension webbing every 12 months. By the way, the “born on” or manufacturing date is stamped on the helmet or hard hat.
Design. The airspace above the suspension webbing serves a purpose. It’s an integral part of the impact resistance factor. It’s NOT a cargo area for gloves or any other objects. It also allows for heat dissipation. Keep it clear of obstruction.
Accessories. Accessories can further enhance protection. Eye and face protection options and hearing protection are designed to snap onto the hard hat or safety helmet. Only use accessories from the headgear manufacturer. They’ve been tested and certified to work with the hard hat or helmet. Non-OEM aftermarket accessories can be a gamble unless certified.
Inspection. Finally, inspect hard hats and safety helmets regularly, even throughout the day. Train your team to look for cuts, heavy abrasions, chemical degradation and any other defects on the shell that could compromise the headgear’s effectiveness. Replace damaged accessories like the shock absorbing webbing immediately.
I know we’ve spent a lot of time on protective headgear, but let’s be honest. Advancements in medicine, science and technology make it possible to live a fairly normal life in the event of a loss of arms and legs, feet and hands. Brain trauma changes your life dramatically. Use your head to protect this irreplaceable “command center.”
Fall Protection Gear
I’m going to cover both fall protection (number one on OSHA’s top 10) and fall protection training (number six ranked violation). I have a sneaking suspicion that one of the reasons fall protection is ranked number one is that training in fall protection is lacking. Kind of makes sense, right?
OSHA requires that fall protection be used any time the crew member is working at heights. So, what exactly does that mean?