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PPE: HEAD & FACE PROTECTION for your application. If lateral protection is required, the helmet MUST be certified as Type 2. What to Look for Before Using a Hard Hat Before choosing a hard hat, remember to keep these considerations in mind: ■ Assess the hazards and understand the application. What conditions exist? Is work being done at height? With electrical sources? In extreme weather? Does the work require entering a confined space? ■ Determine if the helmet meets the requirements of the right safety standard. Understand the differences between ANSI, CSA and EN standards to help ensure safety and compliance. ■ Decide if accessories are needed. What additional face, eye and hearing protection is needed based on concerns such as impact, glare, UV, radiant heat, arc flash, splash and noise levels? Consider Comfort and Seasonal Concerns One key factor is comfort, which can be improved with features like adjustable headbands, ventilation systems, sweatbands and thermal barrier technology to help keep the inside of the hard hat cool in sunny conditions. Newer hard hats on the market featuring this technology can stay up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler during sunny conditions, which can help to reduce worker CORD MANAGEMENT AT ITS FINEST FEATURES • Large openings • Latching system • Tailor-made to fit around square, round, angle, and 2x4 railings. Visit GLOVEGUARD.COM for more info. heat stress, especially during the spring and summer months. Style options—such as cap, hat and brimless options—as well as logos and other customizations can also help with worker compliance. Whether your job requires a Type 1 or Type 2 hard hat, it’s important to inspect your PPE prior to each use and throughout the day. Damage can occur without notice and compromise the protection capabilities. Any hard hat that’s been struck severely should be immediately removed from service and replaced. Even if it looks to be in good condition, hairline cracks that you can’t see will affect its integrity. Also, keep in mind that hard hat suspensions should be replaced on an annual basis. Drew Thiel is the Product Line Manager for Head, Eye, Face, and Hearing Protection at MSA Safety. MSA Safety develops, manufactures and supplies safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures in a variety of hazardous conditions. Learn more at us.msasafety.com. REFERENCES 1. www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.100 2. webstore.ansi.org/Standards/ISEA/ANSIISEAZ892014R2019 3. www.csagroup.org/store/product/2700058/ SEE US AT ASSP, BOOTH #1757 34 Occupational Health & Safety | JUNE 2023 Untitled-1 1 www.ohsonline.com 53/1/310/2/233 161:248 PAM