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Technical Bulletin

3M™ Head Protection: Hard Hats 101

Description

This document provides basic information on hard hat use, testing and standards compliance. In all cases, a risk/hazard

assessment should be carried out and use limitations considered to ascertain the protection required.

The main function and purpose for wearing a protective hard hat are to:

1) H

elp protect workers from head trauma due to small objects.

2) H

elp prevent force from transmitting down the spine if an impact from above occurs.

3) Help reduce the dangers of contact with low level electrical shock (applies only to hard hats that meet ANSI/ISEA

Z89.1-2014 Type I, Class G and E).

How does the hard hat protect workers from each hazard?

Typical applications for hard hats, when used with other appropriate PPE, include:

• C

onstruction work

• H

eavy and light industrial

• Petrochemical

• M

ining

• Road Construction

• F

orestry

• Utilities

Hazard Main Aspects of Hard Hat that Help Provide Protection

Head trauma from small objects Hard outer shell usually made from HDPE (High-Density

Polyethylene), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or other

Thermoplastic material.

Helps absorb impact that normally would be transmitted Inner suspension that is attached to the shell reduces forces that

ould otherwise be transmitted to the head and spine.

Low level electrical shock Hard outer shell. The homogeneous material insulates against low

evel electrical shock. Not all hard hats provide electrical

rotection.

Always review the hard hat user instructions and

warnings to evaluate electrical protection.

Summary of content (6 pages)

PAGE 1
Technical Bulletin 3M™ Head Protection: Hard Hats 101 Description This document provides basic information on hard hat use, testing and standards compliance. In all cases, a risk/hazard assessment should be carried out and use limitations considered to ascertain the protection required. The main function and purpose for wearing a protective hard hat are to: 1) 2) 3) Help protect workers from head trauma due to small objects.
PAGE 2
3M Personal Safety Division In all cases a risk/hazard assessment should be carried out and use limitations considered to ascertain the protection required. Key Compliance Standards ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 Overview Establishes the minimum performance requirements for protective helmets that reduce the forces of impact and penetration and that may provide protection from electrical shock.
PAGE 3
M Personal Safety Division Test Type Force Transmission (Individual tests/Average) Summary of ANSI/ISEA Hard Hat Testing Guidelines • • • • Apex Penetration (Pass/Fail) • • • • Flammability (Pass/Fail) • • • • Impactor shall have a mass or 3.64 kg (8 lbs) Striking face of impactor shall be spherical with radius of 48 mm (1.9 in) Impactor shall remain rigid upon impact Impactor shall be dropped from a height that yields an impact velocity of 18 ft/s (12.
PAGE 4
3M Personal Safety Division Optional Testing Requirements for ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 Requirement Test Designation on Warning Label Reverse Wearing Pass the force transmission test when mounted in the reveres position on the test head form. Lower Temperature Test samples placed in environmental chamber maintained at -30 °C (-22 °F) for at least four hours and then tested to the impact and penetration test requirements.
PAGE 5
3M Personal Safety Division Maintenance and Storage Clean the hard hat and suspension with mild soap and water. Rinse and wipe dry. Do not use paints, solvents, chemicals, adhesives, gasoline or like substances on this hard hat. Store the hard hat away from direct sunlight, including on the dashboard of a vehicle. Frequently Asked Questions Q. When should head protection be provided to workers? A.
PAGE 6
3M Personal Safety Division Q. What about stickers and painting the hard hat shell? A. Pressure sensitive, non-metallic stickers or tape with self-adhesive backing are acceptable on most of today’s hard hats.However there are some general guidelines to follow – do not use stickers to cover up hard hat damage and place stickers at least ½ inch from the helmets edge. Hard hat shells should not be painted unless you receive specific approval by the manufacturer.