Head Protection – Hard Hats

There are some practical reasons for wearing a hard hat. They help keep your head cooler in summer; dry during rain; and helps shield your ears from noise. But the main reason to wear a hard hat is that it protects the control center part of your body—your head. 

What a Hard Hat Does:

• Protects you from falling objects. 
• Protects your head in case of a fall or bump’s into machinery, ductwork and the like. 
• Protects you from electrical shocks and burns if it's a non-conductive hat. 
• It is a neat place to put stickers and decals, especially first aid trained or safety committee member. 

Proper Care: In order for your hard hat to take care of you, you need to care for your hat

• Always keep your hard hat properly adjusted. 
• Do not cut, bend or heat the hard hat. 
• When you see deep gouges or cracks in the shell, or the hat color turns dull, its time for a new one. 

Proper Wear: 

• Do not wear it backwards. 
• Don’t put anything inside your hard hat except your head. 
• Don’t try to substitute it for a “bump cap.” The bump cap will not provide adequate protection from falling objects; just isn’t strong enough. 
• It is not a stool or a step; doing so weakens the shell of the hard hat. 

Remember: The average hard hat weighs about 14 ounces. The average head weighs about 14 pounds. That’s about one ounce of protection for each pound of head. A small price to pay to protect the control center of your body.  

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE is any equipment or clothing you have to use or wear to protect you from the hazards of your job. It includes but is not limited to gloves, respirators, safety shields, glasses or goggles, hard hats, hearing protectors or high visibility vests.

Your supervisor is responsible for providing most PPE that you require to perform your job safely and to ensure that you are properly trained on how to use, care for and maintain your PPE.

You have a responsibility to use your PPE when & how you have been directed to. You are also required to inspect your equipment prior to using it and to report any problems immediately to your supervisor. If you’re not sure about the right PPE to wear for the job or how to use or care for it, ask your supervisor.

PPE should not create additional hazardous situations. If you are concerned that your PPE is inappropriate or inadequate for the job, immediately report this to your supervisor.

PPE basics

• Ensure it is appropriate for the job you are doing.
• Ensure it fits properly. (For respirators, ensure you have been fit tested).
• Always inspect your equipment before use to ensure it is proving adequate protection.
• Report concerns or defects immediately to your supervisor
• Keep it clean and well maintained and replace it when needed.
• Don’t store it in contaminated areas, but in a clean area and wipe it down as needed.

Safety Eyewear is REQUIRED to be worn in all shops 

Hearing Protection is RECOMMENDED to be worn in all shops

Respirators have some specific applications to protect against wood dust and some fumes and particulates

Gloves have some specific applications to protect against some chemicals

Think safe - work safe - live safe

Think safely in everything you do 

Safety First