Day 2

Head Protection Fit and Maintenance

Head Protection
Protecting employees from potential head injuries is a key element of
any safety program. A head injury can impair an employee for life or it
can be fatal. Wearing a safety helmet or hard hat is one of the easiest
ways to protect an employee’s head from injury. Hard hats can protect
employees from impact and penetration hazards as well as from electrical
shock and burn hazards.

Employers must ensure that their employees wear head protection if

any of the following apply:
 Objects might fall from above and strike them on the head;
 They might bump their heads against fixed objects, such as exposed
pipes or beams; or
 There is a possibility of accidental head contact with electrical
hazards.
In general, protective helmets or hard hats should do the
following:
 Resist penetration by objects.
 Absorb the shock of a blow.
 Be water-resistant and slow burning.
 Have clear instructions explaining proper adjustment and
replacement of the suspension and headband.
Hard hats must have a hard outer shell and a shock-absorbing lining
that incorporates a headband and straps that suspend the shell from
1 to 1 1/4 inches (2.54 cm to 3.18 cm) away from the head. This type
of design provides shock absorption during anti-impact and ventilation
during normal wear.
Protective headgear must meet ANSI Standard Z89.1-1986 (Protective
Headgear for Industrial Workers) or provide an equivalent level of
protection. Helmets purchased before July 5, 1994 must comply with the
earlier ANSI Standard (Z89.1-1969) or provide equivalent protection.
 
Bump Hats vs. Hard Hats
There are two common classes of protective headgear known as
“bump hats” and “hard hats”. Bump Hats are designed for use in
areas with low head clearance and are recommended for areas where
protection is needed from head bumps and lacerations. When the risk
of falling or flying objects are present then an ANSI approved
Hard Hat is required instead.
There are many types of hard hats available in the marketplace today
and it is essential to check the type of hard hat employees are
using. Each hat should bear a label inside the shell that lists the
manufacturer, the ANSI designation and the class of the hat. This
information should be compared against working conditions to ensure
proper protection against potential workplace hazards with a
requirement for employees to wear the hard hat at all times. It is
important for employers to understand all potential hazards when
making this selection, including electrical hazards. This can be done
through a comprehensive hazard analysis and an awareness of the
different types of protective headgear available.
Hard hats are divided into three industrial classes:
Class A hard hats provide impact and penetration resistance along with
limited voltage protection (up to 2,200 volts).
Class B hard hats provide the highest level of protection against
electrical hazards, with high-voltage shock and burn protection (up to
20,000 volts). They also provide protection from impact and penetration
hazards by flying/falling objects.
Class C hard hats provide lightweight comfort and impact protection but
offer no protection from electrical hazards.
Hard hats with any of the following defects should be removed from
service and replaced:
 Perforation, cracking, or deformity of the brim or shell;
 Indication of exposure of the brim or shell to heat, chemicals or
ultraviolet light and other radiation (in addition to a loss of surface
gloss, such signs include chalking or flaking).
Always replace a hard hat if it sustains an impact, even if damage is not
noticeable. Suspension systems are offered as replacement parts and
should be replaced when damaged or when excessive wear is noticed. It is
not necessary to replace the entire hard hat when deterioration or tears of
the suspension systems are noticed.
Eye and Face Injuries
Eye Injuries
Eye injuries can result from sports injuries, accidents and foreign
objects in the eye. These can cause pain, swelling, redness and other
symptoms. Some people see flashes of light or have vision changes.
Serious injuries to the eye may cause permanent vision loss.
What is an eye injury?
Eye injuries include bruises, punctures and scratches. They
can result from accidents, exposure to chemicals or foreign
objects in the eye.
Eye and Face Protection Selection
Guidance on Use and Selection of Eye and Face protection .The
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as
amended) require that employers provide, free of charge, appropriate
PPE where the risk assessment has identified that exposure cannot be
adequately controlled by other means. Responsibilities Line
management and supervisors are responsible for:
 identifying eye hazards associated with work activities
undertaken by staff and students
 carrying out risk assessments to eliminate, or where this is not
possible, control these hazards
 providing any eye protection identified as being necessary.
 ensuring that eye protection is used as instructed, is
maintained in good condition and is replaced when damaged.
Types of eye protection
There are various types of eye protection that are appropriate for a
given situation. A summary of the different types of PPE for eyes and
what they may protect against is described briefly below.
Safety spectacles – look very similar to ordinary prescription spectacles but
very often have side shields fitted to them. The lenses are usually made of
toughened glass or polycarbonate. They are available in a range of styles and as
such can be matched to the wearer. Most manufacturers can supply safety
spectacles with prescription lenses. Moreover, when prescription lenses are
fitted, the cost of these falls upon the employer under Regulation 4 of the PPE
at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended) – see below. Typical activities – bench
level work with chemicals and biological materials, domestic cleaning activities
(dependent on COSHH assessment), use of hand tools, handling compressed gas
cylinders.

Eye shields & Over-specs. Eye shields have a frameless, one-piece moulded
lens. Some designs of eye shields can be worn over prescription spectacles
where necessary. Additionally some safety spectacles are designed to be worn
over prescription glasses. Typical activities – as above.

Goggles – very often these are held in place by an attached elastic headband.
They give greater protection than the two pieces of protective eyewear already
mentioned as they form a seal around the entire periphery of the eyes. The
lenses are often made of plastic or toughened glass. They are more prone to
misting up unless they have ventilation holes. Typical activities – certain
chemical handling, dusty processes.
Face shields – these tend to be heavier and bulkier than other
forms of PPE for eyes. They usually have an adjustable
headband or harness fitted with either a one piece ear shield
protecting the entire face, a metal mesh screen or an opaque
shield into which lenses are fitted. Typical activities – UV light
sources, arc welding (additional requirements), liquid cryogens,
handling of very hazardous chemicals that present a skin hazard,
certain machining activities.
Combined protection – may incorporate eye protection. There
are a number of designs that integrate head, eye and respiratory
protective in one unit. The eye protection can stop projectiles
and chemicals from entering and injuring the wearer’s eyes and
provides head protection at the same time, in addition to
respiratory protection, usually by supplying the wearer with
filtered air or air via a compressed air line. Typical activities –
handling chemicals that pose a serious respiratory hazard as
well as skin/eye hazard (consider alternative methods of worker
protection first).
Selection Eye/face protectors should be "suitable and sufficient"
for the hazard and risk identified in the task(s). Harm to
eyes/face may arise due to Impact injury e.g.:
 Machining of metal, wood and plastic.
 Grinding and chipping with power operated tools.
 The use of hand tools, chisels and wire brushes for certain
operations
 The use of hand tools, chisels and wire brushes for certain
operations.
 The handling of molten metal.
 The use of compressed air "blow guns".
How do I recognize safety eye wear?
Lenses: CSA-certified eye and face protectors must meet the criteria for
impact resistance as outlined in the standard. Only devices made of
approved materials are permitted.
Markings: The manufacturer or supplier certification mark must be present
on all approved safety lenses, frames (front and temple), removable side
shields, and other parts of the glasses, goggles, or helmets.
Frames: Safety frames are stronger than street-wear frames and are often
heat resistant. They are also designed to prevent lenses from being pushed
into the eyes.
What are the pros and cons of the different lenses?
Comparison of Lens Materials
Material Characteristics
Hi-Vex •More impact-resistant than CR39 plastic
•Available with all surface treatments (coatings)
•100% UV filtering
•Light weight
•Material is very clear

Polycarbonate •Most impact-resistant of all lens materials

•Lightweight
•Can be coated for scratch resistance
•Most have built-in UV radiation absorption properties
Plastic (CR39) •About one-half the weight of glass
•Resistant to solvents and pitting
Trivex •More impact resistant than CR39 Plastic
•Less impact resistant than polycarbonate
•UV radiation absorption properties
Glass •High-density material resulting in heavy lenses
•Loses impact resistance if scratched
•Does not meet impact criteria as set by CSA Z94.3
What should I know about the fit and care of eye wear?
Eye wear will protect the user if the eye and surrounding soft tissues are
fully covered by the protection device. If eye protection is required,
establish a complete eye safety protection program including selection,
fit testing, training, maintenance and inspection.

Fit
Ensure your safety eye wear fits properly. Eye wear should cover from the
eyebrow to the cheekbone, and across from the nose to the boney area on
the outside of the face and eyes. Eye size, bridge size and temple length all
vary. Eye wear should be individually assigned and fitted so that gaps
between the edges of the device and the face are kept to a minimum.
Eye wear should fit over the temples comfortably and over the ears. The
frame should be as close to the face as possible and adequately supported
by the bridge of the nose.
Users should be able to see in all directions without any major obstructions
in their field of view.
Care
Eye and face protection devices need maintenance.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Avoid rough handling that can scratch lenses. Scratches impair vision and
can weaken lenses.
Store your devices in a clean, dry place where they cannot fall or be
stepped on. Keep them in a case when they are not being worn.
Replace scratched, pitted, broken, bent or ill-fitting devices immediately.
Damaged devices interfere with vision and do not provide protection.
Replace damaged parts only with identical parts from the original
manufacturer to ensure the same safety rating.
Do not change or modify the protective device.

What should I know about lens colours?

Lenses can be clear, tinted, photochromic or polarized. Each type offers
various levels of ultraviolet protection, including no protection (even when
coloured). Do not be fooled by the colour of the lenses.
Conduct a hazard assessment to identify the hazards that workers may be
exposed to, and then select appropriate PPE when engineering controls or
other more permanent methods of control are not possible. Consult with
the PPE manufacturer about the uses and limitations for each type of
eye or face protection.
How do I select the proper eye and face protection?
If you are at risk for eye or face injury at work, you should wear
appropriate protection.
To select the proper protectors follow the recommendations in the table
below.
Note: This table cannot cover all possible hazards and combinations
that may occur. Examine each situation carefully and select the
appropriate protector or combination of protectors.
Nature of hazard Hazardous Activities involving but not limited to Recommended protectors
Flying Objects Chipping, scaling, stonework, drilling, grinding, Class 1A - Spectacles
buffing, polishing, hammer mills, crushing, heavy Class 2A, 2B - Goggles
sawing, planning, wire and strip handling, Class 5A, 5B - Hoods
hammering, unpacking, nailing, punch press, Class 6A, 6D - Face shields
lathework
Flying particles, Woodworking, sanding, light metal working and Class 1A - Spectacles
dust, wind, etc. machining, exposure to dust and wind, resistance Class 2A, 2B - Goggles
welding (no radiation exposure), sand, cement, Class 5A, 5B - Hoods
aggregate handling, painting, concrete work, Class 6A, 6D - Face shields
plastering, material batching and mixing
Heat, sparks, and Babbiting, casting, pouring, molten metal, brazing, Class 1B - Spectacles
splash from molten soldering, spot welding, stud welding, hot dipping Class 2C - Goggles
materials operations Class 5C, 5D - Hoods
Class 6B, 6C, 6D - Face
Shields
Acid splash, Acid and alkali handling, degreasing, pickling and Class 2B - Goggles
chemical burns plating operations, glass breakage, chemical spray, Class 5B - Hoods
liquid bitumen handling Class 6A - Face Shields
Abrasive blasting Sand blasting, shot blasting, shotcreting Class 2B - Goggles
materials Class 5B - Non-Rigid Hoods
Class 6A - Face Shields
 Glare, stray light (where Reflection, bright sun and lights, Class 1A - Spectacles
slight reduction of visible reflected welding flash, photographic Class 2A, 2B - Goggles
radiation is required) copying Class 5A, 5B - Hoods
Class 6A - Face Shields
Injurious optical Torch cutting, welding, brazing, furnace Class 1B - Spectacles
radiation (where work, metal pouring, spot welding, Class 2C - Goggles
moderate reduction of photographic copying Class 5C - Hoods
optical radiation is Class 6B - Face Shields
required)
Injurious optical Babbiting, casting, pouring, molten Class 3 - Helmet
radiation (where large metal; brazing, soldering, spot Class 4 - Handshield
reduction of optical welding, stud welding, hot-dipping
radiation is required) operations
Laser radiation Laser cutting, laser surgery, laser Class 2D - Goggles
etching
Electric arc flash Electrical installation, electrical Class 2E - Goggles
maintenance, troubleshooting of Class 5E - Hoods
electrical systems, disconnecting live Class 6D - Face shields
electrical systems
Foot Protection
What Does Foot Protection Mean?
Foot protection is any piece of personal protective equipment protecting
one’s foot from any injury while at work or during movement. The foot is
a vital part of our body and since we are on our feet constantly from day
to day, they are more susceptible to injury. If a foot is injured, our
movement may be temporarily or permanently restricted
Safeopedia Explains Foot Protection
Most common types of foot injuries include the following:
 Traumatic injury occurs when feet and toes are cut, pinched or
crushed under falling objects, wheels, rollers or gear machinery,
contact sharp edges, or get tangled in ropes and chains
 The feet can be damaged when the skin, muscles, tendons, blood
vessels and nerves get cut, punctured, pricked, or are irritated
 Bones are fractured or sprained
 Permeation injury occurs when bare feet contact corrosive liquids,
harmful chemicals and other substances. It causes chemical burns, skin
irritations or injures to tissues etc.
 Repetitive motion injury occurs when jobs require repeated, rapid foot
movements for long periods of time such as machine controlling,
sports or driving
 Burns in feet occur due to contact with high temperature objects. On
the other end, frostbite is a risk in the cold environment
 We can protect our feet from above injuries by the following actions:
 Carryout diligent risk assessments
 Always wear appropriate shoes (Non skidding, anti-static-electricity,
metal-toed safety shoes, etc.)
 Keep floors and walkways clear of sharp objects, ropes and oily
substances
 Indicate slippery floors by using signage
 Always move carefully
What Does Hearing PPE (Hearing Protector) Mean?
Hearing personal protective equipment (PPE) or hearing protectors
are the devices used to prevent noise induced hearing loss. These
devices reduce the noise energy entering and causing harm to the inner
ear and are required to be used by employees exposed to noise levels 80
decibels or more over an 8 hour work shift in the weapon and explosive
training or operation area, mines, workshops, aircraft maintenance
hangers, engine, generator, boiler and compressor rooms etc.
Safeopedia Explains Hearing PPE (Hearing Protector)
There are, generally, two types of hearing protectors used: ear muffs (also
called ear defenders) and earplugs.
 Earmuffs - made of thermoplastics and sponge and shaped like a pair
of cups. These cups are usually attached on the outer ends of a
steel or plastic headband to fit on the top of the external ears
 Earplugs - there are three types of earplugs depending on the
materials they are made from and their shapes.
• Foam - made of foam, compressed by fingers to put inside the
ear canal, which expands to plug the canal when released
• Silicon - made of silicon and rubber. The inner side looks like
small ball that fits on the outer ear canal and the rest hang
outside. These are often used by swimmers and surfers
• Flanged - made of rubber and plastics to fit on the outer ear canal
• Made from various eco-friendly materials. This option allows
for a personalized fit to individuals ear canal, ensuring total
comfort. In most cases, other options such as filters in order to
communicate, are available.
Personal hearing protectors – selection.
Selection of hearing protectors.
Hearing protectors are used to reduce noise to a level where the risk
of hearing damage is reduced, and, at the same time, allow the
individual to hear instructions or warnings in the work .
What Does Hand Protection Mean?
Hand protection is saving one’s hands from any sort of injury at
work. Hands are vital tools of human being and therefore most
vulnerable to injuries as well. Very often, hands are exposed to
hazardous conditions such as sharp edges, pinch points, rotary
machinery, hot objects, electricity, splinters and chemicals etc. If
hands are not protected and get injured, they will last for lifetime.
Safeopedia Explains Hand Protection
Most common types of hand injuries include the following:
Traumatic injury occurs when hands and fingers get caught, pinched
or crushed in chains, wheels, rollers, or gears of various machinery and
get cuts to the skin, tendons, blood vessels and nerves, skin punctures,
pricks, abrasion, irritation, bones fractures and sprains.
Contact or permeation injury occurs when our hands get contact with
corrosive liquids, solvents, acids, detergents, flammable liquids and
other substances and permeated through the skin. This can cause
chemical burns or injure tissues, skin irritations, allergic dermatitis,
major organ damage, carcinogenic effects etc.
Repetitive motion injury occurs when jobs require repeated, rapid
hand movements for long period of time. Most of these injuries are
musculoskeletal disorders.
Thermal injury occurs due to high temperatures of the equipment or
fire while handling hot parts, thermoplastics molds, welding-cutting,
foundry works, thermoforming, removing food from ovens etc.
Thermal injury occurs in the form of burns, dermatitis, frostbite and
blisters etc.
To protect our hands against these injuries we should do the
following:
 Perform out risk assessment.
 Follow user manual and product labels.
 Use appropriate gloves (type, size and shape) and PPEs or
barrier cream.
 Avoid using finger rings and ornaments such as bracelets or
watches.
 Change grips, hand positions or motions. Give hands a rest.
 Use machine guards and safety devices etc. at all the times.
 Lockout and switch off equipment and machines those are not in
use.
 Wash hands when in contact with corrosive chemicals or as
appropriate.