Hard Hats. A Most Prized Possession. Some Frequently Asked Questions Can I decorate my hard hat? Paints and stickers can affect the electrical resistance properties, as well as conceal defects, cracks, penetration, and any damage that would be otherwise readily identifiable during your daily inspection. For these reasons, painting or applying stickers must be done with great caution, if at all, and in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Do I need to replace my hard hat if it sustains an impact? Yes. If the hard hat has sustained an impact, dispose of it immediately, even if the damage is not visible. Once the hard hat has been impacted the materials may be weakened and may no longer provide its intended impact and penetration resistance. Can I mix and match different suspensions and shells? No. You should not interchange suspensions and shells from different manufacturers because they will not have been tested for compliance with the manufacturing standards and would likely void certification. How do I clean and store my hard hat? Mild soap and warm water is usually the best way to clean the hard hat and suspension. For tar, sap, and other materials that may not come off using this method, it’s best to replace that component because using abrasives or solvents to remove these materials may weaken the shell or suspension. Can I wear my hard hat backwards? No, unless it was designed and specifically tested for this use. To determine if your hard hat is tested and approved for reverse donning, you will need to look for the reverse donning arrow marking. What can I wear beneath my hard hat? Bandannas, skull-caps, hoods, or welders’ caps that do not contain metal parts can be used if they are worn smoothly. Avoid pressure points because the suspension should still be adjusted to provide a snug and comfortable fit. Baseball-style caps should not be worn; they will interfere with the ability of the suspension to work properly during an impact. Winter liners can be worn but should be inspected to ensure they do not adversely affect the proper fit or function of the hard hat. RECAP •Right tool for the job: Check the markings to verify you’re using the appropriate Type and Class of head protection. •Choose a hard hat that is compatible with accessories such as slots for eye, ear, and face protection. Accessories should never create obstructions or interfere with the function of your hard hat. •Fit and function: Your hard hat should fit securely on your head; the suspension should be adjusted so it is snug but not so tight that it causes discomfort or irritation. •Inspect the suspension for wear and functionality before and after each use. Replace immediately if found damaged, and/or at a minimum of every 12 months. •Inspect the helmet, before and after each use for dents, cracks, and a chalky looking shell, which indicates UV damage. If any defects are found, replace it right away. •Report it to your supervisor, and throw it away immediately, if it has been subjected to an impact. •Wipe it down before you hang it up for the day. Store it with care and out of direct sunlight. This content was used courtesy of MSA’s Spotlight on Safety blog. Talk Date:______________________________ Supervisor/Facilitator:_______________________________________ Location:_______________________________ Department:______________________________________________ SAFETY FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT CONTACT: SAFETYQUESTIONS@FASTENAL.COM OR 1-833-FNL-SAFE WF_84300 JP 12/19 19.4
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