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TOOLBOX TALKS039: HardhatsToolbox TalksWhen to wearWear your hardhat any time you are on thejob site, other than in an office or trailer.Types and classes of hardhatsType I hats reduce impact from a blow to thetop of the head.Type II hats reduce impact from a widerrange of blows.Class C hats provide no electrical protection.Class E hats provide protection from highvoltage, and are proof-tested to 2200V.What the hard hat does for youYour hardhat helps identify you, thus improvingsecurity for everyone.It provides some protections from fallingobjects, arcs, and objects your head mightstrike in close quarters. Your hat protectsyou from impact only if you have not alteredthe suspension system by placing things(other than a cold weather liner) betweenthe suspension and the shell. Ensure yoursuspension isn’t so loose it wobbles and notso tight it pinches your skin.It is mechanically protective to the extentyou have maintained the shell integrity. Thismeans you cannot drill holes into it or alterthe shell in any way. The solvents in paint canweaken the hat. Crystal clear acrylic spraymay be acceptable, but get approval fromyour safety director before use.It is electronically protective to the extent youhave maintained shell integrity plus insulatingproperties. The more you alter the surfaceof the hat, the less protection it provides.Ink, pencil marks, paint, and paper createconductive paths on the hat, so keep writingand stickers to a minimum.It keeps you cool. Measurements taken inhot weather show that the temperature in aproperly worn hardhat is often less than thetemperature outside. That’s due to a combinationof airflow, evaporation, and shading.What you should do for your hardhatProperly adjust the suspension system.Leave the shell intact. Don’t drill holesin it, and don’t swath it in sticker orother decorations.Store it in a clean place out of the path ofconcentrated sunlight. Your car’s rear windowis not such a place.Wash it with warm, soapy water, and rinse thesoap off thoroughly when the hat shows signsof dirt accumulation. Wash the sweatbandsand cradles, too.Replace the suspension system if it is wornor damaged.Replace the hat if it has dents, cracks, or signsof wear.Replace the hat if it’s been subjected to animpact. It might not have been damaged, butyou don’t know for sure.Don’tsDon’t heat it or bend it, and don’t modifythe visor.Don’t use the area between your head and theshell as a storage bin.Don’t wear it backwards or sideways.The front brim is designed as eye andface protection.DemonstrationHave a volunteer wear the sample hardhat,adjusted properly. Tap the hat with thehammer, but don’t use much force. You canget the point across without causing a neckinjury! Ask the crew members present ifanyone wants to volunteer to do this trickwithout the hat. Note that the hat, havingabsorbed the impact, may be damaged andshould be replaced.This Toolbox Talks article is reprinted withpermission from 100 Safety Training ToolboxTalks for Electrical Construction Work, 2003,National Electrical Contractors Association(US). The complete set of 100 Toolbox Talksis available in Canada through the CanadianElectrical Contractors Association (CECA).Visit the CECA website at www.ceca.org toplace your order or call 1-800-387-3226.Ontario Electrical Contractor23