A wall of hardhats that are different colors, white, yellow, blue and red

Head Protection: ANSI Standards

by with No Comment Head Protection

When it comes to head protection, ANSI and OSHA team up to keep you safe.

OSHA mandates that head protection meet ANSI standard Z89.1-2014.

This standard establishes type: where the helmet has been tested for impact. class: whether the helmet provides protection against electrical hazards. and the temperatures that the helmet can function at.

  • Type I: Provide impact protection from the top of the head. (1) 
  • Type II: If you want complete 360-degree protection, go for a Type II. They’re tested to protect against your top, sides, and front covered. (1) 
  • Class G: provides some electrical hazard protection, can withstand up to 2,200 volts of electrical charge. (1) 
  • Class E: provides the most electrical protection, can handle up to 20,000 volts of electrical charge. (1) 
  • Class C: No electrical protection, so be cautious! (1) 

And what about extreme temperatures? ANSI covers that as well.

  • Basic temperatures from -18°C to 49°C: No special markings required. (1)  
  • Low temperatures down to -30°C: Look for the “LT” label on the helmet. (1) 
  • High temperatures up to 60°C: Check for the “HT” label. (1) 

OSHA offers some best practices when it comes to head protection: (2)  

  • Always wear your headgear with the bill facing forward.
  • Make sure it fits properly and doesn’t cause any discomfort. 
  • Inspect your hardhat daily for any signs of damage. 
  • Stickers are okay if approved by the manufacturer, but they shouldn’t hide any defects. 
  • Keep your hardhat away from direct sunlight when not in use. 
  • If your hardhat is damaged or shows any defects, replace it immediately. 
  • Even if there’s no visible damage, any hardhat that has been impacted should be replaced. 
  • Liners can keep you cozy in chilly conditions while sweat bands and cooling towel inserts can help in the heat.

 Bonus tip: Many worksites use color-coded hardhats to easily identify different roles on site. Spot your manager, inspector, or engineer at a glance! 

To learn more about head protection, visit our related blog here.  

To learn more about hardhat accessories, click here!  

  1. https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2019/04/16/Choosing-a-Hard-Hat.aspx 
  1. https://www.natlenvtrainers.com/blog/article/osha-head-protection-guidelines 
yellow hardhat on a free stump with earmuffs on top of the hat

Hardhat Accessories: A Guide

by with No Comment Head Protection

Welcome to the Guide to HARDHAT ACCESSORIES – your one-stop shop for all things hardhat-related! We know that safety is a top priority, which is why we’re here to help you find the perfect accessories to enhance your hardhat experience. 

First up, we have sweatbands. Say goodbye to that uncomfortable, sweaty feeling with these handy attachments that absorb sweat and improve comfort. 

Now, let’s talk about staying warm in cold environments. We get it, sometimes you just need a little extra warmth. But don’t compromise the fit of your hardhat with any old beanie or cap. Stick to compatible liners or flat top beanies for maximum coziness without sacrificing safety. 

Summer’s here and the sun is blazing. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Literally.  Visors, brims, and flaps are the perfect additions to keep you safe and cool in those scorching temperatures. Stay protected and beat the heat! 

Safety first! Chin straps are a must-have for keeping your hardhat securely in place. Say goodbye to worrying about falling off during a fall or impact. 

But what about your face and eyes? Find compatible safety glasses and face shields that can be easily attached to your hardhat, providing an extra layer of protection against flying debris and other hazards. See clearly and stay safe 

Working in low-light environments? No problem. Attach lights to your hardhat and enjoy improved visibility and enhanced safety. Shine bright and work with confidence, even in the darkest of corners. 

Last but not least, we’ve got your respiratory health covered too. Find respirators that are compatible with your hardhat, providing essential protection against airborne contaminants and hazardous fumes. Breathe easy and stay safe on the job! 

Remember, when choosing your hardhat accessories, make sure they’re compatible with your specific hardhat. Hard hats and accessories are not always the most stylish but safety always comes first, so choose wisely and stay protected at all times! 

Now that you’re armed with all this knowledge, go forth and accessorize your hardhat like a pro. Your head will thank you! 

To learn more about head protection basics, visit our related blog here and here

Construction worker wearing safety harness belt during working at high place at construction site.

Conventional Fall Protection Systems

by with No Comment Fall Protection

If you work at heights, then fall protection systems are an essential part of maintaining safety and preventing accidents. In this article, we will introduce you to the basics of fall protection so that you can better understand how these life-saving measures can help keep you safe on the job site. 

Guardrails: Guardrails are erected alongside any potential fall hazard, like a wall edge, to prevent workers from falling to lower levels.

  • Must be 42 inches +/- 3 inches above the walking/working level
  • Must have intermediate structural members between top edge and walking level able to withstand a force of at least 200 lbs
  • Top rails and mid-rails must be 1/4 inch thick to prevent cuts or lacerations
  • Mesh, screens or mid-rails are acceptable
  • Capable of withstanding a force of at least 200 lbs.
  • Must be inspected frequently

Safety Net Systems: These won’t stop a fall, but they’ll be there to catch you if you slip up.

  • Must be installed as close as practicable under the walking or working surface, never more than 30 feet below
  • Potential fall area must be unobstructed
  • Must be enough space underneath the net so that the worker has NO possibility of hitting the ground or structure underneath
  • Must have safe openings
  • Must be drop tested
  • Must be inspected weekly

If an employer can demonstrate that it is unreasonable to perform a drop test, then the employer or competent person must certify that the net and installation is in compliance with this standard.

Personal Fall Arrest Systems: A system that safely stops (arrests) a worker who is falling.

  • Include harnesses, lanyards, deceleration devices, lifelines or a combination of these.
  • Body belts are prohibited from use as part of a fall arrest system.
  • Max arresting force (force exerted on the body) is 1800 lbs when used with a harness
  • Worker can neither free fall more than 6 ft nor contact lower level
  • System must bring worker to a complete stop and limit max deceleration distance a worker travels to 3.5 ft
  • System must withstand twice as much potential impact energy of a worker free falling from 6ft or the free fall distance permitted by system, whichever is less.
  • Must be inspected prior to use.

Browse our fall protection here.

Learn more about Personal Fall Arrest Systems here.

Learn how to determine if your worksite needs fall protection here.

helmet on table with city background, protection and under construction building concept

Protect Your Brain: A Basic Guide to Head Protection (OSHA-Approved)  

by with No Comment Head Protection

(Free Stock photos by Vecteezy)

Why risk your noggin when you can keep it safe? Head protection should be at the top of your PPE priority list. After all, a head injury can be absolutely devastating, potentially causing severe trauma or even death.

According to OSHA, employers have a legal obligation to provide head protection in the workplace whenever employees are at risk of encountering falling objects, falls, bumped noggins, or electrical hazards.

In this regard, OSHA and ANSI are hand in glove. Head protection must comply with several ANSI standards as required by OSHA.

So, who needs head protection? Basically, anyone who might encounter: (1)

  • Falling objects from above
  • Fixed objects that could bonk their heads (think exposed pipes and beams)
  • Electrical hazards that could give their noggin a jolt
  • Common occupations where head protection is a must include construction workers, carpenters, electricians, linemen, plumbers, pipe fitters, loggers, welders, and more.

Now, let’s talk about the basic requirements for head protection. A good headgear should: (2)

  • Resist objects penetrating it like a champ
  • Absorb the shock of a blow impressively
  • Be water-resistant and slow burning (for those unexpected fire situations)
  • Come with crystal-clear instructions on how to adjust and replace the suspension and headband
  • And what must all head protection gear include? According to OSHA, it’s non-negotiable: (3)
  • Clear instructions for adjustment and replacement
  • A sturdy outer shell
  • A shock-absorbing lining with a headband and suspension straps that leave a comfortable gap of 2.54 to 3.18 centimeters between your head and the shell.

OSHA law demands compliance with these ANSI standards:

  • ANSI Z89.1-2009, the “American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection”
  • ANSI Z89.1-2003, the “American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection”
  • ANSI Z89.1-1997, the “American National Standard for Personnel Protection-Protective Headwear for Industrial Workers-Requirements”

Don’t compromise on your brain’s safety. Invest in proper head protection that meets OSHA and ANSI standards. Your future self will thank you!

Browse head protection.

To learn more about Hard Hat types, classes and usage, see our related blog post here.

Check out our guide to hardhat accessories here.

  1. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.100#:~:text=Employees%20working%20in%20areas%20where,be%20protected%20by%20protective%20helmets.
  2. https://blog.ansi.org/ansi-isea-z891-industrial-head-protection/#gref
  3. https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2014/09/01/Understanding-Head-Protection.aspx?Page=1

Various types of gloves in various colors

What is CUT LEVEL PROTECTION?  

by with No Comment Hand Protection

Hand protection is synonymous with CUT LEVEL PROTECTION.  

What is it?  

OSHA requires hand protection for employees working under certain conditions, but provides very little guidance on requirements and how to select hand protection.  

Cut Protection is designated by ANSI, and is the most widely accepted standard for hand protection.  

ANSI standard 105 provides a scale of 9 levels of cut protection determined by how many grams of cutting load a glove can withstand by a sharp blade before being penetrated. (1)  

  • A1: 200 – 499 grams – light cut hazards 
  • A2: 500 – 999 grams – light/medium cut hazards 
  • A3: 1000 – 1499 grams – light /medium cut hazards 
  • A4: 1500 – 2199 grams – light/medium cut hazards 
  • A5: 2200 – 2999 grams – medium cut hazards 
  • A6: 3000 – 3999 grams – medium/heavy cut hazards  
  • A7: 4000 – 4999 grams – heavy cut hazards 
  • A8: 5000 – 5999 grams – heavy cut hazards 
  • A9: 6000+ grams – heavy cut hazards 

This is determined by the type of fibers in the shell of the glove and the thickness/weight of the material.  

How is cut level determined?  

A machine known as a tomodynamometer, or TDM, pulls a blade in 20mm paths across a glove’s surface under varied gram loads and measures the weight needed to cut through. The sample is cut five times with three different loads and an average is calculated, resulting in a cut score of A1-A9. (2)  

When choosing appropriate cut level, it is essential to consider the following five factors: 

  1. Job task: Consider the type of work that will be performed while wearing the gloves. Different job tasks may require varying levels of cut resistance, and the cut level chosen should be appropriate for the potential hazards present in the work environment. 
  1. Material: The materials used in gloves play a crucial role in determining their cut resistance level. Different materials have different levels of cut resistance, and it is important to select gloves made from materials with the appropriate cut resistance level for the job task. 
  1. Comfort: It is important to consider comfort when selecting cut-resistant gloves. Gloves that are too thick or inflexible can reduce dexterity, making it challenging to perform tasks accurately, and comfortably. 
  1. Durability: Gloves should be durable enough to withstand the job tasks they are intended for and the frequency of use. Consider factors such as puncture resistance, abrasion resistance, and resistance to tearing to ensure that the gloves will last long enough to be effective. 
  1. Cost: Cost is an important factor in selecting the appropriate level of cut resistance for hand protection. Higher cut resistance gloves tend to be more expensive, so it is essential to balance the level of protection required with the available budget. Cost considerations can also include factors like the expected lifespan of the gloves, their potential to reduce injury, and the cost of training and PPE management. 

ANSI provides a comprehensive chart below  

 

(Source)

To learn more about things to consider when purchasing hand protection, see our relation blog here.  

Learn more about other ANSI Hand Protection Ratings here.

  1. https://www.blackstallion.com/resource-hub/industry-standards/ansi-cut-standards.html 
  1. https://www.ergodyne.com/blog/ansi-105-en-388-what-you-need-to-know 
  1. https://www.brassknuckleprotection.com/brass-knuckle-protection-new-ansi-standards-for-gloves/ 
A bundle of fall protection hung up on a construction site

How to Determine If Your Worksite Needs Fall Protection

by with No Comment Fall Protection

Is Your Construction Worksite Safe from Falls? Here’s How to Find Out! 

Step 1. Check the stability of the surfaces where your workers will be walking and working. If they pass the test, move on to step 2. 

Step 2. Determine if you need fall protection or protection from falling objects. 

According to OSHA Subpart M, fall protection is required for workers at a height of 6 feet or more. It’s also necessary for those working near dangerous equipment, even if it’s under six feet. 

Employers must assess the risks of potential falls, such as floor holes, wall openings, and unprotected ledges. Falling object protection should be provided if there’s a chance of objects falling on workers. 

Step 3. Choose the right type of fall protection. Common options include guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems. These are often referred to as “conventional fall protection.” 

PROTIP: Even if workers aren’t actively working, they still need fall protection when entering or walking on the worksite. 

Although falls are fairly common, they don’t have to be. With the right precautions, you can protect workers from potential injuries or fatalities caused by slips, trips, and falls. For more details on different types of protection solutions check out our blog on common types of fall protection or the ABCs of Personal Fall Arrest Systems – and don’t forget to shop our fall protection products! Keeping your workplace safe doesn’t have to complicated; now you know how to make sure your employees stay safe on site– and that’s no joke! 

  1. Risk Assessment

Learn more about conventional fall protection systems here.

Read about the ABCs of fall protection here.

Browse our fall protection HERE.