The document emphasizes the importance of properly wearing and maintaining hard hats for effective head protection at work. It provides guidelines for inspecting hard hats for defects and safe usage practices, including the need to avoid modifications and ensure proper fit. Additionally, it highlights the significance of using compatible accessories and keeping a clearance between the hard hat shell and the wearer's head.

1. HEAD
PROTECTION
The hard hat is one of the oldest, most widely used, and most important pieces of
personal protective equipment (PPE) on the job. However, the hard hat is not able to
do its job when it is not properly worn, maintained, and replaced when needed.
Inspect your hard hat daily. Look for cracks, gouges, flaking plastic or a chalky
appearance on the plastic. Remove the hard hat from service if any defects are found.
If you wear your hard hat backwards, make sure the hard hat has the reverse donning
arrow marking. This indicates that the hard hat was tested to meet all safety
requirements whether it is worn forward or backwards. If you don’t have the donning
arrow marking, don’t wear your hard hat backwards.
Safe Work Practices and Tips:
• Never alter or modify the hard hat shell or suspension. This can drastically reduce the amount
of protection provided..
• Never drill holes in the hard hat shell from ventilation purposes.
• Always wear your hardhat with the bill facing forward unless you have a donning arrow
marking indicating it is safe to be worn both forward and backwards.
• Always avoid contact between the hard hat and electric wires.
• Never use a hard hat suspension that is not intended for use with a particular shell, or one
that is made by a different manufacturer.
• Never carry or wear anything inside of your hard hat between the suspension and the shell.
• A clearance must be maintained between the hard hat shell. A clearance must be maintained
between the hard hat shell and the wearer’s head for the protection system to work properly.
• Only wear products, such as winter liners and sunshades that are designed specifically to work
in conjunction with hard hats, be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendation for use.