Head and Face Protection
Safety headgear (for example, hard hats) shall be worn by persons in any area in which there is a potential hazard to the head from falling, flying or thrown objects, or from other harmful contacts (for example, electrical). Some examples of this would include, but not be limited to:
- Any industrial operation where hard hats are mandatory (for example, a construction site).
- Confined space entry activities.
- Working below a scaffolding.
- When working below other workers.
Safety headgear (hard hats) shall be CSA/ANSI approved.
Metal hardhats of any type are not to be used on any TRU operations. Painting of hard hats and/or drilling of hard hat shells to affix attachments are prohibited.
Where persons are exposed to the potential of any electrical hazard, the hard hats shall be of a non-conductive type which is rated as Class B.
Persons engaged in operating or riding on snow machines, all-terrain vehicles or motorcycles shall wear safety helmets, approved by a recognized agency. Where such machines are used to transport workers to a work point where any work away from the machines will expose the workers to a hazard of head injury, then hard hats shall be carried and worn at the worksite. The use of hard hats for protection while operating or riding a snow machine, all-terrain vehicle or motorcycle is prohibited.
Persons wearing safety headgear are to inspect the shell and suspension for any visible signs of damage prior to use. Where damage or defects are detected, the safety headgear shall be discarded and replaced with a new unit.
Safety headgear will deteriorate over time from exposure to sunlight or other chemicals. The normal service life of a hard hat shell is considered to be a maximum of five years from the date of manufacture (which can be found permanently marked on the inside surface of the hard hat shell). The service life of the suspension is considered to be one year of regular use. Where use is intermittent, the suspension may last longer. Replacement suspension harnesses shall be from the same manufacturer and for the same model of hard hat. Mixing different manufacture suspension types and hard hat shells is prohibited.
Face protection
Face shields are considered as primary protection against damage to the facial area and as a secondary level of protection for the eyes. Face shields shall not be used as the sole means of protection against injury to the eyes.
Wire mesh face screens, in conjunction with appropriate eye protection, are considered as suitable face protection when using power chain saws.
Plexiglas face shields, in conjunction with appropriate eye protection, are considered suitable face protection when grinding or using abrasive wheels, or during other activities which may generate flying particles.
