• Employers must train employees in the use and care of the type of head protection they will be using.
• Helmets must be cleaned and inspected for damage regularly.
• Helmets must be stored properly.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)’s general industry standard on personal protective equipment (PPE) at 1910.132 requires employee training that applies to the use of head protection. Employees must be trained to know:

• When PPE is necessary.
• What PPE is necessary.
• How to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE.
• The limitations of the PPE.
• The proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the PPE.

There are no specific training requirements for head protection in the OSHA regulations. However, it is important to train employees in the proper use and care of their helmets.

During hard hat safety training, employers should review the types of head hazards most commonly found at their work areas and the proper head protection for those hazards.

Maintenance and inspection requirements

For helmets, employees should clean the shell with hot water and a mild detergent, then rinse with clear water. When the helmet is dry, the inspector should check for signs of cracks, penetration, or other damage due to rough treatment or wear. It’s a good idea to inspect the helmet daily, or prior to each use. If the helmet is damaged, it should not be worn. Employers should consult the manufacturer before painting a helmet shell or using a solvent to clean it. Some paints and solvents may damage the shell and reduce its protective level.

Holes should never be drilled or punched in a helmet shell for ventilation. This only serves to reduce the helmet’s ability to sustain impact. Class E helmets must never have holes drilled in the shell or any added accessory that contains metal.

Employees must not store a safety helmet on the rear window shelf of a vehicle. Overexposure to ultraviolet light such as sunlight and extreme heat may cause the shell to deteriorate.

A snug fitting helmet liner can be worn to protect the head, ears, and neck in cold weather.