Electrical Association

Toolbox Talks - PPE

Head Protection

• Employees working in areas where there is a danger of injury from impact, falling objects, flying objects or electrical shock and burns shall be protected by using a protective helmet.
• Helmets used for protection against impact and penetration of falling objects shall meet the specifications contained in American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Z89.1-1969, Safety Requirements for Industrial Head Protection.
• Helmets used for protection against high voltage electrical shock and burns shall meet the specifications contained in American National Standards Institute, Z89.2-1971.

The proper class of hard hat should be selected and worn for each type of hazard.

• Class A hard hats are used for general service such as construction. They offer good impact protection but limited voltage protection.
• Class B hard hats are designed for electrical and utility work. They offer protection from falling objects as well as high voltage shocks and burns.
• Class C hard hats are designed for comfort and offer limited protection. They protect from bumping against fixed objects, but do not protect against falling objects or electric shock.

Hard hats protect you by providing the following features:

• A rigid shell that resists and deflects blows to the head.
• A suspension system inside the hat that acts as a shock absorber.
• Some hats serve as an insulator against electrical shocks.
• Shields your scalp, face, neck, and shoulders against splashes, spills, and drips.
• Some hard hats can be modified so you can add face shields, goggles, hoods, or hearing protection to them.

More information on Head Protection can be found in the OSHA Regulations 1910.132, General Requirements Section.

Foot Protection

• Safety-toe footwear for employees shall meet the requirements and specifications in American National Standard (ANSI) for Safety-Toe Footwear.
• Clearly legible letters and numbers identify protective footwear that is certified to meet the ANSI standard. It shall be enclosed in a border and placed on the inside surface of either the tongue, gusset, inside shaft or quarter lining of the footwear. Check to see that your footwear has been certified.
• Safety footwear is available for several types of workplace hazards:

1. Metatarsal impact and compression safety--foot and toes could be injured by falling objects or rolled over by equipment.
2. Heat and cold--depending upon the working conditions, insulated or ventilated footwear may be required.
3. Puncture--sharp objects can break through the sole of the footwear.
4. Slips and falls--slip resistant soles are available for conditions that may include water, oil or other slippery conditions.
5. Damp working conditions--can cause fungal infections and discomfort.

It is important to use the proper foot protection for your type of working environment! Here are a few examples: Conductive footwear, electrical hazard footwear, sole puncture resistant footwear, static dissipative footwear and extreme weather footwear.