Head Protection - Replacement

The OSHA handbook Personal Protective Equipment provides useful guidelines for replacing head protection. Its reminders and requirements include the following:

• Always replace a hard hat if it sustains an impact, even if damage is not noticeable.
• Suspension systems are offered as replacement parts and should be replaced when damaged or when excessive wear is noticed.
• It is not necessary to replace the entire hard hat when deterioration or tears of the suspension systems are noticed.
• Hard hats with any of the following defects should be removed from service and replaced:
  • Perforation, cracking, or deformity of the brim or shell
  • Indication of exposure of the brim or shell to heat, chemicals, ultraviolet light, and other radiation (in addition to a loss of surface gloss, such signs include chalking or flaking)

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