In this module
Objectives covered: LO 1.6.1. By the end you will be able to:
- Choose the right type and class of safety helmet.
- Select gloves for cuts, chemicals, heat and general work.
- Know when gloves must not be worn.
- Read safety footwear markings and match them to the hazard.
6.1 Head protection
OSHA 1910.135 requires protective helmets where there is a risk of head injury from falling objects, and electrically rated helmets near exposed electrical conductors. Helmets made to ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 are marked with a type and class:
| Marking | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Type I | Protects against blows to the top of the head |
| Type II | Protects against blows to the top and sides |
| Class G (General) | Tested to 2,200 volts |
| Class E (Electrical) | Tested to 20,000 volts |
| Class C (Conductive) | No electrical protection |
In Europe, industrial helmets follow EN 397. A bump cap (EN 812) only protects against bumping into fixed objects; it is not a safety helmet.
Helmet care
- Adjust the suspension so there is a gap between the shell and the head. Never wear the helmet backwards unless the maker allows it.
- Use a chin strap when working at height, on ladders or in windy areas.
- Do not paint, drill or put stickers that hide cracks. Do not store it on a vehicle dashboard in the sun.
- Replace after any heavy impact, even if no damage shows, and at the end of the service life on the label.
6.2 Hand protection
OSHA 1910.138 requires suitable hand protection against cuts, punctures, chemicals, burns and extreme temperatures, chosen for the task. There is no single glove for every job.
| Glove | Good for | Not good for |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton knit | Light handling, grip, keeping hands clean | Cuts, chemicals, heat |
| Leather | Rough materials, sparks, welding (gauntlets) | Wet work, chemicals |
| Cut-resistant (HPPE, aramid, steel fibre) | Sheet metal, glass, cutting tables | Chemicals unless coated |
| Steel mesh (chain mail) | Hand-held knives | Powered rotating blades |
| Nitrile | Oils, fuels, many solvents and dyes | Ketones such as acetone |
| Neoprene | Acids, alkalis, oils | Some chlorinated solvents |
| Butyl | Ketones, esters | Fuels, oils |
| Heat-resistant (aramid, aluminised) | Hot parts, furnaces, moulds | Fine work |
| Rubber insulating | Live electrical work (see Module 7) | Anything else |
- Cut levels are shown as A1 to A9 under ANSI/ISEA 105, or by the EN 388 code (letters A to F for the ISO cut test).
- For chemicals, check Section 8 of the SDS and the glove maker's chart for breakthrough time.
Do not wear gloves when working near rotating machinery such as drill presses, lathes, spinning frames or conveyor rollers. A glove can be caught and pull the hand in.
6.3 Foot protection
OSHA 1910.136 requires protective footwear where there is a risk of foot injury from falling or rolling objects, objects that pierce the sole, or electrical hazards. Common markings:
| ASTM F2413 (USA) | EN ISO 20345 (Europe) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| I/75, C/75 | Safety toe cap 200 J | Impact and compression protection for the toes |
| Mt | M | Metatarsal (top of foot) protection |
| PR | P | Puncture-resistant sole |
| EH | n/a | Electrical hazard: resists open-circuit shock in dry conditions |
| SD | A (antistatic) | Controls static build-up |
| n/a | S1, S3 | S1 = toe cap + antistatic; S3 = S1 + water-resistant + puncture-resistant |
Sandals, slippers and bare feet are still common on some Bangladesh sites. A clear site rule, free safety shoes in the right sizes, and checks at the gate solve most of this.
- Garment cutting floor: operators of straight-knife and band-knife cutting machines wear a steel-mesh glove on the hand that holds the fabric, not the hand that guides the machine.
- High-rise building site, Dhaka: all workers wear Type I helmets with chin straps and S3 boots, because nails in shuttering timber cause many puncture injuries.
- Jute spinning mill: gloves are banned at spinning frames because of rotating rollers; barrier cream and good housekeeping are used instead.
Learning Check
Answer these two questions to check your understanding. You can try again as many times as you like.