1. Hardhat Exemption

2. Exemption Program  You may be exempt from wearing a hard hat, however, you will be required to obtain a “Certificate of Exemption”

3. Exemption Program  If your head meets the ANSI standard for head protection you do not need a hard hat  Contact the safety coordinator to schedule testing at the earliest possible time

4. Certificate  Upon passing a 5-part test you will receive a beautiful embossed certificate, suitable for framing, identifying your head as conforming to ANSI Z89.1  Receive wallet-sized card that you must carry at all times

5. Test #1 - Water  24-hour water immersion test  Maximum permitted absorption is 0.5% by weight  Free breathing air will be supplied

6. Test #2 - Impact  Lay down with your head resting on a steel plate  An 8 lb steel ball will be dropped several times from a height of 5’  You pass if there is no damage to your head

7. Test #3 - Chemicals  Your head is subjected to a variety of acids, gases, solvents, oils & industrial gases  You must pass with no deformities or obvious color change

8. Test #4 - Fire  Your head is subjected to a propane torch for five minutes  If it only slowly burns, you will achieve only class A or B rating  If, on completion, there are any holes in your head, you will be restricted to a B rating

9. Test #5 - Electrical  you must sustain 2,200 volts, 50 Hz, for 3 minutes with leakage current not exceeding 9 milliamps  Breakdown threshold has been established at 300,000 volts

10. Testing  All 5 tests must be conducted at a variety of temps ranging from –20 to 140 degrees

11. Exemption  If you don’t feel qualified, do not despair  Although not as attractive as your hair, your hard hat does meet all of these requirements

12. Remember  Unless your head has been duly certified, you must continue to wear your hardhat