The Hats Off Test

This is actually on the books for OSHA.


AGREEMENT: We agree that if you are a type of individual whose
head meets the Standards of Protection under ANSI Z89.1-1969,
you will not be required to wear a hard hat. Any employee who
feels they may quilify should contact your foreman or your
safety officer to arrange for testing.


PROCEDURES: Following the satisfactory completion of the test as
described below, the employee will receive a certificate, which
will identify your head as conforming to the requirements of
American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z89.1-1969, cLASSES
A, B, C, and D). A wallet size card will also be issued which
must be carried with you at all times, while on the job site as
proof that your head is in compliance.


TEST REQUIREMENTS


* The test object (your head) wil receivea 24 hour water
immersion test. The maximum permitted absorption is 0.5 percent
by wheight.


* The impact test requires that you be placed in a horizontal
position with your head upon a steel plate. An eight pound steel
ball will be dropped upon your head from a height of 15 feet.
(your head) must suffer no damage.


* The test object (your head) will be subject to a variety of
acids, solvents and oils. After thorough testing with chemicals,
it must exhibit no damage or deficiencies.


* A propane torch will be used to determine if your head is fire
resistant. If it proves to be only "slow burning" you will
receive a class A or B rating; however if holes should appear in
your head, only a C or D rating will be issued.


* The final test will be to determine if your head is capable of
withstanding an electrical charge. The head must sustane 2,000
volts AC, 60 Hz for a total of three minutes. The leakage
current shall not exceed nine milliamperes.


* All of the above tests must be conducted at a variety of
temperatures ranging from a minus twenty (-20) to one hundred
forty (+140) degrees fahrenheit.