As a Townsend employee, you know to take proper safety precautions prior to beginning work. One of the most important ways you can stay safe is to wear the right PPE for the job – especially when it comes to your head, eyes and face.

No matter your job duty for the day, you’re required to wear the proper head protection. Tree work can be dangerous, so wearing the right head gear for your specific function is essential to staying safe. Here are the key things you need to know about helmets and protective goggles.

How to Wear Your Head Protection

To stay safe from falling limbs, falling tools and a myriad of other hazards, always secure your helmet properly. Adjust the straps to fit the shape of your head, so that, in case of an impact, your helmet will be able to absorb the shock. Most head gear comes with a chin strap, which you should always use – especially during climbing or other work activities.

In regions with cold winters, it’s safe to line your helmet with wool or fleece to keep your head warm and protected.

Tips for Maintaining Your Head PPE

Take care of your helmet, and it will take care of you. Follow these handy tips for keeping head gear in proper working order:

• Inspect your hard hat frequently for cracks or signs of wear.  
• Never store your helmet on the rear window shelf or the dashboard of your vehicle. Sunlight and high temperatures can damage the materials, making it more likely to crack.
• Never store anything in the inside of the helmet, as this can interfere with its shock absorption abilities.
• Helmets have a set amount of time they should be used as determined by the manufacturer, which is typically stamped or written on the helmet itself. Replace your helmet as this date approaches.
• Never drill holes into the helmet, for any reason.
• Use the right cleaning products to clean your helmet, otherwise you run the risk of damage.

While some helmets do come with a protective screen for your eyes and face, this is not enough to stay safe. Eye protection is mandatory, and face protection is recommended too for additional safety.

The Importance of Eye Protection

There’s an excellent reason Townsend requires employees to wear eye protection on the job. The nature of tree work combined with the risks of power tools present special dangers for your eyes, such as debris and even contact with limbs or tools. Eye damage can be permanent, and protection is essential.

Types of Eye PPE

From glasses to goggles, you have options when it comes to choosing your eyewear. Some safety glasses even look like designer glasses. It is important to note, that even if you wear prescription glasses, PPE goggles or glasses are still required on the job. Manufacturers offer models that fit comfortably over your prescription specs.

Styles vary, but your goggles must have Z87.1 printed somewhere on them to be considered safety glasses.

Caring for Your Eye Protection Equipment

As with your helmet, always use the proper cleaning products to remove dirt or relieve fogginess from lenses. Like we mentioned above for your head gear, protective eye wear requires proper storage to avoid scratches or cracks.

Before any job begins, regardless of your role, wear your head and eye PPE. Head injuries can be fatal and eye injuries can leave permanent damage; being proactive is the only way to stay safe. If you’re unsure what type of helmet or eye protection is right for you, work with your general foreman to find the solution. And remember, never start your tree work without a helmet and pair of safety goggles!