What Are The Implications Of The Revised ANSI Z89.1-2014 Standard On The Selection And Certification Of Hard Hats For Electrical Workers In High-voltage Transmission Line Maintenance, Specifically With Regards To The New GV (General Use, Voltage Protection) Marking Requirement, And How Can I Ensure That Our Company's Procurement Process Is Updated To Reflect These Changes In Order To Maintain OSHA Compliance?

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The revised ANSI Z89.1-2014 standard introduces the GV marking, denoting hard hats that provide voltage protection, specifically under Class E for higher voltage environments. Here's how this impacts procurement and compliance:

  1. Understanding the GV Marking: The GV marking indicates that a hard hat meets voltage protection requirements, crucial for high-voltage settings. It is part of Class E, which offers higher protection than Class G.

  2. Implications for High-Voltage Workers: Electrical workers in high-voltage environments must use GV-marked hard hats to ensure protection against electrical hazards, aligning with OSHA's requirement to use PPE meeting consensus standards.

  3. Procurement Process Update:

    • Policy Review: Update PPE policies to include the GV marking requirement for relevant roles.
    • Training: Educate procurement staff to select GV-marked hard hats for high-voltage tasks.
    • Supplier Verification: Ensure suppliers provide ANSI Z89.1-2014 compliant products.
    • PPE Assessment: Identify roles requiring GV-marked hard hats and assess existing inventory for compliance.
    • Re-certification: Check if current hard hats meet the new standard; replace if necessary.
    • Documentation: Maintain records of purchases, certifications, and training for audit purposes.

  4. Compliance and Safety: Ensuring compliance with the updated standard is crucial for safety and to avoid OSHA citations. Regular reviews and updates to policies will maintain ongoing compliance.

In summary, companies must integrate the GV marking into their procurement processes for high-voltage workers, ensuring compliance and enhanced safety through proper PPE selection and documentation.