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www.arborage.com ARBOR AGE n SPRING 2015 13 TRAINING & EDUCATION not covered in a whole lot of detail by the ANSI standards, which more or less state that they should be appropriate to the known hazards of the job. Tree care workers should keep in mind that states, provinces, and municipalities can choose to expand on these standards, so the requirements may vary by geographic location. TAKE CARE OF IT SO IT CAN TAKE CARE OF YOU Every item of PPE will need some kind of care and maintenance to function properly and protect its wearer, so inspection and maintenance is just as important as putting on the PPE. Hard hats should be inspected regularly for cracks and breakdown of materials; and, should they ever take an impact, be discarded and replaced. Some plastics used in helmets and hard hats will degrade over time from sun exposure, and manufacturers' recommendations regarding replacement should be followed closely. The suspension unit inside the hard hat or helmet plays an integral part in protecting the "melon" from an impact, so it should also be checked for serviceability. Safety glasses and goggles that roll around on the dashboard of the truck are going to be less than useful, so keeping them in a safe, scratch- free container will increase their lifespan. Chaps and chain saw-resistant pants not only can be washed, but should be; and for reasons beyond their overly "woodsy" odor. The build-up of oils, dirt, and grime in the fibers of the chaps or pants clump the fibers together and can reduce their chain saw resistance. Regular washing according to manufacturers' specifications will keep the user smelling fresh as a daisy, and will also make them safer. DOGS AND TOGS As mentioned earlier, the federal standards are not very directive on the footwear and clothing — or dogs and togs — requirements for tree care operations, though states and municipalities can be quite specifi c. In any case, a certain amount of common sense should make it clear to the average Johnny B. O'Doughnuts what kind of footwear and clothing is a good idea for tree work. Most tree jobs involve some level of uneven ground; large, moving, heavy things; and a multitude of sharp, abrasive surfaces, both organic and manufactured — any and all of which can take a signifi cant toll on less-than-well-protected feet or exposed skin. Sturdy boots meant for a work site with some form of hardened toe-cap are an excellent idea; and the modern use of polymers and other non-metals for toe protection means the frostbite of the past can be a distant memory. There is certainly a wide variety of durable work clothing available — even the tree industry's home-grown Arborwear — thus, tree folks can be well dressed and professional in appearance. The availability of lightweight, breathable high-visibility clothing options can certainly make it easier to keep track of everybody both on the ground and aloft; and are imperative when roadside work is involved in the job. THE ALL IMPORTANT MELON There are far more options for head protection than there were "back in the day" of the full brim "tin" hard hat; and, as it should be on the "melon" all day, it's a good idea to explore the options to fi nd something both safe and comfortable. Both traditional construction-type hard hats and mountaineering type helmets are available that easily meet the ANSI standard, but companies and users need to do their due diligence to make sure that their chosen style will do the protecting required. In addition, several manufacturers have designed and developed tree-industry-specifi c helmets which may provide an even more desirable, safe, and comfortable option. Chin straps are typically integrated into the The rules on PPE — and the personal protective equipment itself — are meant for one simple thing: protecting the person who is wearing the equipment. ALL PHOTOS BY MICHAEL "HOUSE" TAIN The integrated, and properly adjusted, chin strap on this helmet makes sure it stays on the "melon" regardless of activity.