A Brief Guide On Hard Hats

A hard hat is an essential part of personal protective equipment for jobs related to construction, jobs associated with working with heavy equipment, or in places where there is a risk of debris falling from above.

Moreover, there are many rules and regulations regarding a hard hat, as defined by ANSI and OSHA. These agencies do not regulate the production of hard hats but mandate hats for the people’s safety.

In Canada, the testing and certification of hard hats come under the CSA Z94.1-2015 standard protocol by ANSI. The standard defines and categorizes the development and testing criteria for the hats and classifies them into types.

However, as a layperson, there might be a lot of questions in your mind regarding the usage of hard hats. Many people are often confused about the use of hard hats and their longevity. Interestingly, most people don’t know that there is a hard hat expiry date.

The following article will clear some of your doubts about hard hats.

What Are Hard Hats Made Of?

The modern hard hat is made of high-density polyethylene plastic. It has a magnificent strength-to-density ratio making PE a perfect material for protective purposes. The hat is made up of two components: the outer shell and the suspension in the hat’s interior, which can help absorb any pressure. The suspension is made from nylon or PE, and it is adjustable, which ensures a proper fit.

How Do The Hats Work?

Hard hats are designed to protect the head from the impact of a heavy object as they can absorb and spread the force of impact through the hat’s entire surface area. The hard PE outer shell is designed to deflect any blow and disperse the pressure through suspensions. Owing to the suspension inside the hat, the force of the impact affects the helmet rather than the skull.

Types And Classes Of Hard Hats

There are various classes and types of hard hats as per the classification system by ANSI that ensures the headwear is suitable for the job and is safe. You must be aware of such classifications to protect yourself at the job site.

Ansi Types Of Hard Hats

Type 1 hard hats only offer protection against the impact on the top of the head.
Type 2 hard hats, on the other hand, protect one from the side and the impact on the top.

Hard Hats Classification By Ansi

ANSI classifies the hard hats based on penetration resistance, electrical resistance, flammability, and electrical conductivity.

Class G (General) Hats are a class of hard hats that offer protection against low electrical conductors up to 2200 volts, penetration, and impact.
Class E (Electrical) hats offer the same protection from impact and penetration as Class G hats. Still, these hats offer high resistance towards electrical conductors as they are tested up to 20,000 volts.
Class C (conductive) hats are effective against impact and penetration, but unlike other classes of hard hats, Class C hats are not protective against any electric shock.

Hard Hat Color Designations

While there are no regulations on the color of the hats, many brands and employers make specific colored hats that have somewhat developed an unofficial color rating system. For instance;

On-ground laborers wear yellow hats.
Electrical workers often wear blue hats.
If an employee is on probation, then they wear green hats
Supervisors, managers, and visitors to the site wear white hats.

Expiration Of A Hard Hat

You would think that a piece of plastic can be used forever, but hard hats have an expiration date, and on average, workers can use the hat only for two to five years. A hard hat expiry date can be after four years of usage. Moreover, the suspensions on a hard hat must be replaced every year as per the ANSI regulations.

Furthermore, as per the ANSI standards, it is stated that the hat must be imprinted with the manufacturing date, manufacturer’s name, and ANSI class specification (G, E or C).

If a hard hat is being manufactured without all the necessary information mandated by ANSI, then there may be chances of compromising the worker’s safety.

Occupations That Require Wearing A Hard Hat

There are no specific regulations on what jobs require wearing a hard hat, but it depends on job responsibilities. Here are some of the occupations that require wearing head protection.