Hard hats are required on most construction job sites.  Hard hats must be worn when falling hazards are present.  Bureau of Labor Statistics show that only 16% of workers sustaining head injuries were wearing hard hats, although 40% were required to wear them at the time the incident occurred.  Hard hats are designed to protect the head from impact blows and must be able to withstand penetration and absorb the shock of a blow.

Hard hats protect heads in two ways.

·                     Hard outer shells resist blows and penetration.

·                     Shock-absorbing suspensions (head band and straps) act as a barrier between the outer shell and head to absorb impact.

Hard hats must be worn to protect from hazards encountered on job.  Hard hats fall into three classes:

Class A.  Made to resist impact and penetration and provide low voltage electrical protection.

Class B.  Made to resist impact and penetration and provide high voltage electrical protection.

Class C.  Usually made of aluminum and provides impact and penetration resistance only.

Caring for your Hard Hat:

Inspect hardhat before each use.  Be sure that:

ü The headband isn’t stretched or worn and fits comfortably.

ü The shell has no dents, cracks or other visible damage.

When you remove your hard hat:

ü Check hat for damage.  Replace inner liner if it’s stretched.  Replace hardhat if shell is broken or punctured.  Replace hardhat if it sustained a heavy blow even though there is no visible signs of damage.

ü Occasionally wash shell in hot soapy water.  Rinse thoroughly.

ü Store in cool, dark, dry place.  Do not store in back window of vehicle.  Do not store in other areas where hardhat is exposed to sun and high heat. 

Additional Safety Tips:

ü Make sure hat fits right and suspension is adjusted properly.

ü Do not store any items (for example, cigarettes) between top of head and suspension.

ü Do not carry items in hardhat.

ü Do not sit on hat.

ü Do not toss hardhat around.