Wearing a hard hat is the law in several workplaces. Whenever there is a potential for injury to the head from falling objects, ANSI compliant head protection must be worn.
All of our hard hats comply with ANSI Z89.1-2003 and include Type I and Type II levels of head protection. Type I hard hats are most popular and provide excellent protection from blows to the top of the head while a Type II hard hat additionally protects from lateral blows to the side of the head.
Not only do hard hats protect from head blows, but they can also protect from electrical shock. Class C hard hats provide no electrical protection; while Class E and G hard hats can withstand 2,200 and 20,000 volts, respectively.
Hard hats are available in 4, 6 and 8-point suspensions. A 4-point hard hat suspension is normally more economical, but will not spread out the impact shock as much as an 8-point suspension hard hat. All three options are safe, comfortable and effective; our certified safety professionals can help you determine which type is right for your jobsite.
The difference between a hard hat and a bump cap:
Hard Hats are OSHA-required, ANSI-compliant head protection
Bump Caps are not regulated and are not approved in areas where objects may fall, however,
Bump Caps do protect against lacerations.
Most manufacturers allow up to 5 years before they feel the hard hats should be replaced.
Some of the signs that your hard hat should be replaced:
1. Cracks, nicks, dents or gouges to shell
2. Stiffness or brittleness
3. Fading, dull color or a chalky appearance
4. If exposed to high levels of sunlight, replace more frequently
In order for a hard hat to be effective, it must be worn regularly. So, a hard hat must look good! SOS Safety offers a wide variety of full brim hard hats, construction hard hats and custom hard hats available to meet any style.
