Hard hats are an important piece of personal protective equipment that protects workers' heads from falling or flying objects and bumps. They come in different styles depending on the hazards. Hard hats should be replaced every 5 years or after 2 years if exposed to extreme conditions. They must meet safety standards and the suspension should be mounted correctly. Hard hats should be kept clean and not painted or stickered unless approved. Any hard hat subjected to a major blow must be replaced immediately.

1. Use and Maintain Hard Hats Properly!
April 24th – 30th, 2016
Safety Moment of the Week
Wherever there is a potential for falling objects, flying objects, impacts or bumps a
hard hat should be worn. There are different styles for different hazards so ensure
you are protecting yourself properly.
MILLIONS of hard hats are worn every day. It is one of the most important pieces
of safety equipment because it protects your brain. Follow these guidelines when
wearing and maintaining your hard hat:
 It is recommended that a hard hat be replaced every 5 years regardless of its
outward appearance. If work conditions include exposure to higher
temperature extremes, sunlight, or chemicals, hard hats should be replaced
after two years of use.
 Hard hats must meet the standard for Industrial Protective Headwear, as
outlined in your applicable legislation. Bump caps DO NOT meet this
certification.
 Suspensions on the hard hat are to be mounted with the ratchet at the back of
the hard hat and with the brim of the hat worn to the front; unless the hard hat
is designed to have a reversible suspension.
 Hard hats should be kept clean inside and outside using soap and warm water.
 Do not use strong detergents, solvent chemicals, gasoline, and other like
substances as they could affect the resistance and other such properties of the
hat over time.
 Do not paint or apply stickers to the hard hat (unless the company approves
the stickers to be worn on the hard hat).
 If the hard hat is subjected to a major blow, it must be replaced immediately.
Bump Cap
(not certified,
do not use)
Front Brim Style Full Brim Style Top and
Side Impact
Side Impact
Only

2. Safety Moment of the Week
April 24th
– 30th, 2016
Use and Maintain Hard Hats Properly!
Hard hats are commonly used in many types of workplaces to protect employees from head trauma
caused by falling objects, striking their head against an object, or electrical hazards. The hard hat is a
piece of personal protective equipment designed to individually protect an employee when all other
methods of protection cannot. Often, its use has been required on many work sites since all hazards
cannot be eliminated.
There are two types of hard hats — Type I and Type 2.
 Type I offers protection to the top of the head.
 Type II offers protection to the top and sides of the head.
There are three classifications of helmets, two which have been established for electrical protection.
 Class G (General) hard hats are rated for 2,200 volts
 Class E (Electrical) hard hats are rated for 20,000 volts
 Class C (Conductive) hard hats do not offer electrical protection
The outer portion of the hat is the shell, which often has a peak that extends forward or a brim, which
extends outward around the entire lower shell.
The second component is the harness, which attaches to the shell to maintain the hard hat on the
wearer’s head.
When a force strikes a properly fitted hard hat, the force is distributed throughout the entire hard hat. It
prevents the force from concentrating at one point.
Inspect a hard hat when it is new and first put into use, prior to each day’s use and after an incident where
the integrity has been affected. When inspecting a new hard hat, ensure that it is the proper hat for the job
or the exposure to be expected and make sure all parts are included with the hard hat. Also, follow the
manufacturer’s instructions to assemble or attach the parts and adjust the headband for proper fit; snug,
but not tight.
When inspecting a hard hat prior to each day’s use, look for gouges; cracks; deterioration; chalking or
discoloration; flaking; suspension properly attached to the shell; all straps in good condition; and
cleanliness; suspension and the shell. When a hard hat is damaged, replace the damaged part or replace
the entire hard hat.