Basic Information On Hard Hats

By Maryanne Goff


Hard hats is the term used to describe a sort of helmet. This headgear is usually worn in certain work settings, especially in construction zones and industrial environments. They are designed to protect the head of the wearer, keeping him or her safe from potential injuries related to impact, bad weather, debris, electric shock and other dangers. At many job sites, it is a requirement for workers to wear this hat to protect themselves against injury.

Inside these helmets, there is suspension that spreads the weight of the hat over the top of the head. It also provides around 30 mm of space between the helmet shell and the head of a wearer. This is done in case an object hits the shell. The impact is less likely to directly transmit to the skull, causing damage. Sometimes the shells have a mid-line ridge that is used for reinforcement and strengthens against impact.

Blue-collar workers, especially those in construction, have jobs that require use of protective equipment. Bump cap is a type of lightweight helmet with suspension and padding that is more simple. These are typically used when there is a greater likelihood of scraping or bumping the head on equipment or structure projections. The hat is not considered strong enough to absorb high impact.

Numerous materials have been used over the years to create these structures. During the 1930s, aluminum was the material of choice. In the following decade, fiberglass was being used. In the 1950s, most were made from thermoplastics. These were easier to mold and shape, and did not cost a lot to make. Nowadays, advance engineering resins, as well as high-density polyethylene are used.

The purpose of these hats is to protect from impact in settings where heavy labor is done. Therefore, they are designed with materials that are durable. Some of the contemporary cap-style helmets include a rolled edge that serves as a rain gutter to keep rainwater to the front. Most organizations that issue these helmets include their logos or names on the front of each of the pieces.

The helmets can be fitted with different things. Some are done with a visor, which may be a safety visor or a welding helmet. These may also have ear protectors, mirrors, mounting devices for headlights or flashlights, and chin straps. There are even some that include thick inner side pads that help with insulation in cold climates.

Color of the hats can signify the role of the person wearing it. For instance, white is commonly worn by supervisors at a site or engineers. Those who are seen in blue are often technical advisors. Green is worn by safety inspectors and yellow hats are usually those of the laborers. Pink and orange are left for the newer employees or visitors. Color coding may differ.

Hard hats are used to protect the wearer from serious head injuries. These are frequently employed at job sites where heavy labor is done, such as industrial environments and construction sites. Many times they are required by workers.




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