First
introduced in 1919, they have come a long way since
then.
Yes, they’ve come a long way baby. The first hard boiled
hat made its debut in 1919. It consisted of steamed
canvas, glue and black paint; early miners used it to
protect themselves from falling objects. It’s a far cry
from today’s polyethylene, plastic hard hat that
incorporates protection and comfort while complying with
the standard “CAN/CSA Z94.1-05, Industrial Protective
Headwear – Performance, Selection, Care and Use”.
Today’s worker has a more complex selection to make when
it comes to hard hat choices. Hard hats are available
with a partial brim (like a baseball cap) and full brim
(the brim continues all around the hat), offering
additional sun protection for the eyes and skin.
Managers, foremen and workers need to predetermine the
workplace hazards where head impacts may occur, and if
electrical contact hazards exist and to what extent.
There are two types and three classes of hats:
o Type I reduces the force of impact to the top of
the head
o Type II reduces the force of impact to the top and
sides of the head
Electrical class considerations:
o G (general) protects against low voltage, proof
tested to 2200 volts
o E (electrical) reduces the danger of contact with high
voltage sources, proof tested to 20,000 volts
o C (conductive) offers no protection against contact
with electrical conductors.
Hats require regular inspection and maintenance,
repairing when parts become damaged or worn and
replacing based on usage (ask the manufacturer for their
recommendations). Look for cracks, dents, chalky
appearance or if the hat has been subjected to a strong
impact, then replace immediately. The suspension should
also be assessed for fraying, or damage; it should be
flexible and maintain the selected head sizes. Tabs
should be intact and remain firmly locked into place.
Again, contact the manufacturer for a suggested
replacement date.
Maintaining your hard hat can extend its service life by
cleaning both the shell and the suspension with a mild
detergent to remove dirt and stains. Rinse thoroughly
with clean, warm water, not to exceed 50ºC (120ºF) and
wipe dry; once again, carefully inspect for any signs of
damage.
Don’t be hard headed about your hard hat, safety
comes first!
