"Safety first" is a slogan those in industrial, construction, and similar fields hear often, but what does it, exactly, mean? On the job, this means following proper safety procedures for doing your job and, in all situations, includes coming prepared with the right safety gear. All worksites, however, pose their own hazards, from falling objects to slippery surfaces, and each individual job requires specific pieces of equipment ranging from work gloves and shoes to hard hats.
Although often associated with construction, hard hats are needed in any occupation in which falling objects, no matter how small, are a hazard. Typically, this safety headgear is made out of high-density polyethylene, although aluminum models are available. Protection with each type varies, and all are given an electrical hazard protection class. Class E offers the most electrical protection, up to 20,000 volts, and class G protects the wearer up to 2,200 volts. Class C hats, however, offer no electrical protection.
Dewalt 18 Volt Cordless
As the safety hat needs to give the wearer a comfortable fit, all are equipped with a suspension system that the wearer adjusts. Ratchet suspensions allow the user to do this by a knob, while pin lock systems need to be manually adjusted.
If you are looking for a hard hat for your job, think about the potential hazards in your work place. Most high-density polyethylene hard hats have a cap style and protect against blows to the top and back of the head. Such hard hats may have a full brim style, but this type of headwear does not offer additional protection. Rather, the full brim is helpful for working outdoors in the rain, allowing water to run off the surface of the hat easier. Bump caps, a light protection type of hard hat, are also made out of polyethylene but, as they are designed for low-hazard work areas, do not protect against blows to the back of the head.