Things to Consider When Choosing a Hard Hat

Because of its ability to protect the wearer's head from trauma, a hard hat is classified as a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) in many occupations. This is particularly true among industrial and construction workers, many of whom are required to wear them. However, there are dozens of different kinds of hard hats, varying in features, design, material of construction and other characteristics.

ANSI Rating

One of the first things to consider when choosing a hard hat is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) rating. The ANSI typically classifies hard hats as being either Type 1 or Type II. Type 1 are only designed to protect against objects from above, whereas Type II hats protect against blows from above, the sides, the front and back.

Color

Of course, you should also consider the color when choosing a hard hat. Generally speaking, white hard hats are worn by managers and supervisors on construction sites, whereas yellow hard hats are worn by construction workers. In the welding industry, however, brown is usually the preferred choice of color for hard hats.

Material

What material is the hard hat made of? Like most types of PPE, hard hats are available in a wide range of materials. Plastic is perhaps the most common material used to make hard hats, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the best. While inexpensive and readily available, plastic hard hats lack the strength and durability of other materials like high-density polyethylene.

Height Adjustment

Don't make the mistake of choosing a non-adjustable hard hat. Being that no two people have the exact same size head, you need a hard hat with an adjustable height; otherwise, you may struggle to keep it on.

Features

Check to see what features the hard hat offers. Some hard hats, for instance, have a built-in visor. This style is usually worn by welders, as the visor protects the wearer's face from flying sparks and debris. Other hard hats have built-in ear protectors. If you work in an environment where loud noise is common, perhaps this style will offer the greatest level of protection.

Price

Finally, consider the price when choosing a hard hat. Depending on the type and vendor, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $100 for a hard hat. Keep in mind, however, that under worker safety laws your employer may be required to pay for it if it's classified as PPE.