Hard hat

From GAWDAwiki

Workman's safety helmet with visor and chinstrap

A hard hat is a piece of personal protection equipment worn in many work places to protect a worker’s head from blows and falling debris.

How a Hard Hat Protects

A hard hat protects workers in many ways.

• Its rigid shell resists and deflects debris and blows to the head.
• Shocks are absorbed by a suspension system inside the hat.
• Some kinds of hard hats insulate against electric shock.
• Protection against splashes and drips is provided for the scalp, face, neck and shoulders.
• Some hard hats allow the attachment of face shields, goggles, hoods or hearing protection.

Classes of Hard Hats

• Class G helmets (formerly Class A) are designed for general service. They provide good protection against impact, but protect only from low voltage shocks.
• Class E helmets (formerly Class B) are designed for electrical work. These helmets provide protection against impact and high-voltage shock and burns.
• Class C helmets provide limited protection. They protect against bumping against fixed objects, but not against falling objects or electric shock.^[1][2]

References

1. http://www.hardhats.4ursafety.com/hard-hat-articles.html
2. http://www.hardhats.4ursafety.com/msa-hard-hats.html