If you are a construction worker in Ohio, you already know how important the right equipment and gear are to your profession. This includes safety gear like hard hats, which can actually save lives under the right circumstances. While you know that hard hats are a crucial part of safety on the job, you may not be aware of how they actually protect you from serious injury.
According to the National Safety Council, there are certain standards a hard hat must meet in order for it to be considered an acceptable form of protection. Hard hats must be outfitted with an adjustable head band to keep the hat positioned properly, as well as an inner lining capable of absorbing shock. The outer shell of the hard hat must be able to protect against blows to the head, as well as penetrative injuries.
How you care for your hard hat can also affect how well it performs. To this end, there are certain steps you can take to extend the life of your hard hat and ensure it keeps offering protection. Direct sunlight can cause a hard hat to degrade, which in turn will affect its structural integrity. Accordingly, you should regularly inspect your hard hat before each use to ensure it’s intact. If not, it must be put aside and a replacement should be used.
When choosing a proper hard hat, it’s imperative that you’re aware of the different classifications. A Class-C helmet offers minimal protection for minor bumps and bangs, but offers no protection against electrical hazards. Conversely, a Class-E helmet can protect against electrical shocks that do not exceed 20,000 volts. There are also Class-G hats, which protect against shocks of up to 2,200 volts, and afford impact and penetration protection.