What You Need To Know About Hard Hats

While many people claim to hate hard hats, what they really hate are the low-quality hard hats that feel like wearing a block of concrete on their heads. It's not their fault; there's a wide variety of factors to consider when purchasing a hard hat. Most people don't know these factors, so if you don't do either, then you're in good company. Unless you've had experience in construction sites, you probably have very few reasons to wear a hard hat!

An uncomfortable hard hat is useless not only because you don't want to wear it but because discomfort generally means that the hat isn't sitting right. If your hard hat doesn't sit comfortably on your head, it could cause more jarring and whiplash in the case of an accident. This guide will give you summarized information about hard hats, how to choose the right one, and what factors will be the most important when you make that decision.

Introduction To Hard Hats 101

If you've ever ridden a bicycle or a motorcycle, then you're already familiar with the concept of a hard hat. Like a helmet, a hard hat is made of a hard, durable material over a layer of cushioning designed to protect your head in the case of an impact. The cushioning is just as important, if not more important, than the outer plastic. When you add in the specialty purpose of hard hats over bicycle helmets, you have an important safety product that can easily be useless if you don't have the right one for your job. To that end, there are many different types of hard hats.

If your job is working as a lineman, then you'll need a class E hard hat, which protects against high voltage. When there's the threat of an electrical current, then you need a helmet specifically made to help absorb and ground that current. That's just one example of how important getting the right hard hat can be.

1Work And Job Environment

The first and most important factor, as you may have guessed by now, is the job you're doing. Do you work as an electrician? Perhaps you work as a miner or in construction. Whatever your job is, you need to make sure that you've got the right gear.

An electrical worker is going to need a class E hard hat since it comes insulated, allowing it to ground and spread out high voltages. However, don't forget that a class E hard hat, or any hard hat for that matter, can only protect your head. You'll need to ensure that you're wearing all of the appropriate safety gear for your job, not just your hard hat.

When you're a construction worker, your life is in danger the moment you set foot on the job site. Falling from scaffolds or getting hit by stray rivets or tools, there are as many ways to die on a construction site as there are things on a construction site! The foam insulation inside of the hard hat must be thick and firm - it may have to stand up to a lethal blow! Of course, it's not just the padding but the suspension as well.

In addition to the insulation, most hard hats have a belt of some sort to help fasten it firmly to your head. Many people find these uncomfortable, so they look for hard hats without those straps. It is a terrible mistake since those are vital to keeping the hat firm to your skull. Without that, the hat in your head may move in a different direction during impact and thus put an extra point of pressure on your neck.

2Class And Type

There are two types of hard hats: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 2 hard hats offer lateral protection, while Type 1 hard hats do not; your job may not require lateral protection, so you should consider that. There are three classes of hard hats: G, C, and E. These are the first letters of the job the hats are designed to do - general, conductive, and electric. So what do those terms mean?

General hard hats are exactly that - jacks of all trades, master of none. They can withstand electrical voltage but only up to 2,200 volts; they can offer protection against heat but not in the same way that conductive hats do. Electrical hats are built to withstand up to 20,000 volts, so while a class G hard hat may be fine if you're doing some simple home repair, you'll want a class E if you're doing heavy-duty electrical work.

Conductive hard hats are built to protect against high temperatures by keeping the heat from reaching your head. Of course, due to their construction, they're terrible for electrical work. Most class C hats are made from aluminum. It's generally a good idea not to have metal attached to your head if you get hit by an electrical shock.

3Hard Hat Materials

Most hard hats these days are made out of one of three materials: aluminum, fiberglass, or polyethylene. Class G hats tend to be made of polyethylene, making this the most common construction material. Over half of the hard hats you wear throughout your life will be made out of this material.

All the materials above offer excellent protection. Polyethylene is the lightest material, but fiberglass is the close second. Aluminum is heavier, which may be necessary for the job you're doing.

4Mechanism And Suspension Points

Whether it's a swing-ratchet, pin-lock, touch, or ratchet, the important thing is that the suspension fits precisely on your head. This thing helps ensure that the hard hat doesn't shift upon impact. Comfort is important, but the precise fit is more critical if you want to stay alive.

A hard hat's suspension is perhaps more important than the class and material. Look for a hat with a 6-point suspension if you possibly can. A 6-point suspension will offer six points of structure to help cushion the force of impact.

That's what suspension does. Proper suspension forces the item's impact to be less before your head is hit, often keeping your head from taking damage at all. That's why 4-point and 2-point suspensions aren't as good as 6-point suspension.

5Degree Of Flexibility

These days, hard hats must be built to be flexible because the industry expects it as a standard feature. However, you don't want your hard hat to be too flexible. The hardness of the hat is not only inherent in the design but vital to protecting your head from impact.

Aluminum, polyethylene, and fiberglass are all solid yet flexible materials, which is why they've become the industry standard. They offer a degree of flexibility while still staying firm enough to protect your head. However, these materials can also become brittle if you leave them out in the sun too long. They can't protect your head if they break upon impact!

6Features And Accessories

Like every other factor, the specifics of your job will be the deciding factor in what you settle on for features and accessories. For example, miners love wearing a hard hat with a light on the front. There are also cotton liners that can be attached to your hard hat.

And if you're a welder, then you already know how important a frontal screen can be. There are also hard hat sweatbands. These can work wonders for those who need conductive hard hats for their jobs.

7Offers Comfort Features

If you want your hard hat to work, it has to be comfortable. The higher-quality hard hats will have liners built into them to offer this comfort. Also, a 6-point suspension is better than the other options.

A 6-point suspension distributes the weight more evenly around the head. This allows the hat to sit more comfortably. If you want a comfortable hard hat, make sure that your hat has liners.

8Adjustable Suspension Mechanism

Most hard hats are built in such a way that the suspension mechanism is adjustable. If you don't have the option to adjust your hard hat, you may want to get a different one. If it won't sit comfortably, this means that it won't protect your head correctly, which makes it completely useless.

If a hard hat can't be adjusted, then it's likely low-quality in other areas as well. Don't take chances with your life. Get a hard hat that can be adjusted appropriately.

9MSA Skullgard Model

There are few safety equipment providers with a history of being trustworthy as MSA. The company has been in the business for over a century, which means that they've built quite a brand name for themselves! The Skullgard model is perhaps their most famous hard hat. It's made of a phenolic material, which is somewhat unique among hard hats. It's sturdier than the general plastic materials; yet, it maintains a sturdy exterior that's dent-resistant.

If the plastic material isn't properly hardened, it can be easily cracked upon the first blow. Phenolic material is excellent for class G hard hats because it's more resistant to high temperatures than others. It's a Type 1 hat, which means that it doesn't come with lateral protection, so you should keep that in mind. However, the material makes it a great class G hard hat, and the MSA Skullgard can be purchased with a swing-ratchet, pin-lock, or Fas-Trac III suspension straps. If you're looking for a better hard hat under $200, you might as well stop looking!

It's a class G hard hat, which means that it's not tagged for electrical work over 2,200 volts. If your job requires higher voltage protection, then get a class E hard hat. The Skullgard also comes in two styles: a cap and a hat. It gives you multiple fashion styles as well as incredible protection!

10MSA Slotted V-Gard

MSA Slotted V-Gard may be a standard polyethylene hard hat, but it's not a conventional design! Hands down, it is the best lightweight hat you can find unless you're looking to pay more than $70. Hard hat design doesn't generally matter since the important part is safety and not aesthetics. Of course, while the V-Gard is the best, the second-best is still an MSA product! When it comes to hard hats, there's no one better in the entire industry.

The MSA Slotted V-Gard is made of a polyethylene material which guarantees great protection while ensuring that you remain comfortable. And you just can't beat the stylish and classy American flag motif! It also offers a great range of adjustment. There is one downside: installing the suspension can be difficult. It's not pre-installed, so you'll have to sit down and figure out how to put it up on your own.

That said, the MSA Slotted V-Gard sits comfortably on the head and offers a wide range of adjustment, so you can be sure that it fits snugly yet comfortably. This hat provides an additional innovation - earmuffs! Workers often ignore their ears when they're out on the job, and this can be a huge mistake. It's important to protect your ears from sudden loud sounds as well as the elements. You never know when you'll be glad that you have earmuffs!

There isn't a better hard hat out there that you can buy for less than $70. It's incredibly inexpensive, but that doesn't keep it from being an amazing hat. It also has MSA's patented Fas-Trac suspension, so you know that you have maximum levels of safety and comfort.

11The Pyramex Ridgeline

When Pyramex came into the scene, it didn't take long before it was rising near the top. While it's not as well known as MSA, it still has a wide following and builds some amazing hard hats. Ridgeline is a fantastic example of their hard hat designs. It's colored black, so you probably shouldn't wear it if you're working outside on a hot summer day. However, it looks great and provides excellent protection.

One of the most common issues with hard hats is the weight. This one doesn't have that problem. It's lightweight even though the material and build look as if it should be heavy. They pulled this off by using high-density polyethylene, so you know that it's going to provide all the protection you need.

The cap also offers 12 different colors, and the suspensions were made to be easily replaceable should the need arise. It has ratchet suspension, which many people find the most comfortable. The Ridgeline is an excellent example of how you don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to get a great hard hat. It's not as good as the V-Gard, but for only $30, the Ridgeline may be the best hat out there at that price while giving you all the protection that you need.

It comes standard with a sweatband, which is great if you work out in the heat regularly. The biggest perk is the weight and suspension, both of which are light and protective. And of course, the Pyramex Ridgeline is only $30, and at that price, it practically sells itself! No matter what industry you're working for, it's in the top five best purchases you can make. It's a Type 1 helmet, so keep in mind that it won't offer lateral protection.

12Safety Works V-Gard

If it hasn't been said often enough, price does not reflect quality. If you want proof, look at this hard hat from Safety Works. People usually head straight towards the most expensive options, presuming they're the best by default. That is not the case!

You've seen the best hard hat for $70, and you've seen the best one for $30; the Safety Works V-Gard is the best at $20! If you get a five-pack, you even get a better deal, which makes this hat every worker's and foreman's dream! The V-Gard from Safety Works comes standard with a full brim so it can keep your face protected from the sun and elements. If you're worried about it blocking your vision, don't be. Safety Works designed the frontal brim to be shorter, allowing you a full range of view.

Like many other helmets, it's made with polyethylene material. The suspension bands are nylon instead of rubber, which makes them incredibly durable. The suspension can be adjusted, which means that it can comfortably fit more on a wider range of head sizes. If you're heading to the job site, need a hat, and only have $20, then you're in luck!

This hat does come in white color, which some people dislike since it gets dirty quite quickly. However, it's a $20 hard hat, so the color shouldn't be a big deciding factor. Many workers love this hat because they can use it and leave it behind if they have to go quickly or if the job packs up, and they forget to grab their hat. It's cheap, and they're only out for $20! The previous hard hats may have better quality, but this hard hat offers sufficient protection and comfort and won't break your budget.

If you're looking for a great deal, this is the hat to look for. You can get ten hats for the price of one, and it's incredible. The quality is still exactly the level of quality you'd expect.

13Pyramex Cap Style

People have an odd misconception that polyethylene hats are more costly than the ones made out of other materials. That is not the case! It's simply not true! This hard hat from Pyramex is only $15, and, as you've probably guessed by now, it is the best you can find at that price point.

It might be better to go for the V-Gard if you have an option; this hard hat is perfectly sufficient for an average day on the job. It's not special, but sometimes, you don't need a special hard hat. It even has the option to add earmuffs and chin straps if you find it necessary.

A neat design feature of this hard hat is the water channel built into the brim. The cap is made with a gutter system that collects the water and rolls it down the side to keep it out of your eyes. It also comes in multiple colors, so whether you prefer blue, orange, green, red, white, or yellow, you can get a hat you love. Colors may not seem significant, but some people enjoy using them as a quick visual reference for job titles when out on construction sites.

This hard hat from Pyramex has a 4-point suspension and a snap-lock system, which is perfectly serviceable for the price. Unless you're on a job site that requires a quick motion to avoid sudden impacts, the 4-point suspension will be more than enough to keep it firmly in place on your head. It's also great if you have children who need regular head protection due to hyperactivity or other non-neurotypical issues. It is the preferred hard hat by parents with children who require constant protection from potential head injuries. It doesn't mean that they're too weak for construction workers, and they're plenty durable!

They're made of polyethylene, which means that they're every bit as good as any other polyethylene hard hat. There's no reason to worry even a tiny bit! If you wear this hat, your head will be protected. And for only $15, it's hard to beat!

As you can see, the best one is the best hard hat for the type of job you're working on. Hopefully, this guide has helped you figure out what you need. There are plenty of options, and if you don't feel like doing your research, you can buy one that's suggested here!