Safety Helmets vs Hard Hats

A safety helmet is oftentimes going to have a few more features than a hard hat. Features such as a flip down eye protection, clip in ear protection and adjustable vents are some of the extra features a safety helmet has that a hard hat does not.

 

Wearing head protection offers several benefits and is generally mandatory on most job sites. While some companies require the use of hard hats, others are now beginning to mandate safety helmets.

 

Safety Helmets

 

Safety helmets are quickly gaining popularity and are noticeably different from traditional hard hats. The key distinction is the presence of an adjustable chin strap on safety helmets. This strap ensures that the helmet stays securely in place during a fall, providing continuous protection.

 

Side by Side

 

If you look at a standard hard hat and a safety helmet side by side, they both meet the same requirements. Both have the suspension system under the helmet. A safety helmet is oftentimes going to have a few more features than a hard hat. Features such as a flip down eye protection, clip in ear protection and adjustable vents are some of the extra features a safety helmet has that a hard hat does not.

 

Hard Hats

 

Hard hats have their own advantages, such as being more cost-effective. Typically, hard hats do not come with a chin strap, although some models do. If a hard hat is equipped with a chin strap, it offers the same level of protection as a standard safety helmet.

 

 

Head Protection in the Industry

 

In certain industries, workers often face the issue of hard hats falling off due to frequent bending during tasks. This is a common complaint, but the problem can be resolved if the hard hat is equipped with a chin strap.

 

Industrial safety helmets, incorporating the latest technology, are becoming increasingly popular as head protection becomes a standard requirement in the workplace.

 

It's important to note that the manufacturer's date is located under the lid of the hard hat, and these hats typically have a lifespan of 5 years. Keep in mind that this expiration date is based on the date of manufacture, not the first day of use.

 

OSHA and ANSI

 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets the following criteria for head protection under standard number 1910.135(b).

 

1910.135(b)(1)

Criteria for head protection.

(1) Head protection must comply with any of the following consensus standards:

 

1910.135(b)(1)(i)

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z89.1-2009, “American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection,” incorporated by reference in Sec. 1910.6;

 

1910.135(b)(1)(ii)

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z89.1-2003, “American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection,” incorporated by reference in Sec. 1910.6; or

 

1910.135(b)(1)(iii)

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z89.1-1997, “American National Standard for Personnel Protection–Protective Headwear for Industrial Workers–Requirements,” incorporated by reference in Sec. 1910.6.

 

1910.135(b)(2)

Head protection devices that the employer demonstrates are at least as effective as head protection devices that are constructed in accordance with one of the above consensus standards will be deemed to be in compliance with the requirements of this section.

 

Always consult your employer to determine the specific type of head protection required for your job site. Head protection comes in various styles and with different requirements. For instance, a Type 2 helmet or hard hat provides protection for both the top and sides of the head, while a Type 1 helmet or hard hat is designed to protect against impacts to the top of the head. These are just two examples of the many head protection options available on the market. When choosing head protection, it's crucial to understand the capabilities and limitations of each option.