Helmets and Hardhats

Helmets and hardhats are safety devices that protect a worker’s head from falling debris and other hazards. Helmets and hard hats are used in industrial, manufacturing, and construction applications to ensure that workers are protected from electrical hazards, burns, falling objects, and from bumping into fixed objects.

Helmets and hard hats must resist penetration, absorb shock, be water resistant and slow to burn, and be adjustable. Hard hats come with a plastic liner that fits securely to the head. The hard hat liner ensures that there is an open space between the rigid helmet and the top of the head, to absorb the blow from a falling object. A construction hard hat also protects workers from electrical hazards by providing some insulation from shock. A safety hard hat is made of plastic, polycarbonate, or light weight metals such as aluminum. An aluminum hard hat is often used in logging or mining.  Other types of helmets and hard hats include those for welding. A welding helmet includes darkening lenses that protect the welder’s eyes from the intense heat and light produced by the equipment. A welding helmet is a full face helmet that covers the entire face, also protecting the operator from sparks.

Helmets and hard hats are used to protect emergency response personnel from fire hazards. A fire helmet is typically composed of a special thermoplastic material to ensure it is resistant to both heat and impact. Impact resistant safety helmets also include carbon fiber helmets. A carbon fiber helmet is often used by motorcyclists and horseback riders. A safety helmet in some applications may be fitted with specialty recording equipment such as digital cameras and microphones. A camera helmet is frequently used to record sporting events, but may also be used in mining or high-risk construction or engineering environments. Helmets and hard hats are also used by divers in underwater construction applications. A diving helmet is a fully sealed, waterproof helmet that is connected to a surface supply of oxygen.

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