We’ve trained ourselves to look at the label’s expiration date on medicines, milk, bread, and other perishable foods. But we also know that some of these dated consumables can still go bad before their time if not handled properly. For example, your glass of cold milk can sour quickly if left in the hot sun.
Did you know hard hats expire too?
And just like food items, their useful life can be shortened if not cared for properly.
Hard hats — a vital part of your PPE — provide protection for the most important part of your body: the brain. In any industry where a potentially damaging impact to the head is possible, hard hats must be used.
So, does a hard hat have an “expiration” date?
Technically speaking, the answer is no. After all, we’re not talking about food, medicine, or even that delicious glass of milk.
That said, most manufacturers, and the Australian Standard, have recommendations on helmet and suspension lifespans. Hard hat shells should be used no longer than around 3 years, while suspensions should be replaced after 12-24 months. The date of manufacture is stamped or molded onto the hard hat shell, usually on the underside of the brim. Similarly, the suspension will be marked with the month and year of manufacture, along with the headband size.
Some visible signs of hard hat damage, such as cracks, dents, or holes, are easy to see and are obvious reasons to remove the hard hat from service. But even scores or scuffs on the surface might signal that it’s time to retire it. If a hard hat has been impacted or penetrated, remove it from service immediately. Dents from impacts stress the hard hat material, causing weak spots that are not acceptable. Scuffs or scores also weaken it by thinning out the shell. Consider replacement as soon as possible.
If the suspension straps are frayed or ripped, or have damaged stitching, remove the webbing immediately and replace it with a new suspension assembly. Check the plastic attachment clips to make sure they aren’t weakened or broken as well.
Here’s a word of caution, though: When replacing the suspension, or any other attachment for that matter, use only those made by the original manufacturer specifically for that model and size. Hard hats are tested and certified with the manufacturer suspension installed and approved as a system. Incorrect parts and accessories or those made from any other source render the certification null and void. Additionally, an incorrect headband and web could reduce or eliminate the amount of impact protection. The impact space might not be adequate.
Fading, normally seen in fiberglass or plastic shells, is a sign that sunlight or UV rays have started weakening the shell. This often shows up as a chalky, brittle surface or discoloration. This can cause brittleness, easily noticed by flexing the brim. Too much flexibility can also be a sign of shell weakness. Even harsh chemicals or other severe conditions break down the shell material, producing brittleness. This often shows up as fading or discoloration as well. Chemicals can damage the suspension, too.
Proper care and use of hard hats
Nothing lasts forever. But your hard hat is possibly one of the most robust pieces of personal protective equipment you have. Proper care can help to ensure you get the full recommended life from your hard hat and suspension.
First, it’s important to inspect the hard hat regularly. And by that, it means each time you intend to wear it. Be sure to do quick inspections throughout the workday when in a safe place to do so.
Hard hats should be cleaned with an approved cleaner or a mild, nondetergent soap and warm water. No harsh chemicals or abrasives should be used. Oil-based solvents will deteriorate the shell, so don’t use gasoline or similar products to remove tar, grease and other sticky contaminants. Do NOT use scrapers, knives, or other abrasive tools to remove debris. Cleaning the headband and webbing in a mild soap and water solution will help to eliminate the buildup of oil and contaminates.
Are hard hats really that important?
Yes.
Falls from heights accounted for 25% of all construction fatalities in 2008-11 while across all industries, the report found that 76% of fatalities were due to head injuries incurred in a fall. More specifically, the data showed that head injuries were the cause of death in 90% of fatalities from falls from roofs and 86% of fatalities from falls from buildings under construction, driving home the need to wear a hard hat.
Furthermore, 50% of the deaths between 2003 and 2011 resulted from falls of three metres or less with falls from ladders accounting for the greatest number of deaths, meaning hard hats should be worn even when working at very low heights. Importantly, head injuries only made up 3% of serious injury compensation claims as a result of a fall, meaning that there is a strong correlation between a head injury and not surviving it, reinforcing the importance of a hard hat.
For further information, view the MSA Safety blog post about hard hats here
