Hard Hat Chin Straps Can Prevent Head Injury April 8, 2009
Posted by Krystal Lane in Hard Hats Blog.Tags: Hard Hat Accessories, Hard Hat Chin Strap
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Too often there are reports of head injuries at work sites. Sometimes the injuries are the result of workers not wearing their hard hats. Other times injuries result from hard hat suspensions not being properly installed. The majority of the time injuries are caused from a hard hat becoming dislodged from the worker’s head. Is this not terrible – work related head injuries are the result of their head protection falling off? The sad part is the problem can be prevented by purchasing an inexpensive accessory for their hard hat – a chin strap.
Chin straps are designed to prevent a worker’s hard hat from falling off as a result of being bumped by another employee, high winds, or awkward work positions (i.e. bent over). This accessory also helps to protect pedestrians and fellow employees down below by keeping the hard hat where it belongs, on the wearer’s head. It is ideal for several work environments including windy job sites, high-rise construction, utility lines, shipyards, and any high elevation.
Additional benefits of chin straps are that they are easy to use, can be worn on dielectric hard hats, and inexpensive. This accessory is so simple to use – the wearer simply attaches the chip strap ends into their hard hat slots, adjust to their individual comfort level, and off they go. Chin straps are also suitable for dielectric head protection, because they do not contain metal parts which is ideal those workers in work environments with electricity. Last, but not least, this hard hat accessory is inexpensive – typically under $10. There is nothing better than an inexpensive, simple to use device that can prevent injury to yourself and others.
Decal Hard Hats Proudly Display American Patronage April 1, 2009
Posted by Krystal Lane in Hard Hats Blog.Tags: Construction Hard Hats, Decal Hard Hat, Safety Hard Hats
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Do you resonate with Lee Greenwood when he belts out the phrase, “Proud to be an American?” If so then you are in good company with millions of other fellow citizens. Now is the time to celebrate your proud American patronage. Our great country recently elected a new president as well as Memorial Day and Independence Day are coming up soon. Why not proudly display you are “proud to be an American” everyday? An excellent way to boast your patronage to this country and be safe at the same time is a decal hard hat.
MSA, Fibre Metal, and Jackson each retail handsome hard hats with impeccable patriotic artwork on them. Each retailer offers unique designs including American eagles and stars and stripes flags. For example, Fibre Metal retails their Spirit of America hard hats featuring amazing artwork with an eagle that appears to jump off the hat. Not only is the artwork aesthetically pleasing; it will not fade, chip, or peel. MSA takes their patriotism a step further with their Freedom Series hard hats featuring American flags and eagles. The Freedom Series line of hard hats is exclusive to MSA offering bright, vibrant artwork with a superior finish to withstand impacts and high temperatures. Jackson retails their exclusive line of Head Turners Hard Hat Designs featuring a billowing American flag on them. These hats boldly display an American flag from front to back showing the world you are “proud to be an American.”
In addition to being pieces of artwork, all featured hard hats meet ANSI Z89.1 standards providing the same level of head protection you have become accustomed. Depending on your preference or job requirements, helmets are available in either full brim or cap style. This is perfect for workers everywhere – patriotism, style, and safety all in one package. Show your patriotism everyday and be safe with a decal hard hat.
Aluminum Hard Hats are Making a Comeback March 25, 2009
Posted by Krystal Lane in Hard Hats Blog.Tags: Aluminum Hard Hat, Construction Hard Hat, Skull Bucket
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Have you had the experience of finding the perfect item and then the manufacturer discontinues it? This gets to be quite a pain and frustrating. It is almost the same as Pepsi discontinuing their version of clear cola years ago. Another favorite item of mine that was discontinued years ago is the aluminum hard hat. After years of wearing hard hats made of HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), my old favorite is back complements of Skull Bucket. The company has redeveloped aluminum hard hats to make them more durable, stronger, and comply with ANSI Z89.1-2003 standards.
These aluminum hard hats are perfect for those workers who want “vintage” head protection gear with optimal protection and comfort. All of Skull Bucket’s aluminum hard hats are a Type 1, Class C helmets. This means that the hat will protect the wearer from objects falling straight down on to their head. The Class C indicates that this head protection gear does not provide electrical protection. Skull Bucket aluminum hard hats are ideal for several work environments including logging, firefighting, gas and oil drilling, construction, heavy equipment operators, and demolition.
Skull Bucket aluminum hard hats are available in two different styles – full brim or cap style both featuring 4-point ratchet suspensions. The new design is made with space-age aluminum alloy giving them the ability to withstand extreme heat. Today’s modern aluminum hard hats feature superior durability with a reinforced crown secured by eight rivets. It does not stop there – cap style aluminum hard hats sport accessory slot for a faceshield, earmuffs, pencil clippers, and other hardhat attachments. The best feature of all is Skull Bucket aluminum hard hats are available in a variety of different colors applied with a longwearing powder coating.
For those workers who want unique head protection with comfort and durability then Skull Bucket aluminum hard hats is definitely the way to go. The hard hats are the epitome of comfort and durability. There is nothing better than being comfortable and having a hat that keeps for a long time. Get your hard hat and be safe!
What is the Hype About Custom Hard Hats? March 17, 2009
Posted by Krystal Lane in Hard Hats Blog.Tags: Construction Hard Hats, Custom Hard Hats
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Are you a sole proprietor in the construction industry looking for a new way to advertise your company? Perhaps, a foreman looking for a new way to increase hard hat compliance? Regardless of whether you are a sole proprietor or a foreman, there is a fantastic product available for everyone. It is custom hard hats!
Sole proprietors in the construction industry can benefit from custom hard hats for inexpensive advertising. Let’s face it, advertising on television, newspaper, and the internet can get expensive. This is especially the case when you are a sole proprietorship. Custom hard hats can save you money as well as increase your client base. How does this work? You see issuing your employees custom hard hats with your company logo on them will attract the attention of people passing by. Those people will associate the logo on the hard hat with your hard working employees and quality workmanship. Another issue in the construction industry is lack of compliance.
Several workers in the construction industry have told me they do not wear a hard hat for several reasons including discomfort and they do not like the appearance. For foremen the lack of compliance can be a serious problem, because accidents can occur and consequences can be rendered from OSHA. The question is, “How does one increase hard hat compliance?” The answer is simple, “Custom hard hats!” This is an ideal solution to increase compliance because it eliminates the problem of discomfort and unhappiness with the appearance of the hard hat. Custom hard hats can solve both problems by them being more appealing with a logo on them rather than being boring and blank. These hard hats can also be modified for different workers on the crew providing the feeling of individuality.
There are several options to choose from including manufacturer, color, suspension, and colors. The best part of ordering customized hard hats is colors in a set can be mixed and matched. Additional options are available for compliance, originality, and fun. Be original with a custom hard hat and as always – be safe.
Break the Mold with Cowboy Hard Hats March 9, 2009
Posted by Krystal Lane in Hard Hats Blog.Tags: Cowboy Hard Hat, Hard Hat
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The days of boring and uncomfortable hard hats are gone. Now workers can be safe, comfortable, and stylish all at the same time. Several manufacturers are following this new trend, but one does it better than the rest. Vulcan cowboy hard hats provide optimal safety properties, comfort, and style.
Vulcan cowboy hard hats are different from anything you have ever seen before. These hats promote compliance, safety, and fun at the job site. The cowboy hard hats have a durable shell constructed of HDPE (high-density polyethylene) which resists penetration, deflects vertical and lateral blows to the head, and reduces the overall danger from exposure to low and high voltage electrical conductors. They are also in compliance with ANSI Z89.1, Type I, Class E, G, and C.
In addition to preventing head injury, Vulcan cowboy hard hats are stylish with a unique design all their own. The design features a custom curled extra wide brim for more UV and rain protection than standard full brim hard hats. Vulcan cowboy hard hats also feature a vintage inspired pinch-front top for authentic appeal. An additional feature provided by these hard hats is ultimate comfort.
The comfort of these cowboy inspired hard hats is in the choice of two suspension systems. Vulcan cowboy style hard hats have a choice between a 6-point regular suspension system and a 6-point ratchet suspension system. Both suspension systems feature an ultra soft yet strong, comfortable, 6 load bearing points of woven nylon web with crown strap that acts as a rugged shock absorber. These suspensions also feature a plush terry cloth like headband for optimal comfort and keeps sweat out of the eyes.
Several customers have sung their praises for the Vulcan cowboy hard hat claiming ultimate comfort and head protection. It does not get better than this – style, safety, and comfort. Check out cowboy hard hats in your favorite color and tell me what you think. As always, be safe!
How Are Hard Hats Tested? March 4, 2009
Posted by Krystal Lane in Hard Hats Blog.Tags: Hard Hat, Head Protection
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Hard hats undergo strict testing according to ANSI criteria before being deemed able to provide adequate head protection. The way this works is a sample of hard hats from a batch or production shift are set aside for testing. They are tested in several areas including impact energy attenuation, apex penetration, and electrical insulation.
Type I Hard Hat
Testing for Type I Hard Hats
Impact Energy Attenuation Test -measures the top of the hard hat’s capability to reduce the force of an impact from falling objects to the top of a wearer’s head. The test is conducted by dropping an 8 lb. steel ball from a free fall height of 5 ft.
Apex Penetration Test – measures the top of the hard hat’s capability to resist penetration. The test is conducted by dropping a pointed steel penetrator on to a hat to test its ability to resist penetration.
Type II Hard Hat
Testing for Type II Hard Hats
Impact Energy Attenuation Test – measures the energy-absorbing capability from a lateral impact (object hits off-center or top of a wearer’s head). The test is performed by using an 11 lb. head form donning a hard hat dropped on to two types of steel anvils.
Off-Center Penetration Test – similar procedure to apex penetration test with the exception of changes in test location. The test is conducted by dropping a 2.2 lb. pointed steel penetrator from a free-fall height of 4 feet.
Chin Strap Retention Test – measures the ability of a chin strap to keep a hard hat on a wearer’s head. The test is conducted by attaching a 22.2 lb. object to the chin strap and dropping it from a height of 4 inches.
Electrical Insulation Tests for Type I and Type II Hard Hats – measures electrical shock resistance capability of hard hat. There are three types of electrical insulation test criteria for electrical insulation.
Class E hard hats reduce the danger of exposure to high voltage electrical conductors: hard hat is proof tested at 20,000 volts for 3 minutes, then at 30,000 volts with no burn-through permitted.
Class G hard hats reduce the danger of exposure to low voltage electrical conductors: hard hat is tested at 2,200 volts for 1 minute.
Class C hard hats are not tested for electrical resistance. This class is not intended to provide protection from electrical conductors.
Several manufacturers including MSA, North, Vulcan, Bullard, Jackson, and many more offer top quality hard hats that have undergone these rigorous tests. Each manufacturer has a vast selection of bump caps, full brim and cap style hard hats. Any type of head protection you choose will provide exceptional head protection to reduce the risk of injury.
Hard Hat Accessories Keep Cool You at the Job Site February 24, 2009
Posted by Krystal Lane in Hard Hats Blog.Tags: Hard Hat Accessories, Summer Work Gear
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Are you miserable wearing a hard hat in the heat? The good news you are not alone, so many workers complain of being too warm and sweat dripping into their eyes. Those days are over thanks to hard hat accessories by North, Occunomix, Rawhyde Frontier, MSA, and Miracool.
One type of product that helps make life easier is sweatbands. They are available in both terry cloth and leather. Both materials help to absorb sweat to keep you comfortable in the heat all day long. Each of the featured sweatbands is easy to place inside hard hat suspensions. You have a choice of Velcro or plastic snaps ensuring a secure fit. All sweatbands are washable and have a universal fit for most hard hats.
Another selection of products designed to keep you cool and comfortable are hard hat shades from Occunomix. Hard hat shades shield you from unwanted sun exposure while providing a cooler and comfortable environment. They have a universal fit for almost any hard hat providing easy installation. All you do is fit it over the outside rim of your hard hat and allow the shade to drop down over the back of your neck. It is so simple, yet pure genius.
The best of the best when it comes to keeping your cool in a hard hat is a doo-hat from Rawhyde Frontier. Doo-hats are similar to bandanas made of 100% cotton making them super absorbent and comfortable. Another feature of doo-hats is they can be worn alone when you are off the worksite.
All of these products make wearing a hard hat during the spring and summer cooler making you a happier employee. So, what are you waiting for? Get your spring and summer gear now… the warm weather will be here before you know it. Happy spring everyone!
2003 ANSI Standards For Hard Hats February 19, 2009
Posted by Krystal Lane in Hard Hats Blog.Tags: 2003 ANSI, ANSI Standards, Hard Hat
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Are you up-to-date with current ANSI standards for hard hats? If not, you need to, because product-testing procedures change and improved designs are introduced. This is the fifth revision of the standard that provides performance and testing requirements for hard hats. In 2003, ANSI revised the Z89.1-1997 standard. The changes were made according to national standards that test and evaluate the performance of head protection equipment. In an effort to recognize state-of-the-art materials, performance and technology, physical requirements for hard hat components that did not provide added user value, or limited design or performance were removed.
Type I Hard Hat
Hard hats meeting the requirements of the 2003 standard are classified in two types: Type I for protection from blows to the top of the head or Type II for protection from blows to top/sides of the head. Both types are tested for impact reduction and penetration resistance. Type II helmet performance requirements include criteria for impact reduction from the front, back and sides as well as the top, off-center penetration resistance, and chin strap retention.
The current ANSI standard is ANSI Z89.1-2003:
- Type I Protection from blows to top of head
- Type II Protection from blows to top/sides of head
- Class E (electrical) tested to withstand 20,000 volts;
- Class G (general) tested at 2,200 volts; and
- Class C (conductive) provides no electrical protection.
Type II Hard Hat
Additional ANSI hard hat compliance standards are they must include date of manufacture along with the manufacturer’s name, sizing instructions, and guidelines for care and service, and the ANSI legend and class description. Make sure you stay up-to-date with ANSI standards to improve your safety. A final point of reference is, remember that hard hats are not guaranteed to be entirely impact resistant. They are designed to reduce the risk of head injury. Remember to wear your hard hat and be safe.
What Roles Do ANSI and OSHA Play at the Workplace? February 19, 2009
Posted by Krystal Lane in Hard Hats Blog.Tags: ANSI, OSHA, Workplace Safety
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The organizations called OSHA and ANSI are frequently mentioned in the workplace. Do you know who they are? OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is the main federal agency in charge of enforcing safety and health legislation. ANSI (American National Standards Institute) is a private, non-profit organization that produces industrial standards in the United States.
Many people speak of OSHA and ANSI as if they are interchangeable. The truth of the matter is they are not. OSHA standards and regulations mandate the use of a product, but they do not specific how a product is certified. In this case, OSHA PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) standards require that hard hats meet strict ANSI standards. OSHA officials routinely participate in the development of these standards, alongside ANSI in their efforts to promote workplace safety.
ANSI certifies safety products according to voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems. The Institute oversees the creation, promotion and use of thousands of norms and guidelines that directly affect businesses in nearly every sector: from acoustical devices to construction equipment, from dairy and livestock production to energy distribution, and many more. ANSI is also actively engaged in accrediting programs that assess conformance to standards – including globally recognized cross-sector programs such as the ISO 9000 (quality) and ISO 14000 (environmental) management systems.
There now that you have all the correct information, spread it on to your fellow co-workers. It never hurts to be a well informed employee.
Stylish Pink Hard Hats For Women February 17, 2009
Posted by Krystal Lane in Hard Hats Blog.Tags: Ladies Hard Hats, Pink Hard Hat
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Ladies, the time has come for you to make a fashion statement at the jobsite! Several leading manufacturers heard your pleas to look more feminine at work. Manufacturers including North, MSA, Pyramex, and Skull Bucket listened and designed fashionable hard hats in shades of pink. The selection of pink hard hats featured includes hard hats in both full brim and cap style.
You may be thinking, “Do these pink hard hats provide the same level of head protection as their predecessors?” The answer is, “Yes, absolutely!” North pink hard hats are dependable and versatile designed with a HDPE (high-density polyethylene) shell, rain trough, and accessory slots. It also dons comfort features such as ratchet adjustment, 4-point nylon suspension, 3-level height adjustment, and more. The pink hard hat from North is ANSI Type I, Class E compliant. This fashionable hard hat provides protection from objects falling straight down toward your head and up to 20,000 volts of electricity.
Another manufacturer who heard all of you hardworking ladies is MSA. The Company retails a pink V-Gard cap style hard hat is designed with a HDPE shell, Fas-Trac (ratchet) suspension, and accessories slots to provide you with head protection and comfort. One word of caution about this hard hat is it does not protect against lateral blows from the side, front, or rear.
Pyramex, another leading manufacturer of hard hats also designs pink hard hats. The featured pink cap style hard hat by Pyramex features a low profile design made of HDPE with brow pad, 4-point ratchet suspension, accessory slots, and rough troughs on sides and back of helmet. It is a hat above all the rest with all the features to keep you safe, fashionable, comfortable, and dry. Above all else, this pink hard hat is ANSI Type I, Class C and E compliant meaning it will protect you from objects falling directly above your head and up to 22,000 volts of electricity.
Finally yet importantly, Skull Bucket offers pink aluminum hats in both cap style and full brim. Both styles of hard hats feature 4-point ratchet suspension system rendering them perfect for heavy-duty jobs including construction, demolition, and logging, blasting, and drilling. Skull Bucket is currently the only manufacturer retailing aluminum hard hats that are ANSI Type I, Class C compliant (no electrical protection provided). In addition, to ANSI compliance, Skull Bucket pink hard hats are durable, comfortable, and offer superior head protection. The featured hard hats are available in regular aluminum style or long wearing powder color.
A few words of wisdom are to remember to clean your hard hat, inspect it after each use, and replace hard hat shell and suspension as recommended by the manufacturer. Get out there and make a splash with your stylish pink hard hat!
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