When Should I Replace My Hard Hat? February 4, 2009
Posted by Krystal Lane in Hard Hats Blog.Tags: Hard Hat, Hard Hat Suspension
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Did you know hard hat suspension systems need to be replaced too? All components of head protection gear (hard hat shell and suspension system) should be replaced at the same time. Keep in mind you need a hard hat and suspension of identical sizes and brands. It is necessary to ensure a proper fit and avoid the possibility of voiding the warranty on one or both hard hat components.
Hard Hat
A majority of manufacturers say a hard hat may be used for up to five years. This is not a steadfast time frame since every manufacturer is different. When your hard hat begins to show signs of damage it needs to be replaced. Indicators of damage are:
- cracks
- nicks
- dents
- gouges
- fading
- dull color
- chalky appearance
- exposure to the sun needs to be replaced more frequently
Suspension System
Most manufacturers say a hard hat suspension system should be replaced every year unless they show signs of deterioration. This is not a steadfast time frame since every manufacturer is different. A system needs to be replaced when it:
- cracks
- tears
- loss of pliability
- frayed or cut straps
- does not fit properly inside the hard hat
- impacted from an object
Keep in mind there is not a hard hat or suspension system that does not need to be replaced. Every hard hat component will need to be replaced since protective properties degrade over time due to normal wear and tear. Those people who work in extreme work environments will need to replace their hard hat components more often.
Another point to remember is to inspect your hard hat and suspension system before each use. Carefully inspect your hard hat components for signs of dents, cracks, penetration, and any other signs of damage. Inspecting a hard hat every time it is worn is taking another proactive measure to ensure his or her safety.
What Is a Hard Hat Suspension? February 4, 2009
Posted by Krystal Lane in Hard Hats Blog.Tags: Hard Hat Suspension, Impact Protection
2 comments
There is a great deal of importance to a hard hat suspension system since it prevents head injury and possibly death. The system elevates your hard hat 1″-1 ¼” above your head to provide impact protection from falling objects.
If you take a hard hat and turn it upside down, you will see points of attachment holding the suspension system in place. Depending on the vendor, you will see four, six, or eight points mounting it to the hard hat. The number indicates the point suspension, which will be either four-point, six-point, or eight-point. The greater the number of points, the more the impact is spread out. Therefore, the eight-point hard hat suspension system will absorb the most impact.
There are two types of hard hat suspension: pin-lock and ratchet. One is pin-lock suspension utilizing the same concept used for a baseball cap. To operate the pin lock suspension you need to remove the hard hat the same as adjusting a baseball cap. It has a plastic band with holes for the plastic pin to go into for the perfect fit. The other type is
ratchet suspension, which is designed for one-touch fit adjustments. This system provides the ease of adjusting your hat without having to remove it. There is a small knob on the back and all you need to do is turn to the preferred size.
In addition, different companies have various names for the ratchet and pin-lock suspension systems. Some examples are:
MSA- Swing Ratchet, Staz-On, Fas-Trac, Uni-Pro
North- Quick Fit
Bullard- Self-Sizing, Flex-Gear Ratchet
Pyramex- Snap Lock
Vulcan Cowboy Hard Hat- Squeeze-Lock
I hope this information has been useful and helps all of you to make an informed hard hat suspension purchase. Please, remember to wear your hard hat – it may save your life.
♦
