Depending on the type of job, hard hats and protective helmets come in a wide variety of styles. For instance, the MSA skullgard full brim hat is specially designed for use in steel mills or other heat-intensive work environments. Other helmets are built to protect utility workers and other individuals who work in high-voltage situations. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has developed a series of types and classes to help identify the proper head protection for every job.
Impact Protection
Hard hats are divided into two types depending on the kind of impact they are intended to safeguard against. Anyone who has spent considerable time on a construction site knows that tools and debris can fall from the sky at any moment. A Type I hardhat, like the MSA skullgard full brim hat, is designed to protect against blows to the top of the head. Similarly, a Type II helmet is intended to soften blows to the side of the head from laterally moving objects like large beams or planks.
Electrical Performance
Hard hat class refers to its application to high-voltage work places where workers are subjected to potentially dangerous amounts of electricity. Class E (electrical) hard hats, like those often worn by utility workers; shield the head from high-voltage conductors. Class G (general) hard hats, one of the most widely used hard hats, are designed to protect against lower voltage shocks to the head. These all-purpose helmets are appropriate for numerous jobs where low-level electrical exposure is possible. Unlike the other two classes, Class C (conductive) hard hats are not made to withstand exposure to electrical conductors. Although they offer protection against head trauma, their second most important function is to provide comfort and breathability.
Choosing the Right Hard Hat
Selecting the proper hard hat is dictated by the kind of work being done. Class G hard hats are among the most versatile on the market, but your line of work may call for a more specialized model. ANSI-compliant helmets, like the MSA skullgard full brim hard hat, will bear a label of certification outlining their class and type standards. If your hard hat is not clearly labeled, then it is probably a good idea to replace it soon. Safety is job one on every construction site, so every worker should be outfitted with a quality hard hat. Fortunately, there are several reputable manufacturers and distributers of hard hats and other protective gear.
Find the MSA Skullgard full brim hard hat and countless other models of headgear at Busihess Name.
