Types of Head Protection
Almost every industry requires that employees protect their heads. There are three ways to do this. Choosing the right head protection is crucial because not all equipment provides the same safety level.
Delta Health and Safety is here to offer our advice to simplify your choice.
The Difference Between a Bump Cap, a Hard Hat, and a Safety Helmet
Head protection comes in three forms. Bump caps, hard hats, and safety helmets suit different conditions and provide employees with varying levels of safety.
Knowing what each offers helps to know which type you need.
Bump Cap Characteristics
Bump caps resemble your standard everyday cap; however, they are resistant to light impacts. They do not protect the wearer from falling objects but are suitable for basic industrial work.
Hard Hat Characteristics
Hard hats protect from falling objects. They operate where there is a risk of bumping your head on moving or protruding objects.
Hard hats do not come with a chin strap, so they may fall off when bending over. We recommend them for employees who work at ground level in most industries.
Safety Helmet Characteristics
Safety helmets offer multi-impact protection from various angles and come with a chin strap. They are often required when working at heights or in situations where there is a higher risk of falling. This is because they can assist in the event of a fall and the chin strap helps ensure that the helmet will stay in place.
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Right Head Protection
There is more to selecting this type of PPE than just picking between the different types. Choosing the right head protection requires the buyer to consider factors such as environment and comfort.
Here are the top factors that Delta Health and Safety recommends you consider.
Work Environment
Possibly the factor that influences your choice of head protection the most. It is essential that you assess your work environment.
Look at what hazards are present in your employees’ everyday duties. It is also helpful to consider whether your employees spend time outdoors or exposed to high temperatures.
Level of Protection Needed
There are two main differentiators in the protection level. Certain protective head equipment shields against lateral impact and penetration while others defend only from above. You will need to determine the impact your staff is most at risk of encountering.
You may also need to consider the protection offered against temperature or electrical shock.
The Make-Up of the Hard Hat or Safety Helmet
Head protection is more than just the outer shell. Each helmet and hard hat has a suspension system that operates to disseminate an impact’s force.
The Materials Used
Different materials make up the outer shells of the helmets or hard hats. Most commonly, they comprise high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
The choice of material will affect the equipment’s ability to withstand temperature. Most head protection has a rating assigned to it detailing whether it is suitable in extreme temperatures.
Different Soles
The soles of your safety footwear comprise of different materials depending on their application. The type of sole you choose dictates your safety footwear’s flexibility, slip resistance, and durability.
Head Protection Suspension Systems
The suspension systems in head protection play two roles. The first is ensuring the equipment is well fitted to the wearer. The fit affects both the wearer’s comfort level and the level of protection.
The adjustment of suspension systems occurs using either a pin-lock or ratchet mechanism. Both are similarly effective; however, the ratchet allows adjustment without removing the hat.
The second role of the suspension system is to spread out any impact and protect the wearer. Head protection has four, six or eight suspension points. The more points in the system, the greater the protection.
Head Protection Compatibility with Other PPE
Safety helmets and hard hats are often cumbersome, affecting wearing other vital PPE. When choosing the right head protection, you need to consider its compatibility with other equipment.
Luckily, thanks to safety innovations, many hard hat and safety helmet options are designed with compatibility in mind.
Delta Health and Safety is Here for You
At Delta Health and Safety, we are well-versed in the ins and outs of head protection. Please don’t get overwhelmed by your choices. Contact our team for assistance today.