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This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Health And Safety At Work Act, first passed in 1974. On every CSC Services project, the health and safety of our employees is critical. By issuing effective Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hard hats, we minimise the risk of injuries happening.
Used to reduce the risk of head trauma, hard hats offer protection from falling objects, electrical hazards, falls from height and vehicle movement
Here, we look at the importance of keeping your protective head gear up to date.
How Do I Inspect A Hard Hat?
Before using a hard hat, it’s crucial to look for gauges, cracks and splits. Keep an eye out for any deterioration, discolouration and chalking and check that the suspension is properly attached to the shell. Please also note that the hard hat is clean.
When part of a hard hat is damaged, you can replace the broken part, but it is much safer and more effective to replace the whole hat.
How Long Do Hard Hats Last?
The standard lifespan of hard hats is now 5 years from the date of manufacture, (increased from 3 years previously). The extended lifespan can largely be attributed to improvements in shape, style and materials now used.
Please be aware, however, that because a hard hat has a 5 year lifespan, it will not necessarily last for 5 years. While they are designed to withstand many different impacts, hard hats can be exposed to the elements, as well as be bumped, dropped and knocked regularly. Because of instances such as these, the expiration date should always be remembered as a hard hat’s maximum lifespan and not its date for a replacement.
Where Can I Find My Hard Hat’s Expiration Date?
Flip the hard hat over to look inside, as the expiration date is usually stamped below the brim.
When Should A Hard Hat Be Replaced?
While an expiration date clearly states when a hard hat should be replaced, it can also occur before this date, when the PPE is damaged or even when it has been in contact with hazardous substances, as these can also weaken the plastic materials. While damage to a hard hat may not be visible, it could still be in a state of disrepair. If a hard hat has fallen off an individual’s head, for instance, it should be replaced as a safety precaution, regardless of its appearance.
Can Hard Hats Be Recycled?
Yes, many hard hats can be recycled, as they are often made from reusable plastics, such as polycarbonate or high-density polyethylene.
The National Hard Hat Recycling Scheme aims to reuse as many damaged and expired hard hats as possible, stopping them from becoming landfill and being left as an environmental hazard.
At CSC Services, the health and safety of everyone on our site is of paramount importance. To find out more about our Health & Safety Policies, click here.
