Hard hat safety should follow regulations set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). OSHA's standard specifies that helmets must meet ANSI hard hat requirements. Hard hats are designed to provide limited protection to the head, not complete safety. At All Safety Products, Inc., we provide a large selection of hard hats in a variety of styles, each of which complies with ANSI standards.

ANSI Z89.1 establishes guidelines for two different levels of impact protection. Type One helmets should reduce the force of impact from a blow to the top of the head. Type Two helmets should reduce the force of impact from a blow off-center or to the top of head. Both types are tested for impact and penetration resistance. Class C helmets provide no electrical protection. Class G helmets withstand 2,200 volts while Class E helmets withstand 20,000 volts.

Periodic inspections must be made of all hard hats. In particular, those exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods are susceptible to ultraviolet degradation. At the first sign of a loss of surface gloss or flaking, the hard hat should be replaced. Employers as well as employees should be educated on rules and procedures, which will enhance hard hat safety.

Because hard hats play such an important role in the safety of many work environments, we carry a wide variety of styles and colors here at All Safety Products, Inc.. Bump caps protect against bumping in tight areas but do not provide impact protection. Full brim and brimless hard hats with impact protection may be selected. Desirable features are ratchet suspension, adjustable head cradle, lightweight design, and nylon suspension.