Hard hat

The industrial safety helmet ( hard hat, or even industrial safety helmet ) is a helmet that is prescribed in most modern industrialized countries as an accessory to the labor protection on construction sites or other hazardous areas. Helmets for protection against weapon effects are, however, usually referred to as combat helmet or ballistic protective helmet.

The helmet is designed to protect the head of a hand before falling parts and suspended loads on the other hand he can preserve in tight situations before injury. Against The latter also bump caps are used.

In Europe, the safety helmet according to EN 397 standard is standardized. The helmet shell is made usually made of hard plastic materials, with both thermosets and thermoplastics are used. Metals, particularly aluminum, have been used in the past, but are now scarcely used. Thermoplastics age relatively quickly, after only four years, the helmet must be discarded due to embrittlement, a separation after eight years must be in thermosets. Depending on environmental conditions, the embrittlement can occur but also earlier. Depending on the application, the helmet shell is shaped differently, they may be provided for various accessories, for example, with a wide brim, a rain gutter, ventilation openings or pockets. The helmet shell absorbs the forces. The interior of the helmet is shaped like basket. With her ​​helmet resting on the head. Through the interior the acting force is distributed. It is adjustable and consists of various bands. When protective helmet for head injuries, it can also made ​​of flexible plastic, for example, foam or leather insert exist.

In many helmets as a earmuff or face protection (eg for working with chainsaws ) can accessories to be attached. More accessories can a neck protection against wetness or, especially in mining or civil engineering, be a battery-powered lighting. As a rule, by the manufacturer, a maximum mass of the helmet mandatory with accessories, which may not be exceeded.

There are also helmets for the following special applications, each specifically examined:

• Use at very low temperatures down to -30 ° C
• For use at very high temperature, 150 ° C.
• Exposure to short-term, accidental contact with AC voltages up to 440 V
• Exposure to splashes of molten metal
• Hazards caused by side impacts

For instruction and facilities of workers with helmets, the employer is obliged.

Depending on the company and activity, the coloration of a function (eg, planners, building control, polishing ) may be assigned, reflecting the corporate colors or even serve a purpose (eg, signal yellow or red, in the food industry and rescue services often white).