Hard Hats

Hard hats, also known as safety helmets, are a critical item of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to safeguard the head from falling objects, impact with other objects, and even electrical shock.

These essential construction worker helmets are mandatory on construction sites in Singapore due to legal safety requirements. While commonly worn in industries such as roofing, construction, forestry, and offshore work, the use of a hard safety helmet is beneficial in any environment where head injury risks exist.

How Do Hard Hats Work?

Hard hats work by providing a rigid outer shell that deflects and absorbs the force of impacts, preventing direct contact with the skull. Inside, a suspension system of webbing and straps absorbs the impact's energy, distributing the force over a larger area and reducing the intensity of the blow transmitted to the head and brain. This combination of shell and suspension is critical for effective impact protection.

How Are Hard Hats Constructed?

Hard hats, or construction helmets, are made from strong plastic such as HDPE (high-density polyethylene). This material provides a durable outer shell that can withstand significant force, helping to protect the wearer from falling objects and other hazards. Inside the hard hat, a suspension system typically consists of webbing or straps that cradle the head, and is installed to absorb and distribute impact energy.

Many hard hats also feature adjustable components, such as ratchet mechanisms or chin straps, which help secure the helmet firmly in place. This ensures the hard hat remains stable during movement or sudden impacts. To enhance comfort, some models include ventilation holes or channels that allow air to circulate, helping to keep the wearer’s head cool during extended use, especially in warm or physically demanding environments.

Types of Hard Hats

Hard hats come in various designs and materials to suit different work environments and hazards.

Hard Hat Classes

Construction worker helmets are categorised into classes based on their electrical insulation capabilities, ranging from general-use protection to high-voltage insulation or no electrical protection at all.

• Class E (Electrical): Provides protection against falling objects and electrical exposure up to 20,000 V, suitable for electricians and utility workers.
• Class G (General): Offers impact protection against falling objects and electrical exposure up to 2,200 V, common in general construction.
• Class C (Conductive): Provides impact protection from falling objects but provide no dielectric protection from electrical exposure.

Material

The shell of a hard hat is typically made from durable, impact-resistant materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, or fiberglass, each offering varying levels of strength, flexibility, and resistance to environmental factors.

Peak Types

Hard hats are available with different peak (brim) designs, including full brims for all-around protection from sun and rain, short brims or peakless designs for improved upward visibility or work in confined spaces.

Colours

While some colours may be chosen for visibility (like high-visibility yellow or orange), specific colours can sometimes denote different roles or responsibilities on a worksite, although this is not a universal standard.

Standards

When selecting a construction safety helmet, look for certifications indicating compliance with recognised safety standards in Singapore like SS 98:2013. Other useful global standards to look for include EN 397, the European standard for industrial safety helmets covering impact, penetration, flammability, and hard hat chin strap requirements.

How Often Should I Replace My Hard Hat?

If your hard hat is damaged, you must replace it immediately. If it isn't damaged, still change it periodically. Most manufacturers advise that a hard hat has a lifespan of two to five years.

How Are Hard Hats and Helmets Used in Industrial Settings?

In various industrial environments, hard hats and helmets serve as essential personal protective equipment to safeguard workers from potential head injuries caused by falling objects, impacts, and other workplace hazards.

Construction Sites

On construction sites, hard hats or construction helmets are mandatory to protect workers from falling tools, debris, and accidental impacts with structures or equipment, reducing the risk of skull fractures and other serious head trauma.

Mining and Quarrying

In the challenging environments of mining and quarrying, robust hard hats are crucial for shielding workers from falling rocks, collisions with machinery in confined spaces, and potential head strikes against low ceilings or support structures.

Oil and Gas Industry

Workers in the oil and gas industry rely on hard hats for protection against falling equipment, impacts from swinging pipes or tools, and potential contact with overhead hazards on drilling rigs and processing plants.

Warehousing and Logistics

Within warehousing and logistics operations, hard hats help protect personnel from falling boxes or stacked materials, collisions with forklifts or other moving equipment, and impacts when working in areas with overhead storage.

Buy Hard Hats and Safety Helmets Online from RS Singapore

RS is a leading supplier of hard safety helmets in Singapore, offering a range of robust hard hats engineered for superior head protection against significant impacts and workplace hazards. We stock reliable safety hard hat options from trusted brands such as Centurion Safety, 3M, MSA Safety, and many more. Besides hard hats, we also offer bump caps as well as gear for arm and knee protection.

For detailed information on our delivery services and costs, please visit our Delivery Information page.