One Hundred Years Of The Hard Hat

Another name for a safety helmet that is used to protect the wearer's head from injury due to falling objects or obstacles is a hard hat. They are worn in places like mines, construction sites and by road maintenance crews. The first civilian hard hat is rumored to have been designed by Franz Kafka (1883-1924), the German author. He worked for the Worker's Accident Insurance Institute. The first safety helmet to be patented was constructed from glue and steamed canvas. It was painted black.

Hard Hats Emerge

It was not long after the introduction of the safety helmet that they became compulsory on construction sites. The first site was the Hoover Dam project in 1931 and the second was the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge on the western seaboard of the United States. Now they are mandatory on all building sites by workers and visitors alike.

Early Safety Helmets

ED Bullard designed the earliest safety helmets. His first efforts were made of leather in 1898. Aluminum was the material of choice by the late 1930s,apart from electrical use. By the 1940s, fiberglass was mostly used. From the 1950s, thermoplastics came to dominate because they could be molded cheaply and easily by the use of applied heat. Modern safety helmets are constructed of either high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or advanced engineering resins, including polyetherimide (PEI).

Design

Modern safety helmets have a built-in suspension system that incorporates a cushion of air between the wearer's head and the top of the helmet. The suspension spreads the weight of the hat over the entire surface of the head and the cushion of air provides additional protection against impact with hard surfaces or falling objects. Cap-style helmets, with a baseball-style peak, have a rim around the edge that directs water towards the front of the cap and not down the back of the wearer's neck.

Protection

Safety helmets are available in a wide variety of styles to suit different environments and a range of colors to suit every taste. The dielectric properties of the smooth dome slotted version are suitable for working with electricity and the shape is designed to protect the wearer in comfort.

V-Guard

The V-guard design provides extra toughness at the top of the head. This model also comes in a choice of suspension systems as well as a number of different colors. Women's and children's sizes are available, although there is a more limited choice of color. Some models have a peak at the front while others have a rim that runs around the entire circumference of the hat. Some versions glow in the dark for nighttime use. Even cowboys are catered for,with a Stetson-shaped hat for wranglers who are serious about safety but who have an image to protect.

Safety Precautions

There are a number of different types of attachment that can be fitted to safety helmets. Jackhammer operators often attach ear protection, while welders use a safety visor to keep sparks out of their eyes. Face shields are often used to protect the face from being hit by object in the front of the head, as well as the back. Cameras, radios and pagers may also be attached to help the wearer communicate with the outside world.

The civilian hardhat has seen a century of use. It has protected the heads of builders, miners and fireman and will continue to do so for many years to come. The safety clothing and equipment have a variety of styles and colors from which to choose.