SIGforum
SigForum friends- need your expertise in choosing a hard hat for myself.........

This topic can be found at:
https://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/320601935/m/2850072264

October 20, 2019, 10:41 AM
sidss1
SigForum friends- need your expertise in choosing a hard hat for myself.........
I must confess, I have no experience working construction, but, seems I need a hard hat since sometimes I have to go to labs or other facilities that the University mandates wearing a hard hat. The hard hats that the Univ supplies usually dont fit, plus they are kind of dirty, so I would like to have my own. So, where should I look for a hard-hat, and what brand should I get? I looked at the local Home Depot yesterday, and the ones they had were Chinese-made, which I dont want to buy. A US made hard hat would be good.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
-Sid


If you think you can, YOU WILL!!!!!
October 20, 2019, 10:46 AM
Balzé Halzé
Well, on the ship we use a V-Gard 500 Vented Hardhat. They seem to work well enough. I like the full brim models. They're about the only experience I have. Product of the USA.

https://us.msasafety.com/Head-...p/000060002100001013

MSA 10167911 V-Gard 500 Hat, Vented
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073..._apa_i_JriRDbS4YANWR


~Alan
Acta Non Verba
NRA Life Member (Patron)
God, Family, Guns, Country

Men will fight and die to protect women... because women protect everything else. ~Andrew Klavan

October 20, 2019, 11:07 AM
98XJRC
As you’ve seen tons of choices out there. I prefer a vented 6 point harness. I use a JSP Evolution at work and have no complaints. I can say look for a hard hat that doesn’t have a foam head band as over time they break down and will leave foam pieces on your forehead.
October 20, 2019, 11:10 AM
shovelhead
sidss1,

A quick Google came up with this one:https://gypsum-supply.com/

Marsh Power Tools is between Brighton and Howell on Grand River Ave.:http://www.marshpower.com/


-------------------------------------——————
————————--Ignorance is a powerful tool if applied at the right time, even, usually, surpassing knowledge(E.J.Potter, A.K.A. The Michigan Madman)
October 20, 2019, 11:42 AM
PowerSurge
This is what I wear when needed. Made in USA. https://www.amazon.com/MSA-V-G...ension/dp/B00KJ1ZHT4

Keep in mind some sites (it’s rare) do not allow vented hard hats.


———————————————
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Psalm 14:1
October 20, 2019, 11:48 AM
rizzle
Sometimes sites will issue a certain color for visitors too.
October 20, 2019, 12:19 PM
zoom6zoom
Definitely get vented. My first one, an old Bell Telephone System issued one, wasn't. Got pretty uncomfortable. You won't wear it if it's uncomfortable.

Currently have a 3M with a full brim, vented. Pretty comfortable. Amazon currently has them around 15 bucks depending on color, list is around 50.



I have my own style of humor. I call it Snarkasm.
October 20, 2019, 01:22 PM
ffips
Will you need a face shield or ear muffs?

You me mentioned labs, will a bump cap be adequate?

Without knowing the requirements of the environment, we're all just guessing. Smile
October 20, 2019, 01:28 PM
feersum dreadnaught
Full brim is good for outside use, rain runs off more onto your shoulders instead of down your neck.

ANSI rated, full-suspension cowboy hat style will get some looks...

https://www.amazon.com/Vulcan-...id=1571595967&sr=8-8


NRA Life Member - "Fear God and Dreadnaught"
October 20, 2019, 02:03 PM
tatortodd
I cannot help with a made in the USA hard hat source. However, I want to share something about hard hats that isn't common knowledge, and is another reason not to use the old, grimy loaner hard hats.

Hard hats have an expiration date (see article below). Heavy use, exposure to chemicals (e.g. wrong cleaning product, ambient conditions in some chemical plants, etc), and damage (scratches, dents, cracks) can mean replacing even sooner.
quote:
Manufactured / Hard Hat Expiration Date

Manufactured Date
Knowing how to read the molded/manufactured date of your hard hat will help you remember the expected service life of your hat. The centered number denotes the year the hard hat was made, and the arrow pointing to a number between 1–12 signifies the month. In the image below, the number in the center reads 13 and the arrow points to 12. This indicates the hard hat was manufactured in December of 2013.


Hard Hat Expiration Date
All hard hats are made with high quality, durable materials to protect laborers, but they will not last forever. Hard hats are subject to working environment, sunlight exposure, extreme temperatures, and general wear and tear that can degrade the protective properties of the device over time. As a general guide, hard hats that have not received any damage during service should be replaced every 3–5 years. The service life of your hard hat starts the day you receive the equipment.



Ego is the anesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity

DISCLAIMER: These are the author's own personal views and do not represent the views of the author's employer.
October 20, 2019, 02:09 PM
ffips
Good point tatortodd. It's wise to learn how to inspect and check a hardhat prior to using it as ppe.

sidss1, make sure your employer is providing the proper training. It's more involved than place on head and adjust to fit.
October 20, 2019, 02:09 PM
dewhorse
The MSA is what we issue our crews and they work well.

This is what I wear in orange the suspension system makes it almost comfy

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075..._apa_i_6blRDbC55KCVF
October 20, 2019, 08:42 PM
tatortodd
Here is a 3M that is:
  • Made in USA
  • Has UV indicator which tells you when the plastic has seen too much UV and needs replaced
  • is vented
  • has wide brim
  • is rated to 2000 volts (aka ANSI Electrical Class C)
  • fits 6-5/8" to 7-3/4" heads
  • has the nicer ratchet adjustment (the cheap sliding ones suck)


    • Ego is the anesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity

    DISCLAIMER: These are the author's own personal views and do not represent the views of the author's employer.
    October 21, 2019, 06:09 AM
    mrvmax
    I’ve been using an MSA V Guard for years. I’m not sure where they are made though.
    October 21, 2019, 06:18 AM
    hvyhawler
    I wear an MSA fiberglass hardhat, with a knob adjustable suspension.
    October 21, 2019, 06:41 AM
    Woodman
    quote:
    Originally posted by rizzle:
    Sometimes sites will issue a certain color for visitors too.
    Traditionally pink for the bonehead who forgets his hat repeatedly, and has to borrow one.

    I've got two yellow hats acquired God knows where. The MSA, Mine Safety Appliances of Pittsburg PA, hat, is a medium and I guess it is a four-point harness. It is comfortable.

    For me, Rule 1 would be a hat that fits. Snug enough not to roll off your head if you are bowing to your hosts or looking at your shoes.

    Hardhats always seem to sit high on my head but I'm thinking that is a design feature. You get used to it.

    I'll visit jobs to inspect progress and often be the only guy in a safety vest and hardhat. No problem.
    October 21, 2019, 09:43 AM
    sidss1
    Thank you all very much for all the great info. Well, I am at work, and will ask the lab supervisor about the rules, i.e. whether I have to have a certain kind of hard hat, or if the Federal OSHA or MI-OSHA rules require any particular features. I see the guys who actually work in the lab wear white hard hats, with the brim sort of like a baseball hat, they dont wear ones with the full brim that goes all around. When I find out, I will let you guys know, and then with your help choose a hat to get for myself.
    Thank you all very much.


    If you think you can, YOU WILL!!!!!
    October 21, 2019, 11:31 AM
    sig operator
    MSA is the industry standard. They make just about any style or color.
    Their V-guard cap with ratchet suspension was what I liked when we could get them.