A hard hat only does its job when it is being looked after correctly. These things keep you safe, keep you comfortable, and make life under the hat a whole lot less rough.
Because here is the truth: a hard hat only does its job when it is being looked after correctly. This guide breaks it all down, bringing in facts and figures from reputable sources so you have got the essay-free version for your head's safety.
01 Hard Hats Have Rules, and They Matter
Australian Standard
In Australia, hard hats fall under AS/NZS 1801:2024 and AS/NZS 1800:1998, which set the standard for use of occupational protective helmets as well as the care and maintenance of them.
You do not need to memorise the whole document, but just know this:
- Your hard hat is engineered to protect you from falling objects and impact
- The suspension system inside is as important as the outer shell
- The design only works properly when the hat is in good condition
- There are four types of occupational protective helmets: standard industrial, high temperature, bushfire fighting, and the most recent 2024 update, the enhanced Type 4 occupational protective helmet (not yet available in Australia)
02 Things You Should and Should Not Do
There are a number of things to keep in mind when wearing and caring for your hard hat.
Things you should do:
- Wash your hard hat regularly. Warm water and soap are fine. Removal of the harness is recommended for washing.
- Inspect your hard hat before use for cracks, dents, frayed straps or other signs of damage. If your hard hat has any of these, replace it immediately.
- Dispose of the hard hat immediately if it has sustained any kind of impact. Damage does not need to be visible.
- Avoid wearing your hair high on top of your head, or styles and headdress such as turbans, that can impact the stability of the hard hat.
Things you should NOT do:
- No hard hat should be re-issued unless thoroughly cleaned and inspected. If the hard hat is being re-issued to a new person, a new harness and retention system should be fitted.
- Purposely drop, throw, or use your hard hat to sit on.
- Store objects between the suspension and the shell. If impact occurs, they can cause serious damage to your head.
- Store hard hats in direct sunlight. Prolonged sun exposure can cause degradation to most shells.
- Allow your hard hat to come into contact with paints, solvents, chemicals, adhesives, or petrol. These can deteriorate your hard hat.
- Alter, puncture, modify, or engrave the shell or the suspension of the hard hat.
03 Replacing Your Hard Hat and Its Components
- Hard hat shell: According to AS/NZS 1800:1998, the average lifespan for your hard hat is at least three years from time of issue. Always check your hard hat brand and site requirements.
- Harness components: According to AS/NZS 1800:1998, components of the harness assembly can deteriorate more rapidly. It is recommended to replace these no longer than two years from the time of issue.
04 Sweatbands and Hard Hats
Where Ruff Supplied Sweatbands Fit In
While there is no standalone standard specific to sweatbands, they are classified as an accessory to industrial safety helmets. As such, accessories and their attachment systems must not reduce or interfere with the safety performance of the helmet.
Our sweatbands are designed to wrap around the headband section of the helmet's internal harness only. They do not modify, obstruct, or replace any component of the helmet and do not affect its protective characteristics.
The sweatbands are intended solely to improve wearer comfort and hygiene through regular replacement, while maintaining full compliance with the helmet's original safety performance.
The Takeaway
- Know when to replace your hard hat and its components
- Clean your hard hat regularly
- Understand the correct use, care, and limitations of your hard hat
A Few Things to Note
Depending on your worksite or company, there may be specific timelines for hard hat use and replacement.
Hard hat manufacturers may also specify service life or replacement timelines for their products.
If you are unsure about any aspect of hard hat use, care, or maintenance, always consult your on-site safety personnel.
If you want a deep dive into the official safety standards, head here for the full versions: AS/NZS 1801:2024 and AS/NZS 1800:1998.
