As we all know, hard hats have been a symbol of protection in high-risk industries such as construction, manufacturing, mining and many more. However, it’s not as commonly known that there is a broad range of hard hat accessories that can take comfort, usability and safety to an even higher level.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore seven must-have hard hat accessories, offering an in-depth look at each one.
5 Must Have Hard Hat Accessories
1. Hard Hat Ear Defenders: Safeguarding Hearing
In many workplaces, noise-induced hearing loss is a significant concern. Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can have long-term detrimental effects on your hearing. Hard hat ear defenders are designed to reduce harmful noise levels and create a safer, more pleasant work environment.
These accessories, also known as earmuffs, fit snugly on your hard hat, ensuring that you can protect your ears while keeping your hands free for work.
2. Communication Attachments: Staying Connected and Informed
In today’s fast-paced and dangerous workplaces, communication is key. Attachments that allow for easy integration of communication devices like two-way radios or Bluetooth headsets ensure that your team stays connected and informed. These attachments can include microphone and earpiece interfaces, ensuring that you can maintain clear, hands-free communication with your colleagues, even in noisy environments.
Additionally, like the hard hat ear defenders mentioned above, communications headsets can also be mounted on your hard hat. For more robust hard hat communications, products like the SWATCOM Multicom 3 exist, which mounts directly onto a hard hat and offers flawless long-range radio communications.
3. Hard Hat Flashlight: Shedding Light on the Dark
Sometimes you find yourself working in dimly lit or completely dark areas. A hard hat flashlight accessory ensures that you have a reliable source of light right where you need it.
Whether you’re inspecting a dark corner, working the night shift, or dealing with power outages, a hard hat flashlight can be a game-changer. These lights are typically compact, lightweight, and designed to attach securely to your hard hat.
4. Chin Straps: Ensuring a Secure Fit
Proper hard hat fit is essential. A well-fitted hard hat ensures that it can protect you effectively in case of an impact. Chin straps help keep your hard hat securely in place, even during sudden movements or heavy winds.
They are crucial for preventing the accidental removal of the hard hat, which could expose you to significant danger. Some hard hats come with chin straps fitted as standard, so if that’s something you require, keep on the look out for those.
5. Visors, Face Shields and Safety Glasses: Protecting The Eyes and Face
Eye and face protection are vital and compulsory in certain hazardous environments. Visors and face shields exist to fully protect the face from debris and or chemical splashed that would otherwise cause significant damage. Depending on the type of work, you’ll need either a clear visor, or a mesh face shield, which both have their own pros and cons.
For less intensive environments, eye protection in the form of safety glasses and goggles exist. These must meet safety criteria to ensure they provide comprehensive eye defence.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety and Comfort
Hard hats, augmented with these essential accessories, will ensure that you are well-protected while on the job. Remember, when it comes to safety, there’s no room for compromise.
It’s important to mention that if you purchase a hard hat with ear defenders and visor pre-attached, the attachments become VAT exempt just like the hard hat. A handy strategy to ensure compatibility and save money.
For more PPE and safety related information, have a look at our blog. We frequently post content that will hopefully leave you better informed and safer within your place of work.
