Hard Hat Maintenance 101: How to Maintain Your Hard Hat

Does your job require you to wear a hard hat? Millions of workers wear a hard hat. It's an essential form of personal protective equipment (PPE) for many jobs. Hard hats, however, can degrade over time. Neglecting to properly maintain your hard hat may then increase your risk of serious injury. To stay safe while working, you need to maintain your hard hat. Below are several tips on how to maintain your hard hat.

Inspect the Shell Daily

Before putting on your hard hat, inspect the shell for cracks or other signs of damage. The shell, of course, is the hard outer layer that's designed to absorb the impact of falling objects. All hard hats have a shell. It's the most important part of a hard hat because it serves as a physical barrier between your head and potentially dangerous objects.

Hard hat shells can crack. If the shell is cracked -- even if it's just a hairline crack -- it's no longer safe to use. You should replace your hard had if the shell is cracked or otherwise shows signs of physical damage.

Replace the Suspension

When was the last time that you replaced the suspension in your hard hat? Assuming your hard has a suspension, you'll eventually need to replace it. Many experts recommend replacing the suspension at least once every three to five years.

The suspension is the part of a hard hat that rests against your head. It's found under the shell. Most hard hats have a shell on the outside with a suspension inside. Because suspensions are made of a softer material, they tend to wear more quickly than shells.

Wash With Soap and Water

Another essential step in maintaining your hard hat is washing it with soap and water. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends washing your hard hat at least once a month. Hard hats don't just collect dirt; they often accumulate chemicals as well. Cleaning your hard hat will remove these chemicals so that it doesn't affect your health.

You can clean your hard hat by washing it with soap and water. Start by filling a small bowl with warm water, followed by adding a small amount of dish soap to it. After mixing the soap and water, submerge a clean washcloth inside of the bowl. Next, use this soapy washcloth to wipe down your hard hat's shell until it comes clean.