Caps

About Caps

Caps provide essential head protection and comfort for tradespeople working across construction, warehousing, food production, and maintenance environments. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of professional caps including lightweight bump caps that protect against minor head impacts, high-visibility options for roadside work, and specialist food industry caps that meet strict hygiene requirements. From trusted brands like Portwest, DeWalt, and Festool, these caps combine practical safety features with all-day comfort for site workers, delivery drivers, and DIY enthusiasts.

Modern work caps have evolved beyond simple baseball-style designs to incorporate protective shells, breathable AirTech fabrics, and industry-specific features that address real workplace hazards. Bump caps offer EN 812 compliant protection in warehouses, workshops, and confined spaces where there's risk of bumping your head on low ceilings, machinery, or protruding objects. MyToolShed stocks everything from micro-peak designs for tight working areas to long-peak caps providing superior sun protection during outdoor work.

Applications

• Construction Workers & Site Operatives: Sun protection and light head protection when working in areas where hard hats aren't mandatory
• Warehouse Staff & Logistics Workers: Bump caps protect against low ceilings, racking, and overhead equipment whilst maintaining comfort
• Engineers & Maintenance Technicians: Working in plant rooms, under machinery, and confined spaces where minor head bump risks exist
• Food Production & Catering Staff: Skull caps and snood caps maintain hygiene standards and comply with food safety regulations
• Joiners & Carpenters: Protection when working under staircases, in loft spaces, or around timber frames
• Delivery Drivers & Couriers: Bump caps provide protection when loading and unloading vehicles with low roofs
• Electricians & Plumbers: Working in domestic properties, crawl spaces, and areas with limited headroom
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home renovation projects, garage work, or building garden structures

Choosing The Right Caps

Select bump caps with integrated protective shells for environments where you risk bumping your head on fixed objects, low ceilings, or machinery. These provide EN 812 compliant protection, though remember they're not substitutes for hard hats where falling objects present a hazard. Consider breathable AirTech fabrics for improved comfort in warm environments or during physically demanding work.

For outdoor site work near roadways or moving vehicles, high-visibility caps with reflective strips are essential for HSE compliance. Peak length matters—longer peaks provide better sun and glare protection, whilst micro-peak designs reduce interference in confined spaces. Food production environments require specialist skull caps or snood designs that completely cover hair for hygiene compliance.

Ensure your cap offers adjustable sizing or comes in multiple sizes for proper fit. A cap that's too loose won't provide adequate protection, whilst one that's too tight causes discomfort during extended wear. Consider durability and ease of cleaning for daily professional use where regular washing is necessary.

Safety Information

Bump caps provide valuable protection against minor head impacts from stationary objects but do not protect against falling objects. Never replace proper safety helmets with bump caps in environments where falling object hazards exist. Bump caps meet EN 812 standards, whilst safety helmets meet EN 397 standards—always conduct proper risk assessments to determine appropriate head protection.

Regularly inspect bump caps for damage to the protective shell. Replace immediately after any significant impact, even if damage isn't visible. For food industry caps, maintain strict hygiene protocols and wash regularly according to manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a bump cap and a safety helmet?

Bump caps protect against minor bumps from stationary objects like low beams, pipes, or shelving, meeting EN 812 standards. Safety helmets meet EN 397 standards and protect against falling objects, making them mandatory on construction sites. If there's any risk of objects falling from height, proper safety helmets are legally required.

Can I wear bump caps in food production environments?

Standard bump caps generally aren't suitable for food production due to hygiene requirements. Food environments need specialist skull caps or snood caps that completely cover hair. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks Portwest food industry caps specifically designed to meet both hygiene and safety standards.

How often should I replace my work cap?

Replace bump caps immediately after any significant impact, as the protective shell may be compromised without visible damage. For regular wear caps, replace when showing significant wear or loss of shape. Food industry caps require more frequent replacement according to hygiene protocols.