Hard Hats

About Hard Hats

Hard hats are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to safeguard your head from falling objects, debris, and impacts on construction sites, industrial facilities, and anywhere overhead hazards exist. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of safety helmets from trusted manufacturers including Portwest, Scan, Sirius, Draper, Handy, and Sealey, ensuring you'll find the right head protection to meet HSE requirements and keep you safe on the job.

Modern hard hats feature advanced design elements such as ventilation systems, adjustable ratchet headbands for improved comfort during extended wear, and compatibility with accessories like visors, ear defenders, and chin straps. Our collection includes standard safety helmets meeting EN397 standards, specialist mountaineer-style helmets for working at height, full brim designs for enhanced sun and rain protection, and glow-in-the-dark models for low-light environments.

Applications

Hard hats are mandatory PPE across numerous trades and industries where head injury risks exist:

• Construction Workers: Bricklayers, labourers, site managers, and general builders working on sites with overhead hazards
• Electricians and Sparkies: Working in commercial and industrial settings where head protection is required
• Scaffolders: Particularly those requiring helmets with chin straps for working at height
• Roofers: Protecting against falls and dropped materials when working on roofing projects
• Arborists and Tree Surgeons: Requiring specialist helmets compatible with chainsaw PPE systems
• Warehouse and Logistics Staff: Operating in facilities with forklift traffic and stacked materials
• Engineers and Maintenance Teams: Accessing plant rooms, industrial machinery, and confined spaces
• DIY Enthusiasts: Undertaking major home renovation projects involving overhead work

Choosing The Right Hard Hats

Selecting the appropriate hard hat depends on several key factors relating to your specific work environment:

Safety Standards: Ensure your helmet meets EN397 as a minimum for industrial use. If working at height or in specialist environments, check whether EN12492 (mountaineer-style) or additional certifications are required by your risk assessment.

Comfort and Fit: Look for helmets with ratchet suspension systems that allow precise adjustment. MyToolShed.co.uk offers the Portwest Endurance range, which features ergonomic designs for all-day comfort. Consider the weight of the helmet if you'll be wearing it for extended periods.

Ventilation Needs: If working in warm environments or undertaking physically demanding tasks, vented safety helmets help reduce heat stress through increased airflow.

Environmental Conditions: Full brim helmets offer superior protection from sun and rain compared to cap-style designs. For low-light or night work, consider glow-in-the-dark models for enhanced visibility.

Accessory Compatibility: Check whether you'll need to attach ear defenders, face shields, or headlamps. Look for helmets with integrated slot systems for guaranteed compatibility.

Safety Information

Proper use and maintenance of hard hats is critical to ensuring they provide the protection you rely on. Before each use, examine your hard hat for cracks, dents, chemical damage, or excessive wear. Any helmet that has sustained an impact should be replaced immediately, even if no visible damage is apparent.

Adjust the internal suspension so the helmet sits squarely on your head with approximately 25-30mm clearance between your head and the shell. Always use chin straps when working at height as required by working at height regulations. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the helmet shell every 3-5 years from the date of manufacture, and the internal suspension system annually.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my hard hat?

Most manufacturers recommend replacing the helmet shell every 3-5 years from the date of manufacture, and the internal suspension system annually. However, you must replace your hard hat immediately if it sustains any impact or shows visible damage.

Can I drill holes in my hard hat to add extra ventilation?

Absolutely not. Drilling, cutting, or modifying a hard hat in any way will void its safety certification and significantly compromise its protective capabilities. If you need better ventilation, purchase a helmet specifically designed with vents.

Can I wear a hard hat over a beanie or hat?

No, you should never wear anything underneath your hard hat except accessories specifically designed for helmet use. Wearing beanies or other headwear interferes with the suspension system and prevents the helmet from fitting correctly, significantly reducing its protective effectiveness.