Although it can be uncomfortable to load up on extra gear, taking the time to dress properly and remain equipped for the day’s tasks is essential. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including eyewear, gloves, hard hats, knee pads and more, plays a vital role in minimizing exposure to hazards across all jobsites.
Keeping up with the past and present safety regulations also helps professionals stay in tune with best practices. For instance, the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 1926.100 requires employees working in areas where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, falling or flying objects or electrical shocks and burns to be protected by protective helmets.
Depending on the type of work you do, hard hat requirements can differ greatly – especially if you’re working on or near an electrical hazard. Here’s a closer look at one of the most important considerations to keep in mind when selecting a new hard hat in that type of environment.
Stay Classy — Class C or Class E?
Determining which type of hard hat is right for your jobsite depends on a wide knowledge of potential hazards. More specifically, is there a risk of electrical hazards?
On jobsites where professionals might encounter electrical hazards, hard hats designed to reduce exposure to high voltage conductors are required. Class E hard hats are built specifically with electricians and line workers in mind — tested up to 20,000 volts to protect against electrical shock, burns and electrocution.
Where electrical hazards are not present, such as in the general construction, plumbing or carpentry industries, Class C hard hats are more suitable. Some Class C models feature adjustable vents to offer maximum air circulation (check out Cat. No. 60113!).
Note: Before use on any jobsite, check your hard hat for the required safety standards. Look for the following specifications to ensure maximum protection: ANSI Z89.1-2014, CSA Z94.1-15; EN397:2012+A1:2012-Lateral Deformation (LD).
Klein Tools — Tested, Tried and True
Although hard hats have evolved significantly since their introduction more than 100 years ago, tradespeople can still face discomfort when using traditional models. Klein Tools’ team of engineers, craftsman and workers witnessed their long-ignored dissatisfaction and sought to improve user experience. Today, 10 new Klein Tools hard hat models equip professionals who work in demanding jobsite environments with the necessary safety, comfort and fit.
Long-term comfort and proper fit are achieved with an adjustable, open-frame suspension, coupled with a washable, replaceable sweat-wicking band and top pad on all models. Additional features such as accessory mounts on the front and back, which securely hold Klein’s Hard Hat Headlamp/Magnetic Worklight (Cat. No. KHH56220) and Rechargeable Auto-Off Headlamp (Cat. No. 56034), one-handed adjustment and reverse donning offer added versatility.
Klein Tools' new Hard Hats were designed for maximum safety, comfort and fit for the tradespeople who wear them every day. Ten new models offer the protection needed in cap style or full brim, white or orange and Class C or Class E.
Wearing a hard hat is a simple, yet vital, safety requirement, helping to protect tradespeople and their brothers and sisters on the job day-in and day-out. When has your hard hat protected you from a possible hazard? Share your experiences involving jobsite safety with us on social media.