DID YOU KNOW?
In early shipbuilding, workers soaked their hats in tar and let them dry in the sun to create makeshift protective headgear. [1] Thankfully, head protection has come a long way — but even modern hard hats have a shelf life.
STAY INFORMED
- You probably already know the importance of wearing a hard hat on job sites where there’s risk of falling objects or head injury.
- But many workers don’t realize that hard hats degrade over time — even if they appear to be in good condition. Exposure to sun, heat, sweat, and impact all affect a helmet’s integrity.
- That’s why manufacturers include a date stamp on the inside of each hard hat, helping users determine when to replace it for maximum protection.
HELPFUL TIPS
1. Locate the Manufacture Date
- You’ll usually find it molded into the underside of the brim. It may appear as a small clock-like symbol.
2. Decode the Date Stamp
- The year of production is shown in the center, while an arrow points to the month (1–12) on the outer ring. This gives you a precise manufacturing date.
3. Follow the Replacement Guidelines
- Most manufacturers recommend replacing the hard hat shell every 5 years, and the suspension system every 1–2 years — or sooner if damaged.
4. Inspect for Damage
- Replace any hard hat with visible cracks, fading, chalking, or brittleness. Never use a helmet that has been struck by an object, even if there’s no obvious damage.
HARD HAT SAFETY REMINDER
Hard hats protect your most important asset — your brain. But they don’t last forever. Know how to read the date stamp, inspect your gear, and replace it before it fails. Safety starts at the top — literally.