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What Is a Class A Hard Hat?

The Class A hard hat is designed to be used for general service. It offers solid protection for the head and protects against low-voltage electrical currents.

  1. Function

    • Hard hats are designed to provide strong physical protection for the head and the ability to absorb shock in the event of a fallen object.

    Ventilation

    • Ventilation is also required on most hard hat designs to ensure the employee wearing the hat does not overheat.

    Benefits

    • The Class A hard hat is used primarily in jobs that reside in the field of physical labor. Construction workers, mining workers, shipbuilders, members of the lumber industry and workers in manufacturing plants use them.

    Types

    • Hard hats are labeled using a grading system to designate the situations or work hazards for which it was built. Different grades of hard hats are used depending on the type of job or environment. For example, the Class E hard hat is designed for electrical work and can withstand 20,000 volts.

    OSHA Standards

    • The Occupational Safety & Health Administration branch of the U.S. Department of Labor requires that all employers provide head protection for certain jobs and situations. Hard hats are needed for employees who work in areas where there might be falling objects, protruding objects and electrical conductors.

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