While some have an office job sitting in an air-conditioned room, HVAC workers go out there, face the dust, and work on the go — often in dangerous conditions. While working in the field has its own pros and cons, safety should never be an afterthought. HVAC technicians are instructed to always wear hard hats to protect themselves from any possible danger. However, HVAC workers often have more autonomy than people working on a construction site, for example, and must therefore also be self-policing.

Let’s look at some of the most popular hard hats on the market today that can suit the different types of jobs HVAC workers are tasked with.

MSA 475407 NATURAL TAN SKULLGARD 

When you want everything in a hard hat from great comfort to rock-solid safety, then the industry recommends the MSA 475407 Skullgard. The material used for this hard hat is carbon fiber. The added advantage of this hat is that it also looks cool with its natural tan color. You’ll commonly find workers in industries that are highly dangerous such as welding, oil and gas, grinding, and sandblasting wearing this hard hat from MSA. Since the majority of the world recommends this hat when it comes to safety, a HVAC worker should not think twice about buying this hat for protection.

FIBER-METAL P1 

For HVAC workers who work in more in extreme temperatures, this hard hat is a blessing. Made of injection-molded fiberglass, this hard hat offers a level of safety that is eight times higher than that of HDPE shells.

Coming with an adjustable band, the Fiber-Metal P1 hard hat is no slouch when it comes to comfort. This hard hat is sturdy too. One of the main reasons this hard hat is popular is its patented SuperEight suspension. Since this hard hat has a full brim, it makes sure the worker’s safety is in good hands while not compromising on comfort. HVAC workers who deal with construction sites, steel plants, fabrication shops, chemical plants, or any other extreme temperature zone can go for this hat, which is specifically designed to handle these conditions.

MSA 454666 SKULLGARD PROTECTIVE HARD HAT 

This hard hat is an industry favorite. The main reason for its popularity is that with its Staz-On suspension, the comfort level one gets from this hard hat is amazing. This hat offers the feel of wearing a standard hat — with the wearer almost forgetting it’s a hard hat. With an option of semi-custom fit, there is no doubt that this hard hat stands as a favorite among HVAC workers.

Coming in three types of suspension options and in two brim styles, MSA also does not take heat testing lightly. This hat is tested to handle up to 350°F temperatures and is designed to protect from any type of penetration and even to withstand electric shock for up to 2200 volts.

PYRAMEX FULL BRIM HARD HAT 

HVAC workers choose Pyramex when they want something lightweight. Found often in electrical industry and utility and energy fields, this hard hat meets the sectors’ expected type 1 ANSI standards. Whether it is a sunny day or the rain is pouring down, this hard hat is easy to work with. Since there is a suspension included to increase the comfort level, the person wearing the hat can adjust the setting according to create the perfect fit.

PYRAMEX RIDGELINE FULL BRIM HARD HAT

From Pyramex Safety, this hard hat comes with a four-point ratchet suspension and it is made of ABS material. For HVAC workers who find traditional hard hats heavy and unwieldy, this is a good choice as it is ultra-light but gives excellent protection. Since this hard hat has a ratchet suspension, it is more easily adjusted compared to other hard hats. There is an option to modify the hat according to the best fit.

There are chances that a helmet can become worn out, and for situations like this, this hard hat has a replaceable headband, soft brow pad, and even suspensions. The best part is that this suspension can be improved from four-point suspension to six-point suspension should you want the ultimate fit. Check your hard hat purchase to see whether it offers these accessories.

With the right hard hat, working on HVAC systems can be safer and more comfortable.

This article was provided by Mark Daniels with Texas America Safety Co.

Publication date: 9/19/2018

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