Hard hat service life

The hard hat's period of use is calculated from the date it was manufactured. According to general guidelines:

- Plant-based woven caps should not be used for more than two years.

- Plastic and paper-based caps should not exceed two and a half years.

- Fiberglass (PVA steel) caps should not be used for more than three and a half years.

Even if the cap exceeds its recommended service life, it can still be used if it passes regular testing. However, these tests must occur monthly. If any test fails, the entire batch of caps must be discarded.

So, what exactly is the service life of a helmet, and where do these regulations come from?

These guidelines are outlined in the national regulation GB2811:

- The service life of a stalk-prepared cap should not exceed two years.

- Plastic caps should not be used for more than two and a half years.

- Fiberglass caps should not exceed three and a half years.

This is a mandatory standard that ensures safety across industries where helmets are required.

As someone who works in construction or related fields, it’s important to always check the manufacturing date on your hard hat and follow these guidelines. Safety should never be compromised, and adhering to these standards helps protect workers from potential risks.

For those who manage teams or companies, it’s also crucial to keep track of when each batch of helmets was purchased and ensure they’re retired according to the regulations. Regular inspections and replacements are key to maintaining a safe working environment.