THE INTERESTING HISTORY OF THE HARD HAT
We all know that hard hats are the most important piece of protective gear you could have on a construction site. The hard hat ended up being prevalent during one of the most industrious times in history.
THE FIRST HARD HATS
In the really early years of shipbuilding, workmen would take tar and cover their own hats with them then set the dislikes in the sun to solidify. This was done as shipbuilders remained in threat of being hit by falling objects of ship decks.
ORIGINAL HARD HAT
When the owner’s boy, E.W. Bullard returned from World War 1 he brought back with him a steel hat given to infantry and the idea to produce much better head protection for workers. During the same year, the Navy would commission him to develop a shipyard protective hat which was the very first genuine iteration of what we understand as the hard hat. Quickly after Bullard would design an internal suspension system for the hats which triggered them to end up being far more efficient in their protection.
ENDING UP BEING MAINSTREAM
The first significant project to require hard hat usage was the 1931 construction of the Hoover Dam. Among the largest construction projects in American history. In 1933 by order of Joseph Strauss, the construction of the golden gate bridge had mandated the use of hard hats as well as safety net installation to safeguard workers.
Strauss would go on to make a request of Bullard to design hard hats that would protect the workers during sandblasting. They would cover the workers face and have a clear shield type which they could see through and an air hose to permit fresh air while they worked. They were made of lighter material as well given that during that time lots of hard hats were constructed of steel.
Strauss took great pride in producing a safe workplace which drove development for the signature piece of work environment protection. The hard hat had its presence certified by some of the most important moments of construction in American history and it’s ability to protect workers ended up being a foundation of any construction project.
New & Better Designs
In 1938 the principle product of hard hats moved from steel to aluminum. With the development of electrical equipment being more prevalent it was required to develop a hard hat that would not conduct electricity, stayed protective and still light-weight sufficient to utilize.
COAL MINER 1940S HARD HAT
Plastic was an advancement material, as it was simple to manufacture and it was light-weight and very strong compared to the heavy metals used in hard hats as much as that point.
Numerous companies would enter the hard hat game developing variations for particular needs. Mining became essential in this area and included the introduction of numerous specific miners designed hard hats.
During the 1940s Fiberglass entered use, then in the 50’s Thermoplastics took control of. This was since it’s shape was much easier to mold with heat and cost less to manufacture.
In 1952, the shock-guard helmet was presented which could protect workers from up to 10 thousand volts of electrical power. 1961 saw the introduction of the very first polycarbonate hard hat and caused the development of the V-Gard helmet in 1962 which has actually ended up being the most commonly used hard hat in the united states. Throughout the years more improvements would be made to the design, enabling much better ventilation and convenience, as well making use of devices like face shields, sun visors, and even earmuffs.
MODERN HARD HATS
In modern-day times most hard hats are made from sophisticated engineered resins, or more typically high-density polyethylene. They have even greater quality of life enhancements, like material that takes in perspiration and preserves wearer convenience. Business like MSA have nearly a century of experience with effect and heat hazards in industrial and fire environments and they strive to offer outstanding protection in hot and dangerous markets. One of the most popular Hard Hats today is the MSA Skullgard helmet which is tested to radiant heat loads producing temperature levels up to 350-degrees Fahrenheit.
HARD HAT ACCESSORIES
Hard Hat Stickers have actually also ended up being commonplace. The more practical is to alert first participants of medical info, they likewise used to represent medical reaction groups and safety info. Hard Hat Stickers have ended up being a source of humor and levity for a long hard workday.
The hard hat had silly origins and ended up being a tradition prior to it was embraced as a mainline piece of construction devices. Now, because of the push for safety made during the post-war boom of the United States hard hats have actually ended up being a requirement on any construction site you see. They have actually gone through a fascinating history and have actually taken numerous intriguing forms. So now you have an idea of just how much goes behind the saying of “safety first”.
During the exact same year, the Navy would commission him to develop a shipyard protective hat which was the very first genuine iteration of what we know as the hard hat. 1961 saw the intro of the first polycarbonate hard hat and led to the development of the V-Gard helmet in 1962 which has actually ended up being the most commonly used hard hat in the united states. Hard Hat Stickers have actually ended up being a source of humor and levity for a long hard workday. The hard hat had funny origins and became a tradition prior to it was embraced as a mainline piece of construction equipment. Now, due to the fact that of the push for safety made throughout the post-war boom of the United States hard hats have actually become a requirement on any construction site you see.