pickupporter
ArboristSite Lurker
How do you guys clean your plastic helmets / hard hats? dishwasher - no heat?
clean your helmet?
- Thread starter pickupporter
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I put in a new hat band and rock on...
If it's not clean can you still get the tool discount at Sears on Wednesdays?
If it's not clean can you still get the tool discount at Sears on Wednesdays?
?? i'l ask my sandwich maker she'll know 
CentaurG2
Addicted to ArboristSite
Clean?? Hardhats have an expiration date when just exposed to UV rays never mind industrial cleaners. It is something like 5 years. Before I would clean it, I would just chuck it out and get a new one. Pick up a new pair of chaps while you are at it. They are not that expensive.
I wipe the headband with a paper towel and water when I notice it slipping off my head . Same for the ear muffs.
. Same for the ear muffs.
I bought a couple head gears each summer and swapped them out. There are replaceable sweat bands on some of them, but the whole headgear can get really grungy and stink, even if hand washed weekly.
As mentioned, the entire hardhat should be replaced often. I thought it was two years, or if it takes a hit.
A lot of guys wear welders caps under them.
Didn't work for me though.
As mentioned, the entire hardhat should be replaced often. I thought it was two years, or if it takes a hit.
A lot of guys wear welders caps under them.
Didn't work for me though.
Wd40 & hopes no#9 will manage cheesy helmet says dear wife
ChoppyChoppy
Tree Freak
Soap and water.
I just wipe mine out with a rag. Seems to get dirtier when it is sitting upside down collecting debris while I am doing other things than it does on my head.
NSMaple1
Addicted to ArboristSite
Cleaning a helmet?
Huh - interesting concept....
Huh - interesting concept....
Most hard hats / helmets today are made of high density polyethylene (same stuff used in milk jugs) or polycarbonate ('Lexan'). The shell can usually be wiped clean with normal (hand) dishwashing soap, Simple Green, 409, etc. Rinse and dry. Some companies also sell disinfecting wipes or solutions if the PPE is shared (separate topic). I would not use a dishwasher.
The suspension is usually made out of a combination of smooth plastics, fabric, and absorbent foam, which is harder to clean. I would remove the suspension and hand wash using gentle laundry detergent, then rinse well, and dry. Ironically, the suspension is often thought to be the 'more important' part of the protective helmet, and is recommended to be replaced more frequently than the helmet shell itself. It can also be more expensive to buy. Some safety supply companies sell OEM sweat band components or aftermarket liners to replace the foam headbands, which get the grungiest (IMO) and are the hardest to clean effectively.
Hard hats usually have some type of date code embossed or stamped in them. 'Rule of thumb' is to replace after 5 years of service. So if the helmet was made in 2012, and stored in that famous 'cool, dark place', but just issued last week, don't throw it out. If it was made in 2016 and you leave it in the rear window of your truck in Alabama, take a close look at it: look for cracks, deep gouges, a dull appearance, etc. Damage to the suspension may not be visible - replace after any severe blow / impact. Basic helmets can often be found at hardware, home, and farm stores for as little as $6 to $12.
http://s7d9.scene7.com/is/content/minesafetyappliances/Helmet Care and Use FAQ - EN
http://www.oshatraining.com/osha-hard-hat-questions-blog.php
Philbert
CentaurG2
Addicted to ArboristSite
So basically, ditch it after a year as the suspension and hearing protection give out/are impossible to clean and are usually more expensive to replace than the entire helmet.
Jhenderson
Addicted to ArboristSite
Hygiene kits are available for most quality hard hats with built in hearing protection. They consist of new foam muff inserts and cushions. I replace mine when the foam cushion covers start to crack. Usually twice a year.
