If a hard hat sustains impact, what should be done with it?

When a hard hat sustains impact, the best course of action is to replace it. This is because hard hats are specifically designed to absorb impacts and protect the wearer from falling objects or other hazards. Once a hard hat has been subjected to a significant impact, its ability to provide adequate protection may be compromised, regardless of whether any visible damage is evident.

The materials used in hard hats can lose their structural integrity, and small fractures that are not easily visible can affect how well the hard hat will perform in future situations. Therefore, replacing the hard hat ensures that safety standards are maintained and that the wearer is equipped with functional protective gear.

While inspecting for damage is important and repairing a hard hat might seem like an option, these actions do not guarantee the same level of safety as using a new replacement. Similarly, relying on the situation to determine the appropriate action could lead to unsafe practices, as it is difficult to assess the full extent of damage without professional expertise or potentially using an inadequate solution to a critical safety concern. Thus, prioritizing the replacement of the hard hat is the most effective approach to ensure safety in the workplace.