If your workplace poses dangers of head injuries from falling impacts or overhead hanging objects, you must have to wear a hard hat.
When it comes to impact, we all agree that none can offer the level of impact resistance like that of a carbon fiber hard hat.
But are they conductive?
Even if they are not great conductors of electricity, yet carbon fiber does not offer protection from electricity conduction and will not protect you from electrical shocks and hazards. This is also for the fact that most carbon fiber hard hats are vented to allow breathability to the wearer’s head.
Despite the fact that carbon fiber hard hats are conductive, they offer excellent protection against heat and have several other benefits over other hard hats and this article will cover all its advantages and tell you who should be wearing them and who should not and also tips for cleaning and polishing them!
So, let’s delve deep…
What is carbon fiber?
Carbon fiber is a polymer which is made from the thin strands of carbon. Sometimes, it is also coated with plastic or resin to give a more polished look.
Nevertheless, it is the strongest material that is used in the making of safety gears like hard hats and also used in automotive and aerospace.
But despite its strength and hardness, it is extremely lightweight and therefore, is the perfect choice for most of the manufacturing industries.
Last, but not the least, we cannot deny the fact that all these qualities come with a high price.
See also: Kevlar Vs. Carbon Fiber Hard Hat: Which One Protects Head Better?
Are carbon fiber hard hats OSHA approved?
Yes, carbon fiber hard hats are definitely OSHA approved and they meet the ANSI Z89.1-2014, Class C (sometimes E & G), Type 1 standards. These hard hats are for only protection from impact and are vented to provide ventilation and breathability to the wearer.
What is the benefit of a carbon fiber hard hat?
When it comes to impact resistance, none can beat the capability of a carbon fiber hard hat. But besides that, there’s lot more that a carbon fiber hard hat has to offer you. Let’s have a look at some of its benefits:
1.) Carbon fiber hard hats have high resistance to scratches and dents
2.) They offer the highest impact resistance while being light in weight, making it very comfortable for the wearer
3.) They have a very high tensile strength and that’s why not prone to breakage and cracks
4.) They are also tolerant to chemicals which is an added advantage in industries which involves working with chemicals
5.) They are resistant to heat which makes them perfect for activities like welding
6.) Also, they have a low thermal expansion which means heat will not melt or damage the material
Are carbon fiber hard hats lighter?
You might be mistaken with the immense strength and stiffness that carbon fiber hard hats possess, but the fact is that though they are nearly 5 times stronger than steel, they are very light in weight and which is an added advantage for the wearer.
Do carbon fiber hard hats get hot?
Carbon fiber hats hard hats are generally resistant to heat and they can withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees F, which means that they will not get hot that easily.
But exposure to heat higher than the mentioned temperature can heat them up, but not to the extent of causing any hard=m to you.
Are carbon fiber hard hats safe for electrical use?/do carbon fiber hard hats protect against electrical shock?
Carbon fiber hard hats fall under Class C, Type 1 standards of ASTM and these are not tested for electrical resistance. They will only provide protection against impacts and are very comfortable to wear because of their lightweight.
In simple words, carbon fiber hard hats will not save you from electrical shocks and they are not safe for electrical usages.
See also: The Best Hard Hat for Electricians
How long do carbon fiber hard hats last?
With proper acre and maintenance, a carbon fiber hard hat will last you as long as 3 to 5 years. But it also depends on the extent of wear and the conditions they are exposed to such as high heat, flames, chemicals, etc.
Who should wear carbon fiber hard hats?
Workers who should wear carbon fiber hard hats are construction workers, brick layers, supervisors, engineers, etc.
Who should not wear carbon fiber hard hats?
Workers who should not wear carbon fiber hard hats are electricians, pole climbers, roofers, and anyone who is exposed to electricity while working.
How to wash/clean a carbon fiber hard hat?
Washing carbon fiber hard hat is pretty simple and use of any harsh products can deteriorate the coating above the hard hat. Just follow the simple steps below to clean your carbon fiber hard hat:
1.) Wipe off loose dirt and grime with a clean dry cloth
2.) Take a microfiber cloth and dip it in mild shampoo-water solution
3.) Use the microfiber cloth dipped in the soapy-solution to clean the carbon fiber hard hat thoroughly
4.) Again, wipe with a dry clean cloth
5.) Dry completely under the fan
Can you polish carbon fiber?/how do you keep carbon fiber from fading?
If your carbon fiber hard hat gets exposed to direct UV rays, it will start fading its color in a while and that is when it will start looking dull and lifeless devoid of the shine.
Following the simple steps below can help restore the shine to the carbon fiber hard hats:
1.) Clean the carbon fiber hard hat with a damp rag
2.) Allow it to dry completely under the fan
3.) Take a creaming coating and coat the carbon fiber hard hat to get mirror-like finish. Ceramic coating is the best option for carbon fiber because ceramic is resistant to chemicals and heat too
4.) If you want to use a wax spray, try (CAR GUYS Hybrid Wax)
5.) If you want to remove scratches from carbon fiber, try (Carfidant Scratch and Swirl Remover)
Best carbon fiber hard hats:
Here’s you a list of the best carbon fiber hard hats from our experts.
And it’s a wrap!
That’s all with carbon fiber hard hats and do not forget to have a look at some of the best carbon fiber hard hats mentioned in the link above.
That’s all for today, hope to meet you soon in my next post, till then stay safe and happy!
