As one of the China’s leading welding manufacturers since 2009, we would like to share how to choose the best hard hat based on practical demanding from the 3 types of hard hats: fiberglass hard hats, PE hard hats and ABS hard hats.
What to learn before the choice
1. Material Properties
Fiberglass Helmets are strong, rigid, and resistant to extreme conditions. High impact resistance, superior strength and excellent heat resistance make them quite suitable for heavy duty tasks especially in high temperatures (e.g., firefighting, foundries).
PE (Polyethylene) Helmets offer good impact resistance, especially at lower and moderate impact levels. They are especially for lightweight applications. But be aware that they have lower heat resistance compared with fiberglass.
ABS Helmets are lightweight, tough, and cost-effective. The ABS hard hats have good impact resistance but are not as durable as fiberglass. They can handle moderate impacts but may not withstand heavy-duty industrial environments as well. Also similar to PE hard hats, ABS hard hat may also deform when exposed to high temperatures.
2. Durability and Longevity
Fiberglass Helmets are the most durable. They are resistant to wear, impacts, and environmental degradation. Fiberglass hard hats are best choice for environments related to UV resistance, chemicals and solvents.
PE Helmets are durable for general use. The hard hats have a relatively high resistance to wear and tear but may need replacement more often in harsh environments. They have decent UV resistance but not so good as fibre glass helmets. They are chemicals resistant, but not so well as fiberglass helmets.
ABS Helmets are may become brittle over time, particularly under UV light and harsh environmental conditions. They are more prone to cracking compared with fiberglass. The hard hats, in aspects of chemical resistance may be the last choice for helmet selection.
3. Cost
Fiberglass Helmets are the most expensive but they have superior strength, durability, and resistance to extreme environments; PE Helmets and ABS helmets are more affordable.
4. Applications
Fiberglass Helmets are best for industries where high-impact resistance, heat protection, and long-term durability are critical. They could be most favorable when people are working in firefighting, heavy construction and mining, oil and gas industry and metalworking and foundries.
PE Helmets and ABS helmets are ideal for general protection. We may select them while working in general construction, agriculture, light manufacturing, logistics and warehousing.
5. Heat and Electrical Resistance
Fiberglass Helmets are of superior heat resistance, ideal for high-temperature environments. And they have excellent electrical resistance, providing protection in environments where electrical hazards are present.
PE Helmets are of moderate heat resistance. PE is more likely to deform under high heat than fiberglass but holds up well in moderate temperatures. They possess good electrical insulation, though not as effective as fiberglass.
ABS Helmets are of limited heat resistance, unsuitable for high-temperature environments. They provide some electrical resistance but not as effective as fiberglass.
6. Comfort and Fit
Fiberglass Helmets are slightly heavier, which can cause fatigue over long periods. PE and ABS Helmets are lightweight and comfortable for extended wear. All of the 3 types of helmets are often equipped with adjustable straps and suspension systems for a snug fit.
7. Types of Suspension System
A good suspension system is very significant. It is designed mainly for better impact protection, comfortable fit, and good stability on the head. A good suspension system can absorb the energy from impact perfectly to reduce injuries. As the headband of the suspension system on the safety helmet is adjustable, it ensures the best snug fit without extra pressure on the head. The 4-point or 6-points suspension system can keep the hard hat stable without slipping during use.
· Pin Lock: The suspension is adjusted with a locking mechanism that secures the strap in place using small pins. This is a simple and cost-effective option but less convenient for quick adjustments.
· Ratchet System: This type allows for easy adjustment by turning a knob at the back of the hard hat. It’s more convenient for frequent adjustments and offers a more secure fit.
Suspension Points: Hard hats typically have 4 and 6 suspension points where the internal straps are attached to the helmet shell. More suspension points provide better weight distribution and stability.
Sweatband: This is often included on the front of the headband to absorb sweat, improving comfort during long wear periods.
Summary Table: Fiberglass, PE, and ABS Helmets Comparison
| Criteria | Fiberglass Helmet | PE Helmet | ABS Helmet |
| Strength | High, best for heavy-duty environments | Moderate, good for general protection | Moderate, suitable for light-duty tasks |
| Weight | Heavier | Lightest, very comfortable | Lightweight, similar to PE |
| Impact Resistance | Superior, handles high impacts | Good, absorbs moderate impacts | Good, suited for moderate impacts |
| Heat Resistance | Excellent, ideal for high-temperature settings | Moderate, suitable for general environments | Limited, not ideal for high temperatures |
| Durability | Highly durable, long-lasting | Durable but less than fiberglass | Moderate, can become brittle over time |
| UV Resistance | High, suited for outdoor use | Moderate, can degrade with prolonged UV | Limited, may degrade with UV exposure |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent, resistant to chemicals | Good, resistant to common chemicals | Moderate, less effective in harsh environments |
| Cost | Most expensive | Mid-range, affordable | Most affordable |
| Electrical Resistance | Excellent, non-conductive | Good, but less effective than fiberglass | Moderate, not suitable for high-voltage work |
| Comfort | Good, slightly heavier | Very comfortable, lightweight | Lightweight, comfortable |
| Applications | Firefighting, mining, oil & gas, heavy-duty | Construction, agriculture, light industry | General industry, construction, maintenance |
To sum up:
- Fiberglass helmets are ideal for industries that demand high impact resistance, heat protection, and long-term durability. In firefighting, mining and heavy construction, they offer the best protection. But they are more expensive and slightly heavier.
- PE helmets strike a good balance between weight, cost, and protection. They are suitable for general industrial and construction environments where moderate protection is needed.
- ABS helmets are lightweight, affordable, and suitable for general industry use but may not perform as well in extreme environments with high heat or heavy impacts.
If still have any doubts to choose the material of hard hat, contact us freely https://toprisesafety.com/contact-us/
Lear more about the hard hat https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_hat
