8 Different Types Of Hard Hat Colours & Their Meanings
Hard Hat Colours Meaning
In this article, we’ll explore Different Hard Hat Colours & Their Meanings, as well as some of the typical conditions you might see in each colour. Understanding the meaning behind each colour will help you make an informed decision about which colour to wear on any given day.
Also hard hat comes in many different colours that help to signify which type of worker the wearer is, what his or her rank is, and how much experience he or she has. This article will provide information on 9 different types of hard hat colours and their meanings: yellow, white, red, orange, green, black, blue, brown and grey.
The History Behind The Hardhat
The hardhat is a staple on construction sites and has been for decades. But did you know that the colour of your hardhat can actually say a lot about you and your role on the job?
A hundred years ago, the hard hat was not in existence. And fifty years ago, head protection was not widely required for workers. But, thanks to advances in safety, the hard hat has evolved over the decades.
Established in San Francisco in 1898, Bullard sold carbide lamps and mining equipment to gold and copper miners. “The miners used to wear a soft derby, similar to a baseball cap. It had a small, hard-leather and shellac brim,” said Edward D. “Jed” Bullard, Chairman of the Board and former President and CEO.
In 1915, my grandfather began work on a helmet that could protect miners from falling objects. He based it on the doughboy, a helmet he’d worn as a soldier in World War I. The ‘Hard Boiled® Hat’, patented in 1919, was so called because of the steam used in the manufacturing process,” said Bullard.
“The original ‘Hard Boiled® hat’ was manufactured out of steamed canvas, glue, a leather brim, and black paint. My grandfather built a suspension device into what became the worlds’ first, commercially available, industrial head-protection device.”
Why Are Hard Hat Colours Important?
Colour coding addresses inconsistency issues that often led to confusion and even safety risks. Wearing colour coded hard hats ensures that everyone is easily identifiable, based on their role or status.
For example, a site manager can be easily identified by their white hat in an emergency. Similarly, blue hats will indicate visitors, who may be at particular risk of site hazards.
Being able to identify people’s level of responsibility and role on construction sites will therefore reduce confusion, clearly define the hierarchy of workers on site, and help to minimise any potential dangers.
Note: While these colour codes are considered best practice and standard across the construction industry, many construction sites still follow their own colour code system.
READ: How To Check Your Hard Hat Expiry Date & Criteria For Replacement
Hence, it is not a standard.
Green Hard Hat Meaning
Wearing a green hard hat means that the worker is an apprentice or a newbie on the job site. The colour is meant to alert other workers to take extra care around them and to watch out for any potential hazards.
A grey hard hat worn on a construction site can also mean that the person is a visitor. The colour is meant to alert other workers to be aware of their surroundings and to not let the visitor wander into any dangerous areas.
