New hard hat regulations are now in play It’s important for employers to be aware of the changes to the Australian standard, and to stay on top of some of the do’s and don’ts of hard hat safety. After all, hard hats are essential PPE on so many worksites, from mining and construction to manufacturing.
The recently updated AS/NZS 1801:2024 amends the manufacture and testing regulations for Australian safety helmets. There have been four key changes to the standard.
Up to the end of 2024, there were three categories of safety helmet.
Now, the Type 4 helmet has been introduced. The enhanced occupational protective helmet is designed to protect the wearer from top, front, side and back impact. Not yet commercially available in Australia, it includes a foam insert which acts as an energy impact damping system.
Type 1 helmets can now have a traditional harness, or soft impact liner. The former clearance levels no longer apply.
Type 3 helmets must now be tested according to AS/NZS ISO 16073.5 (not AS/NZS 1801:2024). This is the standard for wildland firefighting helmets.
The old mandatory stiffness, or side impact test, is now optional. Australian helmets can therefore be manufactured using other plastics like polyethylene (PE), not just ABS plastic and polycarbonate (PC). Helmets tested and certified under the previous standard can continue to be used. The updated standard applies only to new helmets, which must now be tested and certified under the new requirements.
Hard hats have a three-year lifespan, measured from the date of issue (located on a sticker at the back of the hat) and not the date of manufacture (which is stamped in the shell). The lifespan also depends on the amount of wear and tear, exposure to impact, and the right care. This makes it important to look after them in the right way.
AS/NZS 1800:1998 explains how to choose, use and care for helmets:
Workers should be aware that carrying pens or tools between the shell and the suspension can compromise protection in the event of an impact. Wearing beanies or hoodies under the hat can also interfere with the fit and effectiveness of the harness.
Prosafe offers a range of hard hats, which can be customised to enhance safety on site.
Shane Wood, Blackwoods National Category Manager (Eye, Face, Hearing, Head & Hand Protection) says custom logos can also help prove that PPE is company-issued and adequately maintained, which can be necessary for regulatory compliance. “Prosafe has new 640 and 650 helmets ready for customisation. Always buy fit-for-purpose, fully compliant PPE, designed for the application.”
As Australia’s largest provider of industrial and safety equipment, Blackwoods has all your job requirements covered. Talk to your local Blackwoods Technical Safety Specialist about the PROSAFE hard hat range.