Why Checking Your Hard Hat Could Save Your Life

With 2026 well underway, now is the perfect time for a simple but critical safety reminder: check your hard hat expiration date.

Hard hats are one of the most basic pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) on a jobsite—but they are also one of the most commonly overlooked when it comes to inspection and replacement. An expired or compromised hard hat may look fine on the outside, but it may not protect you when it matters most.

How to Check Your Hard Hat Expiration Date

Inside the brim of every hard hat is a small circular date stamp. This marking shows the manufacture date, not the purchase date.

That distinction matters.

The lifespan of a hard hat begins at the manufacturer, not when it was bought or first worn.

Hard Hat Lifespan: What You Need to Know

• Five (5) years is the maximum lifespan for a hard hat shell under ideal conditions.

• If the hard hat is exposed to harsh weather or sunlight, particularly UV exposure, it should be replaced every 2–3 years.

• Hard hats used outdoors, especially in hot climates like Texas, often degrade faster than expected.

Temperature Exposure: Heat Matters More Than You Think

Extreme heat accelerates the breakdown of hard hat materials.

Hard hats can lose their protective integrity when:

• Stored in trucks or equipment cabs during hot weather

• Left in direct sunlight for extended periods

• Used near welding operations or other high-heat environments

Even if there is no visible damage, repeated heat exposure can weaken the shell and reduce impact resistance. If your hard hat has been consistently exposed to extreme temperatures, replacement may be necessary before the expiration date.

Chemical Exposure: Damage You Can’t See

Certain chemicals can weaken a hard hat without leaving obvious signs.

Exposure to:

• Solvents

• Fuels

• Oils

• Harsh cleaning chemicals

…can compromise the hard hat material and reduce its ability to protect against impact or penetration. If a hard hat has been exposed to chemicals, it should be evaluated carefully and replaced if there is any doubt about its integrity.

Impact Damage: When in Doubt, Replace It

If something falls on your hard hat—even if there is no visible damage—the hard hat should be replaced immediately.

Impact can damage the internal structure of the shell in ways you cannot see, leaving you unprotected during a future incident.

Suspension System: Inspect Before Every Use

The suspension system is just as critical as the hard hat shell itself.

Before every use, inspect:

• The harness

• The cradle

• The headband

Any signs of:

• Cracking

• Fraying

• Brittleness

• Loss of flexibility

…require immediate replacement, even if the hard hat shell has not expired. A compromised suspension system cannot properly absorb impact energy.

Stickers, Paint, and Markers: What’s Safe (and What’s Not)

We understand—replacing a hard hat can be tough, especially when it’s covered in hard-earned stickers that represent experience and pride on the job.

Good news:

• Stickers are acceptable and do not break down the hard hat material.

However:

• Paint and permanent markers should never be used.

• Chemicals in paint and markers can weaken the shell and reduce its protective capabilities.

ANSI Standards: Make Sure Your Hard Hat Is Still Compliant

Hard hats should meet ANSI Z89.1 standards, which establish performance and testing requirements.

If your hard hat:

• Does not meet current ANSI standards

• Has outdated classifications

• Was manufactured before updated requirements

…it should be replaced to ensure compliance and proper protection.

Jobsite Accountability: Safety Is a Shared Responsibility

Hard hat safety is not solely the responsibility of the worker.

Employers and site supervisors play a critical role in jobsite safety and should:

• Verify PPE compliance

• Ensure hard hats are within their service life

• Remove expired or damaged hard hats from service

A safe jobsite requires accountability at every level.

A Simple Reminder That Can Save a Life

Hard hats are not about looking cool—they are about making sure everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.

If your hard hat is expired, damaged, chemically exposed, heat compromised, or no longer compliant with standards, it must be replaced.

At Southwest Scaffolding, safety isn’t a checkbox—it’s a responsibility we take seriously on every jobsite, every day.