Personal protective equipment (PPE) is seldom comfortable. Typically workers would rather not be bothered. That's one reason OSHA mandates compliance for certain workers. At height workers require not only fall protection, but many need head protection as well. Traditional hard hats can feel like having an oven on your head. Especially while working in the heat and sun.
Luckily there is the Vertex Vent from Petzl. The Petzl Vent helmet, as the name suggests, features adjustable openings on either side to control the amount of air let in, and heat let out. By allowing heat to escape, this is an OSHA-compliant piece of PPE that hasn't forgotten that it needs to be comfortable all day long. For workers carrying loads, or working under other workers where items could be dropped, a helmet with a sturdy chin strap is an important part of the safety program.
Comfort is key for workers who have demanding work at height. The Vertex Vent weighs only 12 oz. and the chin strap is extremely sturdy. Often what happens in the field is a fall will dislodge the hard hat from a worker who doesn't have it strapped on. It might hang in there for the first bang, but often tumbles away, no use to anyone, for the second (third? fourth?) impact.
For workers who are serious about their equipment, the Petzl Vent is an excellent all-weather choice for head protection. If work requires night or early morning hours, the Petzl Vent comes standard with a spot to click in a Petzl Pixa Headlamp. That light, combined with an ultra-comfortable fit and chin strap will keep whatever you are facing illuminated without your needing to try to rig a light or attach an elastic band and headlamp to a rounded helmet.
Day or night, summer or winter, the Petzl Vertex Vent helmet literally has you covered. Because of the vents, this helmet is not rated for molten metal or chemical splash, but for just about everything else, it's an ideal form of PPE for your noggin.
If you have questions about OSHA-required PPE, we are what is known as "experts." Please feel free to contact us online at pksafety.com or give us a call at 800-829-9580 Monday through Friday, 7am - 5pm PST. As always, thanks for reading!