Ah, the hard hat. It’s a requirement on most jobsites and a constant source of complaint for some Pros. However, not every design is uncomfortable. We got our team together to share our recommendations for the coolest and most comfortable hard hats.

Before we dive in, there’s one thing that all of these hard hats have in common: safety is the number one priority. It doesn’t do you any good to be cool and comfortable if your PPE compromises protection to give it to you. For safety purposes, we’re focusing on Type II hard hats and helmets that provide top and side impact protection as our top recommendations. We also have several Type I recommendations if you don’t want or need maximum protection.

Have a hard hat you love that we didn’t include? Let us know about your top choice in the comments below!

Keys To The Coolest and Most Comfortable Hard Hat

Vented Vs Non-Vented Hard Hats

In the hard hat world, there are vented and non-vented versions spread across three major classes. Class C vented hard hats are conductive because the openings provide a pathway for electricity to reach your head. For obvious reasons, electricians have to avoid these.

Class E non-vented hard hats are the way to go for electrical work. They’re tested to 20,000 volts, so they’re even valid in high-voltage areas.

Class G is more a general-purpose non-vented hard hat. These aren’t tested to the same high-voltage standards as Class C, but they avoid the openings that create electrical pathways.

The jobsite you’re working on will have specific regulations as to which are appropriate. If you’re allowed to wear a vented hard hat, you’ll get the best cooling from that style. Openings in the top allow heat to escape from your head and in some cases, allow breezes to move cooler air through it.

Suspension

Hard hats have a suspension system creating a barrier between the fit on top of your head and the actual helmet. Some hard hats have a layer of foam in between to provide additional protection.

In general, more suspension points are more comfortable because it spreads the weight load out better, reducing pressure on each point. Many hard hats have 4-point suspensions. Look for 6-point or greater to improve comfort.

Weight

One of the biggest factors in hard hat comfort is weight. Not only does it affect how much pressure is on your head at the suspension points, but your neck muscles have to manage the additional weight all day. Needless to say, a lighter model makes for a more comfortable hard hat.

Coolest and Most Comfortable Hard Hat Overall

WaveCel T2+ Max Type 2 Full Brim Hard Hat

While WaveCel’s T2+ Max hard hat technically has a 4-point suspension system, that’s its only downside. We say “technically” because the pad rests directly on the WaveCel material so it spreads the weight out better than other 4-point systems.

It has a dial fit system with soft foam padding for the front and top of the suspension with a rubberized rear pad.

What makes it so different from its competitors is WaveCel technology. First designed for cycling (no, I don’t have one yet, and yes, I want one!), it replaces higher-density foam protection with a wave-shaped structure. By using that shape, it provides outstanding protection while reducing weight to just 17 ounces and maximizing airflow.

Even the top vents are different than most. A series of side vents primarily promote heat escape while large rear vents allow breezes to roll across your head.

Better yet, the WaveCel T2+ Max is Made in the USA.

• Type 2
• Class C vented
• 17 ounces
• 4-point suspension
• WaveCel protection system
• Lower profile reduces bumps
• WaveCel accessory rails
• Standard accessory slots
• Optional chin strap
• Dial fit system with vertical height adjustment
• 5 color choices
• Customization available
• Made in the USA

If you need a Class E hard hat, WaveCel has you covered there as well. Look for the T2+ Pro as your Type 2, Class E non-vented option.

More Coolest And Most Comfortable Hard Hat Recommendations

Milwaukee Type 2 Front Brim Safety Helmet

Milwaukee’s Type 2 helmet options aren’t quite as light as WaveCel’s, but they do an excellent job of promoting airflow. 26 individual vents in the top of the Class 2 version allow for heat to escape and moving air to flow in. Even if you’re going with the Class E, large cutouts in the foam protection layer leave a nice air gap.

• Type 2
• Class C vented (Class E non-vented also available)
• 20 ounces
• 4-point suspension
• Dial fit system
• Foam protection layer
• Antimicrobial liner
• Chin strap included
• BOLT accessory compatible (BOLT marker clip headlamp mount included)
• 8 color options
• Customization available
• Made in the USA with global materials
• Also available with no brim

MSA Super V Type 2 Fas-Trac III Hard Hat

MSA’s Super V design is massively popular. The V-shape on top of the helmet help deflect objects away and offers more protection than a smooth shell. On the comfort side, MSA goes with a 4-point suspension and it doesn’t have as much padding as our other recommendations. However, it does have a front sweatband and rear rubberized pad.

The major highlight is the Fas-Trac III design. It allows you to easily adjust the suspension’s straps forward or back and has an easy dial fit system. With its lower price tag, it strikes a balance between the plush comfort of our other recommendations and your PPE budget.

• Type 2
• Class E non-vented
• 21 ounces
• Fas-Trac III 4-point suspension
• Dial fit system
• V-Gard deflects objects and adds protection
• Padded sweatband liner
• Standard accessory compatible
• 5 color options
• Customization available

Coolest and Most Comfortable Type 1 Hard Hat

If you don’t want or need the side impact protection of a Type 2 hard hat, your choices for the coolest and most comfortable hard hat grow tremendously. Plus, they tend to be lighter and less expensive. Below are a few of our favorites.

Milwaukee 6-Point Suspension Type 1 Full Brim Hard Hat

There are a few reasons to give Milwaukee’s latest hard a shot for the coolest and most comfortable Type 1 hard hat. Its starts with weight. At just 15 ounces, it’s the lightest on our list and that makes a big difference. It also sports a 6-point suspension system, up from the 4-point models that the rest of the Milwaukee hard hat line offers. This model also offers a larger ratcheting range than most, meaning it can fit more head sizes. Plus, the price tag is lower than our other top choices.

The one downside is that the vents in this model don’t promote as much airflow as some of the others on our list.

• Type 1
• Class C vented (Class E non-vented also available)
• 15 ounces
• 6-point suspension
• Dial fit system
• Padded sweatband and top cap
• BOLT accessory compatible
• BOLT reversible headlamp mount and marker clip included
• Standard accessory compatible
• Also available in front brim style
• 8 colors available
• Customization available
• Made in the USA with global materials

Bullard Cen10 Type 1 Safety Helmet

Bullard does a couple of things differently that specifically affect the comfort of its Cen10 hard hat. Rather than using a traditional suspension, there’s a foam insert to spread the weight out. They also include a comfort liner between the foam and your head that provides more cushioning than most hard hats.

The helmet itself has a sports styling to it with no brim. At the moment, there are no front or full-brim options, so keep that in mind if you prefer either of those.

• Type 1
• Class C vented (Class E non-vented also available)
• 18 ounces
• Foam insert
• Dial fit system
• Chin strap included
• Padded sweatband and top liner
• Bullard accessory compatible
• Standard accessory compatible
• 7 colors available

Klein Premium KARBN Type 1 Full Brim Hard Hat

Klein has a wide range of hard hats available and we really like their KARBN series. Aside from the look, they feature a 6-point suspension, a padded sweatband covering the front and sides, a soft rear pad, a padded cap, and even a softer material on the chinstrap. Vents cut into the sides promote airflow and can be closed on cold or rainy days.

Klein also has a rechargeable hard hat fan you can add to their models. While it adds some airflow, it comes at a cost of nearly 7 more ounces of weight. We haven’t tested it to check the airflow for ourselves, and user feedback has been mixed. That said, it’s an option that sets Klein hard hats apart.

• Type 1
• Class C vented (Class E non-vented also available)
• 19 ounces
• 6-point suspension
• Dial fit system
• Padded sweatband and top cap
• Softer chin strap
• Integrated headlamp clip on front and rear (available with or without headlamp)
• Standard accessory compatible
• Also available in safety helmet style

The post Coolest and Most Comfortable Hard Hats For Pros 2022 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Keep Dirt and Debris Out of Your Eyes with Klein Gasket Safety Glasses

Someone has to do the world’s dirty jobs, but your eyes shouldn’t suffer because of it. Many safety glasses you’ll find on the market don’t include a gasket to protect your eyes from the dirt and debris that comes with being on the jobsite. Find out how the Klein Gasket Safety Glasses provide an extra layer of security to help keep you protected.

Klein Gasket Safety Glasses: The Big Deal

These glasses feature a foam inner gasket and nylon strap that double to create a tight, comfortable seal around your eyes. The gasket and strap are removable, so if you’re not doing work that requires that level of eye protection, they can easily come off. This also makes them replaceable if you ever need to purchase another gasket.

These glasses have polycarbonate lenses that provide scratch resistance and clarity thanks to their durable anti-fog coating. Additionally, the lenses were tested for minimal distortion to ensure uncompromised vision on the job.

The Klein Gasket Safety Glasses are also impact-protection tested to the latest ANSI and CSA eyewear standards. On top of that, they provide UV protection that effectively blocks 99.9% of harmful UV rays. You have the choice between clear or shaded lenses, which helps if you’re working outside in the sun all day.

Additional Features

• Available in clear or tinted lens style
• Includes a microfiber storage pouch that doubles as a cleaning cloth
• Non-slip rubber nose piece and temple tips for a secure fit
• Optional breakaway lanyard, hard case, and replacement gasket/strap sold separately

Price

Both models of Klein Gasket Safety Glasses (shaded or clear) retail for $15.99. Klein also sells replacement gaskets and straps, which retail for $3.99. Klein backs your purchase with a lifetime warranty.

Specifications

• Model: Klein Tools 60470 / 60471
• Weight: 0.08 lbs
• Frame material: Plastic

The post Klein Full Frame Gasket Safety Glasses appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Bollé Expands Lens Options Include Platinum Tech in More Glasses

Lens fog and scratches are two of the worst aspects of wearing safety glasses. They can obstruct your view and make your experience all the more frustrating. Bollé hopes to change that by expanding its Platinum lens line of safety glasses.

We got our hands on a few pairs so you’ll know what to expect. In particular, we tried the Bolle RUSH+ with clear and NESS+ with copper lenses. We also checked out the CONTOUR which features a polarized smoke non-Platinum lens and the HUSTLER Cobalt Flash which uses a PLATINUM LITE anti-scratch/anti-fog coating. You can configure nearly all Bolle safety glasses with a variety of lenses and options.

Bollé Platinum Safety Glasses Performance

Bollé’s Platinum technology is supposed to make the glasses’ lenses scratch- and fog-resistant. They use a special coating applied through a dipping process that coats both sides of the lenses, which makes them permanently anti-fog and scratch-resistant. We tossed these glasses around. Eventually, every pair of sunglasses succumb to the rigors of the jobsite. However, the coating on the Bolle lenses did seem to keep them looking new—even when they repeatedly contacted plywood or the plastic console of my F-150.

Many of us work in extreme temperatures while on the jobsite—for us that means lots of heat. Bollé made sure that the Platinum coating stays effective whether indoors or outdoors in any temperature, including extreme heat or cold.

Bollé Platinum Safety Glasses Design Notes

Sinc we received several pairs of Bollé safety glasses to test out, we spread them around the office. Overall, they feature flexible, rubberized arms and feel very lightweight. You can forget you’re wearing them at times.

The different available tints give you plenty of options for those of us who work indoors or out in the bright sunlight all day. The Copper lenses proved very effective at allowing indoor use while taking the edge off the outdoor sun. That lens also provides some blue light filtering.

The clear lens of the RUSH+ delivers excellent indoor visibility. Priced at just $15.50, these particular Bollé safety glasses offered a good amount of wraparound protection and excellent visibility.

Available Tints for Bolle Safety Glasses

Bolle safety glasses come in a wide range of tints. These include Clear, Smoke, Copper, Bronze, Fire Flash, Polarized, and Cobalt Flash.

Additional Features

• Washable without compromising the Platinum coating
• Select models include microfiber pouch and/or neck strap

Price

Since there are so many Bollé Platinum safety glasses to choose from, prices vary quite a bit. You can expect to pay anywhere between $9 and $87.50 depending on the glasses and options you choose. Bolle even offers bulk discounts when you order 50 or more pairs.

Bollé’s next product lineup, available in the Fall of 2022, includes even more styles with Platinum lenses. Additionally, the company plans to release prescription Platinum lenses as well as universal ones.

Specifications

• Lens material: Polycarbonate
• Frame color: Various
• Frame material: Nylon rubber
• Lens coating: AS/AF Platinum

The post Bollé Safety Glasses With Platinum Lens Technology appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Wiley X P-17 Sunglasses Offer Outstanding Clarity And Certified Impact Protection

I am a snob when it comes to sunglasses and I rarely step outside without a pair on. Whether I’m fishing, cycling, shooting photography, or on the job, I want the clear, crisp vision that budget sunglasses don’t offer. The problem those premium models rarely offer ANSI-certified impact protection, so I have to switch for work. Today, I’m giving Wiley X P-17 sunglasses a shot for the first time to see if they strike the right balance.

Pros

• Excellent vision clarity
• Polarized
• ANSI Z87.1-certified safety protection
• Lightweight
• Includes case, cleaning cloth/bag, and two strap/choker options

Cons

• No significant drawbacks

Wearing Wiley X P-17 Sunglasses

Fit

Like all major brands, Wiley X has many frame models to choose from to fit the style you’re shooting for and match the shape of your face. The P-17 is one of the longest-running models in the entire lineup, featuring a shorter design compared to its width.

Featuring a 61mm lens width, 36mm lens height, 18mm bridge, and 120mm temple length, it a size and shape that fits small to medium-size faces well.

I have a medium face and can usually go with just about any frame other than small. The height was a little bit of a concern, but the eye coverage is excellent with a slightly close fit than some models I wear.

The arms wrap around wonderfully. There are rubber grip sections at the ends, but the fit is so good that it’s unnecessary in my case.

The P-17s are also very lightweight, unlike my Costa Tuna Alleys or Dragon Alliance Ridge X LLs. For long days on the water or at work, it makes them an easy choice.

Lenses

Lens quality can make or break the experience. For this review, I chose the Wiley X P-17 with Captivate Polarized Green Mirror Lenses. My main purpose was to replace my inshore sunglasses, and this lens is the best bet for high contrast in those shallow, dirtier waters.

As you probably know, the mirroring color isn’t what dictates the color you see, and Wiley X’s green mirror lens offers a very warm tone combined with some red to get that high contrast.

Note the above photos with and without the lens are unedited except for cropping.

While not every lens in the P-17 group is polarized, this one is and is part of the Captivate lens series. The clarity is excellent and my ability to see detail looking into the water or across a field isn’t compromised at all.

What sets these apart from my other sunglasses is the protection factor. Wiley X designed them to meet ANSI Z87.1 high-velocity impact and clarity safety standards, so they’re 100% good to go as safety glasses. They also offer 100% UVA/UVB protection.

Wiley X P-17 Sunglasses Price

The P-17 style runs $100 – $180, depending on the lenses you choose, though we have seen them for less at online retailers from time to time. Inside the package, there’s a case, a cleaning cloth/bag, a choker, and a sports strap. Here’s the breakdown (frame color/lens color):

• Matte Black/Smoke Grey: $100
• Gloss Black/Captivate Polarized Green Mirror: $180
• Gloss Demi/Captivate Polarized Blue Mirror: $180
• Black Crystal/Captivate Polarized Red Mirror: $180

This is a prescription-ready frame style if you’re looking to add vision-correcting lenses to them.

The Bottom Line

Wiley X nailed it with the P-17. The style, fit, and lens quality is excellent. What really sells them for us is the Z87.1 rating. A lot of the folks who like their Costas, Ray-Bans, and other high-end options can’t wear them on the jobsite unless they carry that certification, so they end up stuck with whatever’s in the tool crib or buying a cheap pair and sacrificing lens clarity/color. Even the brands that do carry Z87.1 sunglasses tend to have a very limited selection, and that makes Wiley X a really attractive option. 

The post Wiley X P-17 Sunglasses Review: Approved For Work Or Play appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Now You Can Put Your Company Logo on Milwaukee PPE!

Milwaukee has continued to expand its portfolio of personal protective equipment offerings. They currently offer hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, boots, safety vests, respirators, and more. And now, Milwaukee even offers a customization process to place your company’s logo onto your Milwaukee PPE. Currently, the Milwaukee Customized PPE covers logo placement on their lines of head protection and safety vests.

Editor’s Note: Check out our article on the coolest and most comfortable hard hats to see our top recommendations and we can also help you when choosing the best hard hat!

Milwaukee Customized Logo PPE | The Big Deal

The Milwaukee Customization lets you add your company logo to your PPE. Products can be customized with images you’ve taken, created, or have the right to use. Milwaukee accepts most logo file types. They even have graphic design support teams available to assist you in recreating or converting uploaded files to high-resolution vectors for printing.

Print capabilities for head protection include up to four unique logo locations on the front, back, left, and right sides with unlimited print colors. Print capabilities for the safety vests include up to two unique logo locations on the front left pocket, back, or lower back with up to 8 print colors.

Milwaukee PPE Customization will let you add your company logo to your PPE at a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 24. While you must use the same style of head protection – either hard hat or helmet – you can mix class, brim style, suspension, and colors in increments of 6 to hit the MOQ. For safety vests, you can mix sizes, but not styles or colors. The sizes will need to be in increments of 12 to hit the MOQ of 24.

How Do I Use Milwaukee PPE Customization?

You can submit your order through a Milwaukee Sales Representative, Milwaukee Connect, or by creating a configurator ID. You can also contact Milwaukee with any questions about PPE Customization by sending an email to CXCustomSafety@milwaukeetool.com or by calling 1-800-SAWDUST.

Prices will vary depending on the order quantity, the number of colors used, and the number of locations with no hidden or additional fees.

Milwaukee estimates that most orders will take between 2 to 3 weeks to deliver after the final logo is approved. For multiple customized products, your order will move to production once all the artwork has been approved. Additional production time will be needed for large-scale orders.

To view the entire line of Milwaukee’s line of Personal Protective Equipment, click here.

The post Milwaukee Customized Logo PPE – Hard Hats and Safety Vests appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Keep Your Cool With the Klein Hard and Safety Helmet Fan

As jobsite fans go, they’re great supplementary products to your cordless tools and make at least some of your jobs more tolerable in the heat. The Klein Hart Hat and Safety Helmet Fan takes things a bit more personally, though.

Editor’s Note: Check out our article on the coolest and most comfortable hard hats to see our top recommendations and we can also help you when choosing the best hard hat!

Klein Hard Hat and Safety Helmet Fan | The Big Deal

What’s super-cool about this jobsite fan is that it attaches to your hard hat or safety helmet and actively pulls air in to cool your head.

There are actually two centrifugal fans built into the unit. They promise quiet operation and effective airflow with high and low speed selections.

The power source is interesting. Rather than going with alkaline batteries or an internal lithium-ion pack, it uses an external modular battery. The 3200 mAh pack is capable of running the fan for up to 6.5 hours at low speed or 3.5 hours at high speed. It can also charge other devices with a pair of USB-C ports.

The fan connects directly onto Klein hard hats and safety helmets in the accessory slot. The fan housing has an additional slot on it, so you don’t have to trade off a safety light or headlamp to get the airflow you want.

Two different ducts (long and short) come in the package to help you dial in as many as 16 different configurations that can cover your head, neck, or face.

Despite a somewhat bulky look, Klein tells us it’s reasonably lightweight at just 6.9 ounces and balances well.

Klein Hard Hat and Safety Helmet Fan Price

In the package, you get the fan, battery, charging cord, short ducts, and long ducts all for $69.99. If you would like a spare battery, they run $34.99 each.

Specifications

• Model: Klein 60155
• Power Source: Klein external modular battery
• Speeds: 2
• Compatibility: Klein hard hats and safety helmets only
• Weight: 6.88 ounces
• Dimensions (LWH): 6.2 x 2.8 x 3 inches
• Price: $69.99

The post Klein Hard Hat and Safety Helmet Fan appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

On the job, I have to wear impact-rated safety glasses. While I like the protection I get from my Milwaukee lenses, I prefer something much different for life’s other adventures. I’m used to wearing Costas and Oakleys, and I’ve been hiding my eyes behind Dragon Alliance sunglasses for the last several weeks to see how they compare.

Dragon Alliance Sunglasses Target User

Dragon Alliance is dialed in specifically for sports sunglasses. They have ranges appropriate for fishing and boating, cycling, snowboarding/skiing, and more. They even carry frames you can have your prescription put into and upcycled frames that keep plastic out of landfills.

Considering two of my favorite activities off the clock are road biking and inshore fishing, it seems like a match made in heaven… if they can hold up to the quality I expect from my eyewear. After carefully researching my options, I chose the Dragon Alliance Tidal X LL Polar for fishing and the Ridge X LL for cycling.

Dragon Alliance Tidal X LL Polar Sunglasses

I’m looking for a few key things in quality fishing eyewear. First of all, it has to be polarized. Protecting your eyes from the sun is one thing, but I need to see what’s going on under the water, and polarization cuts through the glare.

Second, I need clarity and contrast. I want to be able to tell if I’m looking at a piece of log or a trophy redfish.

For this review, I chose the LumaLens Red Ion Polar on the Tidal X LL and the clarity is simply outstanding. It’s as good or better than my Costas with plastic lenses. I really like the contrast the base color adds as well. It does a nice job of helping differentiate shapes in the water without destroying my color recognition. Thanks to the polarization, I get the glare reduction I’m looking for.

Finally, I need them to stay attached to when I’m not wearing them over my eyes and, if they happen to fall in the water, there has to be something that keeps them afloat so I can get them back.

One of the things I’m really impressed by is how well the frame avoids slipping without adding extra pressure behind my ears or on my nose thanks to the temple and nose tips. When the sun gets low, I can flip them up on the brim of my visor and they don’t try to flip off if I look up too high.

I also love that these come with a set of chokers. It’s not the type that wraps around the frame—these snap onto holes at the back and aren’t in danger of popping loose.

Wrapping it all up, they float.

Pros

• Outstanding clarity
• Excellent contrast and color
• Excellent eye coverage
• Comfortable non-slip fit
• Snap-on chokers included
• Floating design
• Frame folds securely (great if you like to clip your glasses on your shirt)

Cons

• I’d like some extra color on the frame

Dragon Alliance Ridge X LL Sunglasses

My cycling priorities start with eye coverage and the Ridge X LL does a great job of protecting my eyes from dirt and dust with its Flak Jacket-style rectangular lens shape. With somewhat taller lenses, they have better coverage than similar designs I’ve worn in the past.

I’m also looking for non-slip comfort. I don’t want to be thinking about pressure points or constantly pushing my glasses back up while I ride. Similar to the Tidal X LL, these have a nice, snug fit without creating too much pressure. The nose fit out of the box was kind of meh, but the design allows you to bend them to the shape you want and I found a perfect fit in very little time.

While I ride for exercise, it’s nice to be able to see what’s around when you’re cycling in scenic areas and the Orange Ion Lumalens has fantastic clarity. These don’t have polarization, but it was nice to find two extra sets of the lenses in the case—clear and gray. While I prefer the color and look of the orange lenses, I really like having the clear set for when I’m riding after dark.

For the past several years, I’ve stayed away from replaceable lenses. I had a couple of bad experiences with fittings that loosened over time and allowed the lenses to come out way too easily. Dragon has made me rethink having multi-lens versatility thanks to a release tab that ensures the lenses are secure when you need them to be.

Finally, the frames fold securely so I can clip them on the back of my jersey when I don’t want to stick them on my helmet.

Pros

• Excellent eye coverage
• Adjustable nose piece
• Comfortable fit
• Outstanding clarity
• Excellent color and contrast
• Secure folding

Cons

• No significant drawbacks

Price

Dragon Alliance sunglasses compete in the premium space and the price is appropriate for their quality. Both the Tidal X LL Polar and Ridge X LL in this review are $239.

Looking over the entire line, there are options that start at $99 and run as high as $239.

The Bottom Line

I was a little skeptical about moving away from the Luxottica group (Costa, Oakley, Ray-Ban, etc) for my premium sunglasses. However, I’m very impressed with the comfort, quality, and clarity of Dragon Alliance. I have other options available, but I keep reaching for my Dragon Alliance sunglasses for my outdoor activities or even just the daily drive.

The post Dragon Alliance Sunglasses Review | Premium Eyewear Alternative appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

After college, I went to work for the power company for a bit and my first days were filled with all kinds of safety. There were computer mini-courses to take with quizzes to pass. Then there was fitting for all of my PPE. OSHA mandated general and construction PPE, or personal protective equipment, back then and they continue to regulate it on today’s jobsites. Some of the requirements fall under general industry standards while others are specific to construction.

Most Used Construction PPE

We’re teaming up with Milwaukee Tool to bring you an overview of the most-used PPE in the construction industry. While we’ve worked hard to pull together a comprehensive article, it’s still a general list. Specific trades (we’re looking at you, Electrical) may have stricter requirements or more equipment you need to consider. There are also 28 OSHA-approved state plans that may go beyond federal standards.

Our goal is to get you thinking about personal protective equipment and consider some of the newest options available. We plan to go into more detail about each section in the coming weeks. Always follow up with your safety manager about the specific PPE requirement for your job to make sure you have your bases covered.

While we’re on the subject, why not spend a few minutes perusing Milwaukee’s current PPE offerings? You can check out their entire line of safety products here.

Hard Hats – Head Protection

OSHA Standards

• General Industry: 1910.135
• Construction Industry: 1926.100

Protection for your noggin is a no-brainer. Actually, it’s a keep-your-brainer. When there’s a risk of objects falling on your head, flying into it, or running your head into an object that might cause injury, hard hats are a requirement.

Editor’s Note: Check out our article on the coolest and most comfortable hard hats to see our top recommendations and we can also help you when choosing the best hard hat!

Not all hard hats are appropriate for every job, so be sure to check before buying. Regardless of which Type and Class you need, it has to have ANSI Z89.1 certification.

Milwaukee Hard Hat Options

Milwaukee covers Class C and E with Type 1 hard hats. The big deal is their Bolt Hard Hat Headlamp mount which lets wearers simultaneously use headlamps with other accessories.

Check out these Milwaukee hard hats at Acme Tools:

• 48-73-1000 Type 1, Class C Front Brim Vented: $19.99
• 48-73-1010 Type 1, Class C Full Brim Vented: $24.99
• 48-73-1020 Type 1, Class E Front Brim Non-Vented: $19.99
• 48-73-1030 Type 1, Class E Full Brim Non-Vented: $24.99

Safety Glasses – Eye and Face Protection

OSHA Standards

• General Industry: 1910.133
• Construction Industry: 1926.102

Whether it’s sawdust or splashing chemicals, your eyes are sensitive, vulnerable organs that you can’t work without. There’s almost no job that doesn’t require eye protection. In some cases, you may have to wear glasses with side protection or even a full face shield.

When it comes to choosing this critical construction PPE component, look for ANSI Z87.1 certification.

Milwaukee Safety Glasses Options

• 48-73-2000 Clear Safety Glasses: $9.99
• 48-73-2005 Tinted Safety Glasses: $9.99
• 48-73-2020 Clear Performance Safety Glasses: $19.99
• 48-73-2025 Tinted Performance Safety Glasses: $19.99
• 48-73-2040 Clear Performance Safety Glasses with Gasket: $29.99
• 48-73-2045 Polarized Performance Safety Glasses with Gasket: $39.99

Hearing Protection

OSHA Standards

• General Industry: 1910.95
• Construction Industry: 1926.101

Your hearing has the potential for long-term damage and it’s more than just the curse of husbands and fathers (OSHA doesn’t discuss selective hearing loss). The two major kinds of hearing protection are over-the-ear and in-ear. No matter which one you use, pay attention to the NRR (noise reduction rating). It’s a measure of how many decibels it reduces and can bring physically painful noise levels down to what you can work in for several hours.

You can compare OSHA’s Permissible Noise Exposures to see how much exposure you’re allowed at various decibel ratings. Hearing protection requirements kick in at 85 decibels.

Milwaukee Hearing Protection Options

• 48-73-3001 Ear Plugs (10 pair): $3.99
• 48-73-3151 Reusable Corded Ear Plugs (3-pack): $5.49

Gloves – Hand Protection

OSHA Standards

• General Industry: 1910.138

Gloves can protect your hands from chemicals, burns, cuts, abrasions, and even offer some impact protection. Different materials have different protection characteristics, so no single glove or style works in every environment.

Back in 2016, updated ANSI cut resistance standards transformed it into a simple A1–A9 scale.

Some of Our Favorite Milwaukee Glove Options

• 48-22-8902 Cut Level 1 Dipped Gloves: $4.97
• 48-22-8932 Cut Level 3 Dipped Gloves: $7.99
• 48-22-8952 Cut Level 5 Dipped Gloves: $13.99
• 48-22-8732 Demolition Gloves: $24.99

Boots – Occupational Foot Protection

OSHA Standards

• General Industry: 1910.136
• Construction Industry: 1926.96

The best work boots do more than offer more stability than an old pair of sneakers. Depending on your work environment, you may need protection against falling or rolling objects, piercing through the sole, electrical hazards, and more.

In general, you’re looking for ANSI Z41 certification. OSHA’s general industry standard also mentions ASTM F-2412-2005 and ASTM F-2413-2005 that cover test methods and performance requirements.

Safety Vests – Visibility

OSHA Standards

• General Duty Clause: 5.a.1

OSHA doesn’t have a ton to say about safety vests, aside from clarifications for flaggers on road projects or workers exposed to public vehicular traffic. From there, they reference the MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) 1926.6. The Worker Visibility Rule from the Federal Highway Administration also specifically notes that safety vests or garments are required to protect against vehicular or construction traffic.

The FHWA makes the point that anyone working around moving vehicles or construction equipment should wear high-visibility gear. The earlier an equipment operator sees you, the more time he or she has to react to your presence. Even when there’s not a regulation that requires you to wear a safety vest, you may find your employer requires one anyway.

The bottom line is that if you want to be seen, wear a safety vest, whether you have to or not.

Milwaukee Hi-Visibility Clothing Options

• 410HV-L Hi-Vis WorkSkin Lightweight Shirt: $29.99
• 48-73-5022 Hi-Vis Yellow Safety Vest: $14.97
• 48-73-5032 Hi-Vis Orange Safety Vest: $14.97
• 48-73-5042 Hi-Vis Yellow Performance Safety Vest: $39.99
• 48-73-5052 Hi-Vis Orange Performance Safety Vest: $39.99

Respirators – Respiratory Protection

OSHA Standards

• General Industry: 1910.134
• Construction Industry: 1926.103 (identical to General Industry)

Most of the recent news surrounding respirators as part of construction PPE comes from the concrete industry and the changes to silica dust regulations. But you need a respirator from more than just concrete dust. There are numerous dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, and vapors that kick in their use. Respirators range from hospital masks types to full-on gas masks.

Sometimes, equipment and methods (like Table 1) let you work without a respirator. When those aren’t feasible, you need respiratory protection to protect your lungs. One of the reasons it’s easy to overlook respirators is that damage like silicosis sometimes takes years to set in.

Check for NIOSH efficiency ratings. Respirators come in 95%, 99%, and 100% filtration and different jobs have different requirements.

Lanyards – Tool Tethering

OSHA Standards

• General Duty Clause: 5.a.1

When you’re working above ground level, dropping a tool presents a significant risk of injury or death to people working below you. OSHA regulates safety nets and toe boards but hasn’t officially mandated tool tethering just yet. However, ANSI passed their Dropped Objects Protection (ANSI/ISEA 121-2018) in July 2018 and created a pathway for OSHA to create their own standard in the near future.

Look for load ratings on the tethers you’re considering. You need to make sure the lanyard you’re using is robust enough for the tool you have it attached to.

Helpful Milwaukee Tether Solutions

• 48-22-8822 5-Lb Small Quick-Connect Accessory: $9.97
• 48-22-8810 10-Lb Locking Tool Lanyard: $21.97
• 48-22-8815 15-Lb Locking Tool Lanyard: $26.97
• 48-22-8850 35-Lb Locking Tool Lanyard: $53.97

Fall Protection

• General Industry: 1910.140
• Construction Standard: 1926 Subpart M and 1926.104

Fall protection devices cover a wide range of general and construction PPE and get an entire OSHA Construction Subpart all to themselves. Anytime you’re working 6′ or more above the ground or near a hole more 6′ deep or more, fall protection comes into play. Guardrails and safety nets play a big part in protection, but there are many situations that you need to physically attach your body to a personal fall arrest system.

One thing to keep in mind for construction is that once a lifeline, safety belt, or lanyard (personal, not tool) is subjected to in-service loading, it has to be taken out of service immediately and never used again for fall protection.

Check out the entire Milwaukee PPE and safety lineup at Acme Tools!

The post Construction PPE – Jobsite Personal Protective Equipment Overview appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Milwaukee has a pretty deep lineup of Safety Glasses available, all of which are designed to keep you safe and productive on the jobsite. They fall under the Milwaukee PPE line of personal protection products which includes vests, Milwaukee lighting, safety gloves, banded earplugs, and more. Milwaukee safety glasses include models with anti-scratch lenses, fog-free lenses, magnifying lenses, and tinted lenses. We wanted to cover all of the Safety Glasses options Milwaukee currently offers.

And they have a LOT of options!

Milwaukee Anti-Scratch Safety Glasses

The Milwaukee Anti-Scratch Safety Glasses feature a durable hard coating to protect the lenses from, well, scratches. They also offer a flexible nose bridge for long-lasting comfort. On a side note—nose-pieces like to come off…these look built to last.

Anti-Scratch Magnifying Safety Glasses

If an anti-scratch lense appeals to you, but you’d also like your lenses to do a little work in the magnification department, you’re in for a real treat.

Milwaukee has glasses that feature their hard coating for lens protection, but with magnification areas. They have options from +1.00 and +3.00 diopters in .5 increments. That should make those plans easier to read without having to swap your safety glasses for a pair of readers. These glasses also feature that flexible, comfortable nose bridge.

Fog-Free Safety Glasses

While these Milwaukee Safety Glasses still resist some scratching, the main emphasis is on the fog-free-ness of the lenses. These lenses keep your vision clear in any condition, and they maintain those flexible arms that don’t bother your ears—even when worn all day. Several of us have worn these for hours on end, and we feel they’re as comfortable as any safety glasses (or sunglasses) we’ve worn.

You can also take your pick of lenses, including Clear, Yellow, Gray, and Tinted. The tinted are more traditional sunglasses while the Gray offer a bit of tint while allowing for visibility indoors when you tend to be in both environments.

Performance Safety Glasses

Originally launched in 2019, Milwaukee Safety Glasses saw expanded into their Performance design. What that means is that, rather than simply resisting scratches and fog, the Milwaukee Safety Glasses line saw some impact protection as well. The Milwaukee Performance Safety Glasses feature military-grade impact protection above the Z87.1+ ANSI rating. This protects your eyes from projectiles impacting your lenses at up to 725 feet per second.

They also come Arc Tested following the ASTM F2621 standard. That rates them against ignition, melting, dripping, or after flame with exposure up to 20 cal/cm^2 (clear) or 25 cal/cm^2 (tinted). These won’t defend your whole body against an arc flash event, but your eyes should be well-protected.

Milwaukee Gasketed Glasses

For a completely fog-free experience, check out the Performance line that features a removable gasket. We like that the gasket removes easily and they do a great job protecting your eyes against debris incursion from multiple angles. We use these quite a bit in our shop’s testing lab.

How to Choose

So with all these glasses to choose from, how do you decide? That’s the million-dollar question. We start with the big decisions—like whether or not to get a gasket. Then we figure whether we want to take advantage of any features like magnification for reading. After that, it’s a matter of the Performance line—which features that full-surround frame—or the regular line. We actually like both, but the non_performance glasses certainly deliver a more casual look. They just don’t take impacts as well and don’t come Arc Tested following the ASTM F2621 standard.

Milwaukee Safety Glasses Lineup

By the numbers, Milwaukee has around 18 different models to choose from. Regardless of your preferences, you should be able to find a pair to suit your style and needs.

• 48-73-2010 – Safety Glasses – Clear Anti-Scratch Lenses—$7.97
• 48-73-2012 – Safety Glasses – Clear Fog-Free Lenses—$14.97
• 48-73-2015 – Safety Glasses – Tinted Anti-Scratch Lenses—$7.97
• 48-73-2017 – Safety Glasses – Tinted Fog-Free Lenses—$14.97
• 48-73-2020 – Performance Safety Glasses – Clear Fog-Free Lenses—$19.97
• 48-73-2025 – Performance Safety Glasses – Tinted Fog-Free Lenses—$19.97
• 48-73-2040 – Performance Safety Glasses w/Gasket – Clear Fog-Free Lenses—$29.97
• 48-73-2045 – Performance Safety Glasses w/Gasket – Tinted Fog-Free Lenses—$39.97
• 48-73-2100 – Safety Glasses – Yellow Anti-Scratch Lenses—$7.97
• 48-73-2102 – Safety Glasses – Yellow Fog-Free Lenses—$14.97
• 48-73-2105 – Safety Glasses – Gray Anti-Scratch Lenses—$7.97
• 48-73-2107 – Safety Glasses – Gray Fog-Free Lenses—$14.97
• 48-73-2120 – Performance Safety Glasses – Yellow Fog-Free Lenses—$19.97
• 48-73-2125 – Performance Safety Glasses – Gray Fog-Free Lenses—$19.97
• 48-73-2200 – Safety Glasses – +1.0 Magnified Clear Anti-Scratch Lenses—$10.97
• 48-73-2202 – Safety Glasses – +1.5 Magnified Clear Anti-Scratch Lenses—$10.97
• 48-73-2204 – Safety Glasses – +2.0 Magnified Clear Anti-Scratch Lenses—$10.97
• 48-73-2206 – Safety Glasses – +2.5 Magnified Clear Anti-Scratch Lenses—$10.97
• 48-73-2208 – Safety Glasses – +3.0 Magnified Clear Anti-Scratch Lenses—$10.97

The post Milwaukee Safety Glasses and Lenses Explained appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Older Eyes Still Have to Work

From the minute we’re born, we start dying. It’s all pain and aging until we eventually get shuffled off this mortal coil, with a whole lot of work and toil along the way. But, before we get to the sweet relief of blissful release, Pyramex Carhartt Braswell Jobsite Reading Glasses can provide some sort of respite from the effects of your eyes breaking down. And, they look great while they’re doing it.

Safety and Magnification

If reading screens, plans, or small fonts on the job present a challenge, Pyramex Carhartt Braswell Reading Glasses can help. These bifocals come in three degrees of magnification: 1.5x, 2x, and 2.5x.

Beyond just the Braswell Reader’s powers of magnification, however, they also protect your eyes comfortably. The half-frame design only weighs 25 grams. With the customized fit, these reading glasses look like they’ll feel virtually weightless. You also get an anti-fog coating that helps keep your vision unobstructed.

The Carhartt Braswell Reading Glasses feature an adjustable thermoplastic rubber nosepiece, with TPR temple tips for comfortability. The polycarbonate temple stems ratchet to better fit the shape of your head.

Finally, Carhartt designed the Braswell Reading Glasses to hold up against jobsite rigors. Both the frames and lenses are made from polycarbonate. That’s the stuff originally designed for the aerospace industry for its durable and shatter-resistant properties. The material is thinner and lighter than plastic for the same level of strength. In fact, these readers even carry ANSI and CSA ratings for high impact.

Pricing

The Pyramex Carhartt Braswell Reading Glasses are available in a black and tan frame. All of the three magnification levels retail for $7.99. For more information about these jobsite readers, click here.

Carhartt Braswell Reading Glasses Specs

• Model: Carhartt CHB1110TR15, CHB1110TR20, CHB1110TR25
• Magnification: 1.5/2.0/2.5
• Visible Light Transmitted: 380-780nm (96%)
• UVA, UVB Blocked: 200-380nm (100%)
• Blue Light Blocked: 400-700nm 9%
• IR Blocked: 780-2000nm (18%)
• Price: $7.99

The post Pyramex Carhartt Braswell Jobsite Reading Glasses appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.