If your team works on site, you know the routine: hard hat, hi-vis, boots, then the rest of the kit. Too often the polos and hoodies come from one place and the safety gear from another. We now do both, so here is how it works, starting with the bit that surprises people: a hard hat is nothing like a polo shirt.
Why A Hard Hat Can't Be Embroidered
Embroidery needs fabric to stitch into, and our vinyl goes on with a heat press. A hard hat is a rigid plastic shell with neither. So we don't embroider it and we don't put it under a heat press. Instead, your logo goes on as a printed sticker (UV DTF) that is applied cold, with no heat anywhere near the shell. We size and place it from your artwork, and digitising and set-up are free.
A Quick Word On Stickers And Safety
Helmet makers take what goes on a shell seriously. JSP, for example, advises that paint, solvents, adhesives and self-adhesive labels shouldn't be applied unless they follow the maker's own instructions, because some products can weaken the plastic. It's a fair point and we'd rather you heard it from us. Our hat is the Portwest Endurance safety helmet, so Portwest's own instructions are the ones to look at, along with any rules your site has about markings on helmets. If you're unsure, ask us before you order and we'll talk it through.
The Hat
The hard hat is an EN 397 safety helmet in one size, with an adjustable 55–62cm harness, in blue, white or yellow. It's about £19.45 with your logo sticker included, or £17.50 with a free trade account. Volume discounts take 5% off from 10 hats, 10% from 25 and 15% from 50.
Who Needs One
The HSE says that on almost all construction sites the risks of head injury are such that the law requires head protection to be worn, and that employers must make sure workers are provided with, and wear, suitable head protection. It also warns that fake hard hats are on the market, so it pays to buy from a reputable supplier. Every site and trade is different, so check what applies to yours.
Hat, Vest And Boots In One Order
Most people on site need three things together, so we've bundled them as the Builder's Site Bundle add-on: the hard hat, a hi-vis vest with your logo on the front, and a pair of black steel toe cap and midsole boots (S1P). At the time of writing that's £51.23, or £46.11 with a trade account. If your team would prefer a lighter shoe, the safety trainer is a £5 upgrade.
You can add it to any of our fixed-price bundles, including the Gas Safe, NICEIC, F-Gas and Winter bundles, using the Add to your bundle panel on the bundles page. Or build your own kit on the Safety Gear page, where you can also tick safety glasses, nitrile grip gloves and kneepads. Those extras are unbranded, so they're priced plainly. Prices are shown live on the page.
Our earlier posts cover the range in more detail: safety gear in every bundle and trade kits with the safety gear already ticked.
Hard Hat Or Bump Cap?
They look similar but they aren't the same. A bump cap guards against knocks and scrapes, and a hard hat is built to a safety helmet standard. Where your site asks for a hard hat, a bump cap isn't a substitute.
Ordering
Pick your colour on the hard hats page and add it to your cart, then upload your logo there, or send us your artwork through the contact page and we'll quote you. There is no minimum order, so one hat is fine. Not sure your logo file is ready? Our guide to getting your logo ready explains what we can use. We say most jobs are ready in 48 hours, and you can collect from Ramsgate or have it posted.
The rest of the team's clothing can go on the same order. Our three ways to shop will help you find it fast.
Questions
Can you put my logo on a hard hat?
Yes. A hard hat's rigid shell can't be embroidered and can't go under a heat press, so your logo goes on as a printed sticker (UV DTF) applied cold, with no heat near the shell. Send us your artwork and we'll size and place it. Digitising and set-up are free.
Is the logo included in the price of the hard hat?
Yes. The hard hat is about £19.45, or £17.50 with a free trade account, and that includes your logo as a sticker. Volume discounts of 5%, 10% and 15% apply from 10, 25 and 50 items.
Can I put any sticker or paint on a hard hat?
Check the helmet maker's instructions first. Makers such as JSP advise against paint, solvents and adhesives or self-adhesive labels unless they follow the maker's guidance, because some products can weaken the plastic. Our hat is the Portwest Endurance safety helmet, so Portwest's own instructions are the ones to look at, and so are any rules on your site.
Is a bump cap the same as a hard hat?
No. A bump cap protects against knocks and scrapes, but it is not a replacement for a hard hat where a safety helmet is required. Where your site asks for a hard hat, that is what you need to wear.
Can I add a hard hat to a Gas Safe, NICEIC or Winter bundle?
Yes. Every fixed-price bundle has an Add to your bundle panel with photos and prices. Tick the hard hat, or the whole Builder's Site Bundle of hat, hi-vis vest and boots, and the price updates straight away.
Is there a minimum order, and how long does it take?
There is no minimum order and no set-up fee, so one hat is fine. We say most jobs are ready in 48 hours. Postage and packaging is extra, or you can collect from our workshop in Ramsgate.