Can Hard Hats Expire?

MSA hard hat shells should be used no longer than 5 years, while suspensions should be replaced after 12 months. Both are the maximum time frame for replacement, calculated from date of first use. The date of manufacture is stamped or molded onto the hard hat shell, usually on the underside of the brim.

Why do hard hats have expiration dates?

The reason hard hats expire is pretty simple—They become less effective over time. Since hard hat manufactures must meet safety standards, they are created to be extremely durable—However, they do not last forever. Depending on your work environment, your hard hat might need to be replaced at different rates.

How do you read a hard hat expiration date?

The date code indicates when the hat was molded. Date codes are molded into the hat shell and they specify the following: • Day; • Month; and • Year the hat or cap was molded. The large arrow inside the “Month/Year” circle points to the month, and the two digits inside that inner circle indicate the year.