Hard Hats - Vented, Unvented & Long Peak | Made in Australia

Hard hats — vented, unvented & long peak

The workhorse of site PPE. A hard hat is replaced every 3 years and worn every day in between, so getting the spec right matters: vented or unvented, standard peak or long peak, Class G or Class E, Type 1 or Type 2. All AS/NZS 1801-certified Australian-made shells in this range, suitable for construction, demolition, manufacturing, and general industrial use.

Vented vs unvented — the core decision

• Vented — slotted shell for airflow. The default for hot summer work; significantly reduces heat stress. Class C only (no electrical protection), so unsuitable near live conductors.
• Unvented — solid shell. Maintains Class G (2,200V) or Class E (20,000V) electrical rating. Required for electrical trades and any work where energised equipment is present. Hotter to wear — pair with cooling sweatbands.

Peak length

• Standard peak — short forward brim for general use. Lowest weight, works with most face-shield attachments.
• Long peak — extended forward brim for sun, rain, and debris protection over the face. Popular with roofing, demolition, and surveyors.

For full 360° sun protection, step up to broad brim or full brim hard hats.

Harness and fit

Most Australian hard hats use a 6-point polyester or nylon harness with a ratchet adjuster. Ratchet systems allow fine one-handed sizing; pin-lock systems are cheaper but less adjustable. For long-shift comfort, look for padded sweatbands (replaceable) and a terry-cloth or foam brow pad.

Accessory compatibility

Check the shell for standard accessory slots — most Australian hard hats accept universal-fit earmuff and visor attachments. Specialised accessories (welding visors, winter liners, high-vis covers) are listed in our accessories range.

Colour-coding on site

Most large Australian sites use colour-coded helmets by role: white for site management, blue for technical/electrical, orange for traffic and safety, green for first-aid, yellow for general trades. Check with your site supervisor for the local colour convention before issuing helmets.

Standards & compliance

All hard hats in this range meet AS/NZS 1801. The specific classification (Type 1 vs Type 2, Class G vs Class E vs Class C) is listed on each product page. Retire every helmet at 3 years from manufacture date (moulded inside the shell) or immediately after any impact.

Frequently asked questions

Vented or unvented — which should I buy?

If there's any risk of working near live conductors (overhead power lines, switchboards, energised plant), use unvented Class G or E. For ground-level construction away from electrical hazards, vented is far more comfortable in hot weather.

What's the difference between Type 1 and Type 2?

Type 1 covers top-of-head impact from falling objects. Type 2 adds side-impact protection — required on some mining and heavy civil sites where laterally-directed impacts are a risk. Check your site's PPE specification.

How do I read the date-code?

Look inside the shell for a moulded date-wheel or date-stamp — usually a year in the centre with an arrow pointing to the month of manufacture. Some manufacturers use an ISO week-format (e.g., 12/24 = week 12 of 2024). Retire at 3 years from that date.

Can I use a hard hat for climbing work?

No — industrial hard hats are tested for vertical impacts from falling objects, not for the front and side impacts that occur in climbing falls. For work at heights, climbing, or rescue, use EN 12492-certified helmets from our E-Man range.

Do you offer trade or bulk pricing?

Yes — trade accounts get 5% off RRP, and carton-quantity discounts apply. Fleet orders with custom printing are available. Apply for a trade account →