WARNING!
Failure to follow all warnings, cautions and instructions that come with the hard hat can result in serious injury or death.

Q. How long will my North or Fibre Metal hard hat last? What is the service life?
A. Service life of a hard hat is job, environment and maintenance specific, but it is a good idea to have a preventive maintenance program. We suggest replacing the hard hat suspension yearly or every two years. Keep records of purchases so the hard hat can be replaced on a regular basis. The shell, suspension and headband of the hard hat should be visually inspected daily. Look for cracks, dents, or wear that might reduce the protection of the hard hat. Check the suspension tabs (connects the suspension to the shell) for cracks and the straps for fraying or tearing. Replace the hard hat if it shows any signs of significant wear or damage. (See WARNING!)

Q. Are replacement parts available for my hard hat?
A. Yes. Use only North replacement parts for your North cap and Fibre Metal replacement parts for your Fibre Metal hard hat. NEVER try to install suspensions from one cap manufacturer to another. (See WARNING!)

Q. Is there a date code inside the hard hat?
A. Yes, all hats and caps have a date code indicator inside of the shell that will indicate at least the year and month of the manufacture of the shell.

Q. How do I adjust my hard hat?
A. Wear the hard hat according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Adjust the cap or hat so it fits comfortably and securely on the head. In general, the shell should be level on the head while the headband can be adjusted or a customized fit and feel. Never place anything in the space between the suspension and the shell. That space is an important part of the impact energy control system. (See WARNING!)

Q. Can I wear a baseball cap or hooded sweatshirt under my North or Fibre Metal hard hat?
A. Wearing a baseball hat under a hard hat will interfere with the suspension and shell which work together to reduce the force of an impact. The bill of the baseball cap worn under a hard hat will not allow the head protection to sit level on the head, in the work position. North/Fibre Metal recommends NOT wearing a baseball hat under a hard hat.

A hooded sweatshirt, winter liners and cooling headwear should not affect the performance of a hard hat if these products are worn properly and are fitted smoothly on the head.

Winter liners are designed to attach to the hard hat suspension and seat down onto the head. Cooling bandanas and kerchiefs should also be worn completely down on the head so it does not interfere with the suspension bands. (See WARNING!)

Q. What are the ANSI dielectric ratings on the hard hat label?
A. There are three ANSI electrical insulation ratings:
Class E        Tested to 20,000 volts                                 Example: E2RW
Class G       Tested to 2,200 volts                                   Example: P2RW
Class C       No Electrical Protection     Not Tested         Example: P2QRW

Q. Can I paint or apply stickers to my North/Fibre Metal hard hat?
A. Do not paint, imprint, apply decals or stickers without the written permission of North Safety Products. Paint can attack the shell and cause degradation and stickers can cover cracks or damage on the shell. (See WARNING!)

Q. Can I drill holes in my North/Fibre Metal hard hat?
A. Do not alter, modify or drill holes in the hard hat shell in any manner unless specifically allowed by the written instructions that come with the hard hat or accessory. This will greatly reduce the degree of protection provided by the shell. (See WARNING!)

Q. How do I clean my North/Fibre Metal hard hat?
A. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Do not clean with solvents or any cleaner not approved by the manufacturer. (See WARNING!)

Q. How do I store my North/Fibre Metal hard hat?
A. Store your hard hat in a clean, dry room temperature environment out of direct sunlight or other harmful energy sources when not in use. Do not store a hard hat where it is exposed to temperature extremes or direct sunlight. Never store the hard hat on the back window shelf of a car or truck or in the trunk of the car. Do not compress the shell to try to fit it into a toolbox or other space-restricted area. (See WARNING!)