• Head protection is classified by ANSI as Type 1 or Type 2, and as Class G, E or C.
• Head protection should resist penetration, absorb shock, and be water resistant and slow burning.
• Head protection standards are set in ANSI Z89.1, American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection.

There are many types of hard hats available today. That’s why in addition to selecting protective headgear that meets American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard requirements, employers should ensure that employees wear hard hats that provide appropriate protection against potential workplace hazards. It is important for employers to understand all potential hazards when making this selection, including electrical hazards. This can be done through a comprehensive hazard analysis and an awareness of the different types of protective headgear available.

When purchasing new hard hats, employers may run across the ANSI Z89.1 designation. There are two types of helmets based on impact capabilities:

ANSI also designated three classes based on electrical protection:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will deem any head protection device that the employer demonstrates is at least as effective as a head protection device constructed in accordance with one of the identified ANSI consensus standards above to be in compliance with 1926.100. Whatever system you use, be sure you select the hard hat that gives adequate protection.

Another class of protective headgear on the market is called a “bump hat,” designed for use in areas with low head clearance. They are recommended for areas where protection is needed from head bumps and lacerations. These are not designed to protect against falling or flying objects and are not ANSI approved. It is essential to check the type of hard hat employees are using to ensure that the equipment provides appropriate protection. Each hat should bear a label inside the shell that lists the manufacturer, the ANSI designation, and the class of the hat.

An employer may run across the old designations (Class A, B, and C) from time to time. However, employers should purchase hard hats with new designations found in ANSI’s newest requirements for hard hats, and should pay particular attention to the new class designations for insulation against electrical hazards.

What are the criteria for head protection?

In general, protective helmets or hard hats should do the following:

• Resist penetration by objects.
• Absorb the shock of a blow.
• Be water-resistant and slow burning.
• Have clear instructions explaining proper adjustment and replacement of the suspension and headband.

Hard hats must have a hard outer shell and a shock-absorbing lining that incorporates a headband and straps that suspend the shell from 1 to 1¼ inches away from the head. This type of design provides shock absorption during an impact and ventilation during normal wear.

Protective headgear must meet the requirements of any of the following consensus standards incorporated by reference in 1926.6:

• American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z89.1-2009, American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection;
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z89.1-2003, American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection; or
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z89.1-1997, American National Standard for Personnel Protection—Protective Headwear for Industrial Workers—Requirements.

In addition, the employer must ensure that the head protection provided for each employee exposed to high-voltage electric shock and burns also meets the specifications contained in Section 9.7 (“Electrical Insulation”) of any of the consensus standards mentioned above.