What type of head protection must be used?

Head protection must comply with any of the following consensus standards:

• ANSI Z89.1-2009, “American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection,” incorporated by reference in Sec. 1910.6;
• ANSI Z89.1-2003, “American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection,” incorporated by reference in Sec. 1910.6; or
• ANSI Z89.1-1997, “American National Standard for Personnel Protection—Protective Headwear for Industrial Workers—Requirements,” incorporated by reference in Sec. 1910.6.

Head protection devices that an employer demonstrates are at least as effective as head protection devices that are constructed in accordance with one of the above consensus standards will be deemed to be in compliance with the standard.

There are many types of hard hats available in the marketplace today. In addition to selecting protective headgear that meets 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.

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 are divided into three industrial classes:

• Class G (General) hard hats provide impact and penetration resistance along with limited voltage protection (up to 2,200 volts).
• Class E (Electrical) hard hats provide the highest level of protection against electrical hazards, with high-voltage shock and burn protection (up to 20,000 volts). They also provide protection from impact and penetration hazards by flying/falling objects.
• Class C (Conductive) hard hats provide lightweight comfort and impact protection but offer no protection from electrical hazards.

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 1 ¹/₄ inches (2.54 cm to 3.18 cm) away from the head. This type of design provides shock absorption during an impact and ventilation during normal wear. Some protective headgear allows for the use of various accessories to help employees deal with changing environmental conditions, such as slots for earmuffs, safety glasses, face shields, and mounted lights. Optional brims may provide additional protection from the sun and some hats have channels that guide rainwater away from the face. Protective headgear accessories must not compromise the safety elements of the equipment.