| OSHA |
Both of the Head Protection standards must be followed by employers whenever there is potential to head injuries due to “impacts [due to fixed objects], falling or flying objects, or electrical shock.”
Employers are obligated to provide hard hats to each employee and ensure that employees wear protective coverings in the following situations, and that the protective head covering complies to the following ANSI standard(s):
- (ANSI) Z89.1-2014, “American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection” (revision to ANSI Z89.1-2009)
- (ANSI) Z89.1-1997, “American National Standard for Personnel Protection - Protective Headwear for Industrial Workers—Requirements” (i.e., Type I and Type II designations; and Class G, E, and C designations)
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| ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 |
In summary, ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 includes specifications for Type I and Type II helmets designed to protect a person’s head from lateral (or top-only impact), giving employers and users the flexibility to specify the helmet that best meets the needs of their specific workplace.
- Type I: Lateral (top-only) protection
- Type II: Lateral (top-only) impact protection
- Helmet performance requirements include criteria for energy reduction from impacts made to the front, back, sides, and top
- Off-center penetration resistance
- Chin strap retention
- Both types (I and II) are tested for impact attenuation and penetration resistance
ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 standard is the seventh Z89.1 update, and specifies the following THREE (3) changes from the 2009 standard as follows:
- Accessories or Replacement Components
- Manufacturer(s) are required to prove that their product(s) do not cause the helmet to fail; and be able to provide evidence that their product(s) would not cause the helmet to fail requirements outlined in the Head Protection Standard.
- High Temperature Section
- Includes an optional temperature precondition of 140º F +/- 3.6º F (60º C +/- 2º C). (The 2009 Standard precondition was conducted at 120º F +/- 3.6º F (48.8º C +/- 2º C). Protective head equipment that meets the higher 140º F performance rating shall be designated with a “HT” (high-temp) marking.
- Instructions and Markings:
- It is the sole discretion of the manufacturer to specifying the helmet’s “useful service life” by the number of years, or conditions that could affect its ability to protect over time.
- Each hard hat that conforms to the 2014 Standard must include the appropriately marking inside to verify compliance:
- “ANSI Z89.1-2014”
- Manufacturer name or identification
- Date of manufacture
- The Type and Class
- The approximate head size range
- Markings must also include applicable performance-related features listed in the following order:
- Reverse donning icon
- LT (Lower Temperature)
- HV (High Visibility)
- HT (Higher Temperature)
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| EN 397 |
European Standard for industrial safety helmets that meet the following:
- Shock absorption (vertical impact)
- Penetration resistant against sharp or pointed objects
- Flame resistant
- Chin strap releases at 150N – 250N (Newtons) of force
- Optional requirements, based on environment
- -20° - 30°C
- 150°C or greater
- 440V electrical insulation
- Molten metal
- Lateral deformation
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| EN 12492 |
European Standard for helmets for mountaineers that provides protection against hazards that may occur during activities undertaken by mountaineers as it pertains to:
- Shock absorption, vertical, frontal, lateral, dorsal
- Penetration resistance
- Chin strap
- releases at 500N (minimum)
- may exhibit maximum elongation of 25mm
- Helmet must not slide from the head
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| NOTE: |
Bump caps do NOT meet OSHA or ANSI requirements for head protection. Bump caps are designed to protect the scalp by reducing exposure to abrasions and lacerations caused by minor scrapes and bumps to the head. |
| Pinlock |
Similar to the adjustment style of a baseball cap. Pins can be quickly adjusted my moving to the hole that provides the best fit. |
| Ratchet |
Ratchet: Adjusts by turning a wheel, or knob. Can be tightened or loosened with one hand.
NOTE: A Swing-strap ratchet accommodates hard hats that are worn backwards in certain applications. |
| Type I (1) |
Impact protection from blows to the top of the hard hat. Common to use in the USA. |
| Type II (2) |
Impact protection from blows to the front, back, and side of the hard hat, absorbs impact typically through padded insulation. Common to use in Europe. (see also EN Safety Standards) |
| “G” General |
Withstands 2200 volts of electricity |
| “E” Electrical |
Withstands up to 20,000 volts of electricity |
| “C” Conductive |
No protection from electric shock |
