Criteria for Protective Helmets
OSHA 1910.135, Head Protection, requires protective helmets to meet the ANSI Z89.1 standard or be demonstrated by the employer to be equally effective. Purchasing helmets that meet these standards ensures that appropriate testing has been conducted and that the quality of the materials (webbing and shell) is adequate.
When it's determined that impact and electrical hazards exist, choose the most appropriate helmet from the categories listed below.
Impact Type Helmets
- Type I: A Type I helmet is designed to provide protection only to the top of the head. It is not intended to provide protection from side impacts. This is the most commonly used type of hard hat in use.
- Type II: A Type II helmet is designed to provide protection against both top and side impacts.
Electrical Classes
- Class G (General): Class G helmets are intended to reduce the danger of contact exposure to low voltage conductors. Test samples are proof-tested at 2200 volts (phase to ground). However, this voltage is not intended as an indication of the voltage at which the helmet protects the wearer.
- Class E (Electrical): Class E helmets are intended to reduce the danger of exposure to high voltage conductors. Test samples are proof-tested at 20,000 volts (phase to ground). However, this voltage is not intended as an indication of the voltage at which the helmet protects the wearer.
- Class C (Conductive): Class C helmets are not intended to provide protection against contact with electrical conductors.
Bump Caps
Bump caps/skull guards should be issued and worn for protection against scalp lacerations from contact with sharp objects. However, it's very important to understand that they must not be worn as substitutes for safety caps/hats because they do not provide protection from impact forces or penetration by falling objects.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-2. Which class of safety helmet has been proof-tested to 20,000 volts?
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