Jul 17, 2012
Posted on Jul 17, 2012 in Head Protection | 0 comments
OSHA requires head protection be worn in any environment where there is a potential for injury to the head [29 CFR 1910.135]. In addition, the head protection must comply with ANSI Z89.1 performance guidelines.
All hard hats are classified according to the specific impact and electrical performance requirements they are designed to meet. This classification is also commonly referred to as the ANSI Z89.1 standard.
Industrial head protective helmets meeting the requirements of the standard are classified as Type I for top protection or Type II for lateral impact protection. Both types are tested for impact attenuation and penetration resistance. Type II helmet performance requirements include criteria for impact energy attenuation from impacts from the front, back and sides as well as the top; off-center penetration resistance, and chin strap retention.
All hard hats in accordance with this standard meet or exceed either Type I or Type II impact requirements. In addition to type classifications, all hard hats are further classified as meeting Class G, Class E, or Class C electrical requirements. Each of these types and electrical classes are outlined below:
Impact Types
- Type I Hard Hats – Type I hard hats are intended to reduce the force of impact resulting for a blow only to the top of the head.
- Type II Hard Hats – Type II hard hats are intended to reduce the force of impact resulting from a blow, which may be received off center or to the top of the head. A Type II hard hat typically is lined on the inside with thick high-density foam.
Electrical Classes
- Class G (General) – Class G hard hats 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 hard hat protects the wearer. Please note: Class G hard hats were formerly known as Class A.
- Class E (Electrical) – Class E hard hats 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. Please note: Class E hard hats were formerly known as Class B.
- Class C (Conductive) – Class C hard hats are not intended to provide protection against contact with electrical conductors.
Aug 19, 2010
Posted on Aug 19, 2010 in Head Protection | 1 comment
Written on Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Construction workers, highway workers, miners, and utility workers are just a few of the people who utilize a full-brim hard hat. OSHA has very specific requirements that all employers must be in compliance with when it comes to safety equipment in the workplace. Full-brim hard hats are good for accidental falls, debris, spills, splashes, heat, and the sun. There are many companies that manufacture the full-brim style hard hat. Full-brim hard hats, just like any other, are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Hard hats are ridged and very lightweight. They are created to be worn in comfort all day. They are not less comfortable than partial-brim hats. It is better to have more protection than you need. There is nothing wrong with preferring a hat with a full-brim.
Hard hats must be made to the standards of OSHA and in compliance with ANSI Z89.1. No matter what hard had you obtain, make sure that it meets all required standards. Most companies that manufacture hard hats meet these guidelines. It never hurts to check, since you are better safe than sorry.
It does not hurt to wear a full-brim hard hat anywhere that a hard hat is required. Full-brim hard hats are very common in places where temperature is elevated. Full-brim hard heads offer extra protection against humidity, the sun, and heat in general. Full-brim style hard hats offer the most protection against falling or flying debris. They offer extra protection to the face and eyes, especially when something is falling from above. They are great for sun, rain, and glare.
Some full-brim hard hats are created to glow in the dark. These are great for construction workers who are working at night or miners who have very low levels of light. The number one advantage to the full-brim hard hat is that you can go from environment to environment without worrying about changes in your hard hat. You are protected all the way around. This will allow employees to work with minimal to no interference.
It never hurts to have more than you need when it comes to hard hats and safety in the workplace. It is easier to wear a full-brim hard hat if you are changing areas on a frequent basis. You do not have to worry about changing hats. If you forget to switch hats and wear the wrong one in the wrong place, you could be risking serious injury.
No matter what type of hard hat you need, you can request it with a full-brim. You may need a hat that protects from above impact, side impact, a mixture of the two, or electric current. All of these can be equipped with a full-brim.
There surely are no disadvantages to the full-brim hard hat. It helps to protect the eyes and face. It also helps to protect your neck from behind when it comes to being hit with debris from above.
