What are the Different Types of Hard Hat Regulations?

So you need to purchase a hard hat for your place of work. But do you know type and class of hard hat your workplace requires? This guide will educate you on the current standards and regulations placed by the American National Standards Institute.

ANSI placed standards on hard hats starting in 1986, and has revised their standards several times in the past fifteen years. In order to prevent confusion, we will not be focusing on past standards, only the current ones on place.

Hard hats can be designated as either type I or type II, and be classified as class G, E, or C. A hard hat only has these designations if it has been approved by ANSI. While a hard hat can only have one type, it can have multiple classes.

A hard hat is deemed type I or type II based on its ability to protect your head. A type I hard hat is rated to only protect the top of your head. A type II hard hat is rated to protect both the top and sides of your head. Type II hard hats have extra cushioning around the inner sides of the helmet to protect the sides of your head.

Hard hat classes represent a hard hat’s ability to prevent electrical shock. Class G hard hats (general) have been tested to prevent shock from 2,200 volts or less. Class E hard hats (electrical) have been tested to prevent shock from 20,000 volts or less. Class C hard hats (conductive) do not give the user any protection from electrical shock.

Not all hard hats go through ANSI testing. Some hard hats, such as bump caps, have not undergone testing and are only meant to be used as protection from light, top of the head impacts.

It is important when choosing a hard hat to select the right type and class for your line of work. Check the item description to find out what designations the hard hat has, if any. Do not assume that a certain type of hard hat, such as a full brim hard hat, is type I or type II, always check first. If you have a hard hat and wish to find out if it is ANSI compliant, check inside the shell of the hard hat for an ANSI certification label.