Wiktor Wise
Hard hats are classified into types and classes to ensure workers are protected from electrical and impact hazards. The type of hard hat indicates the level of impact protection, while the class indicates the degree of electrical performance. According to ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (R2019) and Canadian CSA Z94.1-2005 standards, hard hat electrical performance is divided into three categories: Class E (Electrical), Class G (General), and Class C (Conductive). Each class offers varying levels of protection against electrical hazards and are designed for specific work environments. Understanding these classifications is crucial for selecting the appropriate hard hat for a particular job.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of protection indicated by | Type |
| Degree of electrical performance indicated by | Class |
| Protection from impact to the top of the head | Type I |
| Protection from lateral impact to the side or top of the head | Type II |
| Dielectric protection from electrical shock up to 2,200 volts | Class G |
| Dielectric protection from electrical shock up to 20,000 volts | Class E |
| No electrical insulation, protection from impact hazards | Class C |
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What You'll Learn
ANSI hard hat classes
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) sets standards for the design, testing, and performance of personal protective equipment, including hard hats. ANSI hard hat classes indicate the degree of electrical performance and deal specifically with electrical insulation capabilities. ANSI hard hats are divided into three classes: G, E, and C, each designed for specific electrical insulation capabilities and work environments.
Class G hard hats are suitable for general use with minimal electrical hazards and can protect against low voltage conductors, offering dielectric protection of up to 2,200 volts (phase to ground). Formerly categorized as "Class A", the Class G hard hat is the most commonly sold hard hat style by Cooper Safety Supply. Ironworkers commonly wear this type of hard hat, which requires a certain degree of dielectric protection.
Class E hard hats are designed to reduce exposure to high-voltage conductors, offering dielectric protection of up to 20,000 volts (phase to ground). This class of hard hats is mandatory when work involves potential exposure to high-voltage electrical currents exceeding 2,200 volts. Electricians and utility workers rely on the robust electrical insulation these hard hats offer. Formerly associated with a "Class B" rating, Class E hard hats may also be considered to have a Class G (General) rating, as their increased level of voltage protection surpasses the required standards of the Glass G testing procedure.
Class C (Conductive) hard hats differ from their counterparts as they are not intended to provide protection against contact with electrical conductors. Instead, Class C hard hats may include vented options, which protect the wearer from impact and provide increased breathability through their conductive material (such as aluminium) or added ventilation.
It is important to note that the degree of protection offered by these hard hats is designated to the head only and is not an indication of voltage protection allocated to the user as a whole.
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Electrical performance
Class E (Electrical) hard hats offer the highest level of electrical protection, providing dielectric protection against high voltage conductors up to 20,000 volts (phase to ground). This class is suitable for workers exposed to high voltage environments, such as utility workers and power line workers. It's important to note that the voltage protection in Class E hard hats is specific to the head and does not account for the user's whole body.
Class G (General) hard hats offer a lower level of electrical protection, suitable for low voltage conductors. They provide dielectric protection up to 2,200 volts (phase to ground). Class G hard hats are commonly used by iron workers and other professionals who require a certain degree of electrical protection. Like Class E hard hats, the protection offered by Class G hard hats is specific to the head and does not extend to the user's entire body.
Class C (Conductive) hard hats differ significantly from the previous two classes as they are not designed to provide protection against electrical conductors. Instead, they focus on impact protection and breathability, often featuring vented options made of conductive materials like aluminum. Class C hard hats are suitable for work environments without electrical hazards, such as manufacturing and construction sites where electrical contact is not a concern.
The choice between these classes depends on the specific work environment and the level of electrical protection required. It is essential to assess the potential electrical risks in the workplace and select the appropriate class of hard hat to ensure the safety of workers.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the classification of hard hats based on electrical performance is just one aspect of their design. Hard hats are also classified into types (such as Type I and Type II), which indicate the level of impact protection they provide. When choosing a hard hat, both the type and class should be considered to ensure comprehensive protection.
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Type I and Type II
Hard hats are classified as Type I or Type II based on ANSI and CSA standards for impact resistance and direction. A hard hat can only have one designation for impact properties. Type I hard hats are designed to protect against impacts to the top of the head, while Type II hard hats offer more comprehensive protection, reducing the force of impacts to the top, front, back, and sides of the head. Type II hard hats are also tested for off-centre penetration resistance and chin strap retention.
Type I hard hats are intended to reduce the force of impact resulting from a blow only to the top of the head. This form of impact may result from a hammer or nail gun falling from above. Type I hard hats are commonly used in industries such as construction, forestry, and mining. Occupations that require Type I hard hats include construction workers, electricians, and welders.
Type II hard hats are intended to reduce the force of lateral impact resulting from a blow that may be received off-centre, from the side, or to the top of the head. This form of impact may result from contact with the sharp corner of a side beam. Type II hard hats offer enhanced protection from lateral impacts, making them ideal for environments with potential side hazards, such as moving equipment. Occupations that require Type II hard hats include tower climbers, heavy equipment operators, and those working in confined spaces.
In addition to the type of hard hat, it is important to consider the electrical hazards of the work environment. Hard hats are also classified into three classes—Class G, Class E, and Class C—each designed for a specific level of electrical performance and work environment. Class G hard hats are suitable for environments with minimal electrical hazards, providing protection up to 2,200 volts. Class E hard hats are required for work involving high-voltage electrical currents up to 20,000 volts. Class C hard hats are designed for environments where electrical hazards are non-existent and prioritise ventilation and comfort.
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Class E hard hats
According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), a hard hat is mandatory in work areas where there is a risk of exposure to electrical conductors that could potentially come in contact with the head. In such environments, workers must wear specially designed protective helmets to protect against electrical shock hazards.
ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (R2019) and Canadian CSA Z94.1-2005 standards divide hard hat electrical performance into three categories: Class E (Electrical), Class G (General), and Class C (Conductive).
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Class G hard hats
According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), hard hats are mandatory in work areas where there is a risk of head injury from falling objects or exposure to electrical conductors.
ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (R2019) and Canadian CSA Z94.1-2005 standards divide hard hat electrical performance into three categories: Class E (Electrical), Class G (General), and Class C (Conductive).
Iron workers commonly wear Class G hard hats, such as the MSA Skullgard Hard Hat, when they require a certain degree of dielectric protection. Class G hard hats are the most commonly sold hard hat style by Cooper Safety Supply.
DAX also manufactures Class G hard hats, including the DAX Full Brim Hard Hat and the DAX Jungle Carbon Fiber Full Brim Hard Hat.
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Frequently asked questions
Class E (Electrical) Hard Hats are designed to reduce exposure to high-voltage conductors and offer dielectric protection of up to 20,000 volts.
Class G (General) Hard Hats are designed to reduce exposure to low-voltage conductors and offer dielectric protection of up to 2,200 volts.
Class C (Conductive) Hard Hats do not provide protection against electrical conductors and are not rated for electrical work. They are designed to protect the wearer from impact hazards and can be vented to provide breathability.
Type I Hard Hats protect against impact to the top of the head, whereas Type II Hard Hats protect against both top and side impacts.
