Osha Requirements

OSHA states: “Employees working in areas where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, falling or flying objects, or from electrical shock and burns, shall be protected by protective helmets.” If these hazards are present, employers must provide employees with head protection that meets ANSI/ISEA standards. Climbing style protective helmets are required if work is being performed at 30 feet or higher.

Two Types

Type I:

Designed to shield workers from objects and blows that come from above.

Type II:

Designed to protect against lateral blows and impacts, plus impacts to the top of the head.

Shells Hard hats consist of a tough shell made of either HPPE or an ABS material.

HPPE: High Performance Polyethylene

High-density fiber with large molecular mass and high-impact strength allows HPPE to transfer loads efficiently. It is highly resistant to strong acids, bases, and organic solvents.

ABS: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

ABS offers strong impact resistance and shock absorbency. ABS is also heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, and resists strong acids, bases, and organic solvents.

Three Classes summarize electrical hazard protection

Class G:

General. Offers protection up to 2,200 volts.

Class E:

Electrical. Offers protection up to 20,000 volts.

Class C:

Conductive. Not designed to provide protection against electrical conductors.