Type I vs. Type II Hard Hats

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there’s roughly 40,000 head injuries every year that result in at least one day away from work. How many of these were caused due to wearing either none or inadequate head protection?

When working in areas that have potential hazards where you may hit your head, whether it’s due to falling objects or the chance of bumping your head, you need to have adequate head protection to help keep you safe. But how do you know which hard hat you should choose? And is there even a difference? Isn’t a hard hat just a hard hat?

Not exactly. Hard hats for industrial use are divided into two main categories. From there, there are differences according to the style and manufacturer, but the main difference in protection is whether they are classified as Type I or Type II.

These ratings are classified per ANSI Z89.1-2014, which provides performance and testing requirements so you can be sure your hard hat will provide the protection you need. There is no in-between on these standards – a hard hat is either rated as Type I or Type II.

So, what’s the difference?

Type I

Type I hard hats are designed to reduce force from impacts to the top of the head ONLY. To classify hard hats as Type I, there are four specific performance requirements:

1. Flammability
   No flame can be visible for five seconds after removing the test flame from the hard hat surface.

2. Force transmission
   A single hard hat must not transmit force to the test head exceeding 1,000 lbs of force. Conditioned hard hats (hot, cold, ambient) shall be averaged, which cannot exceed 850 lbs of force to the test head form.

3. Apex Penetration
   The penetrator cannot make contact with the top of the head form.

4. Electrical classification
   Class G – Withstand 2,200 volts for one minute. Maximum leakage shall not exceed three milliamperes.
   Class E – Withstand 20,000 volts for three minutes after impact. Maximum leakage shall not exceed nine milliamperes.
   Class C – Not tested for electrical insulation.

Type II

Type II hard hats are designed to reduce as a result of an impact to the top AND sides of the head. They follow the four performance requirements of a Type I helmet as well as three additional requirements:

1. Impact energy attenuation
   Hard hat is dropped onto a spherical object at various angles around the helmet, above a designated test line.

2. Off-center penetration
   A penetrator is dropped vertically, and the hard hat is rotated at different angles above a designated test line. The penetrator cannot contact the head form.

3. Chinstrap retention (optional)
   If there is a chin strap, the chin strap must be tested for retention, must remain attached to the hard hat, and must not stretch beyond one inch in length.

No matter the difference between the hard hats, their goal is to help ensure you are protected from impacts that could result in injuries, time off work, and even death. In order to get the most out of your head protection and stay safe, ensure you select the hard hat your job requires. You should also inspect your PPE prior to each use to make sure it’s in working condition. If a hard hat has been struck severely make sure to discard it immediately, even if you can’t see any visible cracks. Hidden hairline cracks will affect its integrity.

Grab your quick reference between Type I and Type II hard hats.

Stay safe and shop our MSA hard hats today!

Original Article Credit: MSA