Which Safety Hard Hat Is Right for You?

Hard Hat Safety Standards

It’s not as easy as picking up a hard hat and taking it to the register. There are things you need to consider. For starters, what jobs do you perform? Some may require you to follow different safety regulations than others.

Certain jobs deal with potential electrical risks, and specifically designed protective helmets can counter the dangers of an electrical shock. OSHA states, “Employees working in areas where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, or from falling or flying objects, or from electrical shocks and burns, shall be protected by protective helmets.”

The hard hat you choose needs to be OSHA-approved and meet the criteria of the American National Standards (ANSI). Without this approval, you’re taking a big risk at work.

Hard Hat Classifications

Hard hat classifications operate based on the potential risk at a job. Class E is electrical, Class G is general, and Class C is conductive. For each classification, you need to choose a hat that protects you from the dangers of that job.

• Class E hard hats protect you from high-voltage conductors and offer dielectric protection up to 20,000 volts.
• Class G hard hats protect you from low-voltage conductors and offer dielectric protection up to 2,200 volts.
• Class C hard hats do not offer protection from electrical dangers. These hard hats protect you from impact and provide ventilation.

Hard Hat Types

In addition to the classification, the ANSI divides hard hats into two types: type I and type II. Each type can coincide with a specific classification, which is why it’s so important to find one that caters to the needs of your job. At Timothy’s Toolbox, we have LIFT safety gear that meets OSHA standards. When you shop with us, it’s only a matter of looking through our stock.

The type I hard hat reduces the force of impact that may happen from a blow on top of the head. When working jobs involving high ceilings and carrying items above your head, wear this hard hat at all times. Type II reduces the force of lateral impact that could result from a blow to the off-center, side, or top of the head. Wear this gear for all types of jobs.

Now you know which safety hard hat is right for you, or you at least know where to start your search. For more information, visit our website.