ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (R2019): The American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection

January 8, 2025|Compliance, Head, PPE, Safety

“The standard helps specify whether a helmet offers lateral impact, or top-only protection. As a manufacturer, we invested heavily in new technology to help improve our offering. Our Fibre-Metal Type II Climbing Style Helmet is one example that combines an innovative suspension with a non-Newtonian foam and EPS foam liner.” — Jeff Smith, Sr. Offering Manager, Honeywell Head, Eye, Face Protection (www.honeywell.com)

Head protection is a critical aspect of workplace safety, particularly in industries where employees are exposed to potential head injury hazards. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 155,830 nonfatal occupational head injuries involving days away from work, restricted activity, or job transfer (DART) in 2021-2022.¹

These were primarily traumatic injuries to bones, nerves and spinal cords. The industries in which the most head injuries occurred were construction (11,600 incidents), manufacturing (22,390) and natural resources and mining (4,360). In the construction sector, specialty trade contractors suffered 8,420 head injuries during that time period.

Why are Head Protection Standards Important?

Head injuries can lead to severe consequences, including long-term disability or even fatalities. The ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 standard was developed to reduce the risk of head injuries by providing guidelines for the design, performance and testing of helmets and other head protection devices.

The standard applies to all employees who may face head injury risks due to falling objects, bumping into fixed objects, electrical hazards, or other workplace dangers. It establishes minimum performance and labeling requirements for protective helmets used in industrial and occupational settings under normal temperature conditions and optionally at high and low temperatures and when worn in the reversed position.

It also includes requirements for high-visibility helmets and specifies test methods for evaluating all requirements. Helmets conforming to the requirements of this standard are designated both by Type (based on location of impact force) and Class (based on electrical insulation) as well as any optional feature. This standard does not cover bump caps, firefighting helmets or head protection devices used in recreational activities.

What is the Purpose of ANSI/ISEA Z89.1?

The ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 standard encompasses several critical components that ensure the effectiveness of head protection devices:

Classification of Helmets: The standard classifies helmets into different categories based on their intended use. For example, Class E helmets are designed for electrical protection, while Class G helmets offer protection against general hazards.
Impact Resistance: Helmets must undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can withstand impacts from falling objects. The standard specifies the amount of force a helmet must absorb without causing injury to the wearer.
Penetration Resistance: The helmets are also tested for their ability to resist sharp objects that may penetrate the helmet shell and cause injury.
Electrical Insulation: For helmets used in environments where electrical hazards are present, the standard requires testing for dielectric strength to ensure protection against electrical shock.
Design and Construction: The standard outlines specific design and construction requirements to ensure durability, comfort, and proper fit. This includes considerations for ventilation, weight and adjustability.
Marking and Labeling: All approved helmets must be clearly marked with relevant information, including the manufacturer’s name, standard designation and any applicable warnings.

About Type I and Type II Safety Helmets

Type I helmets are designed to provide protection against impact and penetration from objects that may fall from above. They are primarily intended for use in environments where the risk of injury comes from overhead hazards. Key features include:

Impact Protection: Type I helmets are tested for impact resistance, ensuring they can withstand significant force from falling objects.
Penetration Resistance: These helmets are designed to resist penetration from sharp objects, providing an additional layer of safety.
Design: Typically, Type I helmets have a full-brim or cap style, and they are often made from durable materials like high-density polyethylene or fiberglass.
Electrical Safety: Some Type I helmets are designed to provide electrical insulation, making them suitable for use in environments where electrical hazards are present (Class E helmets).
Applications: Commonly used in construction, mining, and other sectors where overhead hazards are a concern.

Type II helmets offer a higher level of protection than Type I helmets by providing protection against both lateral (side) and vertical impacts. This makes them suitable for environments with a greater risk of head injuries from multiple directions. Key features include:

Impact Protection: Type II helmets are tested for both top and side impacts, ensuring comprehensive protection against falling or flying objects from various angles.
Penetration Resistance: Similar to Type I, Type II helmets are designed to resist penetration from sharp objects.
Design: Type II helmets may feature a more robust design, often with a higher profile to facilitate additional protective features and improved fit.
Electrical Safety: Like Type I helmets, some Type II models can also provide electrical insulation (Class E helmets).
Applications: Ideal for use in environments such as industrial manufacturing, electrical work, and construction sites where workers might be exposed to hazards from multiple directions.

Compliance and Implementation

Employers are responsible for ensuring that their workers are provided with appropriate head protection that meets ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 standards. This involves not only selecting the right type of helmet but also ensuring proper training on how to wear and maintain the equipment.

Regular inspections and maintenance of head protection devices are also crucial. Employers should establish protocols for checking helmets for signs of wear, damage, or expiration, as these factors can significantly affect the level of protection offered.

The ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 standard plays a vital role in promoting workplace safety by providing guidelines for effective head protection. By adhering to these standards, employers can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries, thereby safeguarding their most valuable asset—their employees.