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Addressing Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Construction Safety Helmets

1. What is the main difference between conventional hard hats and safety helmets?

ANSWER: A safety helmet features an integrated chin strap to ensure a comfortable and secure fit to a workers head – even in the event of a trip, slip or fall – eliminating the chance of the safety helmet dislodging if gravity were to take over. Safety helmets may also feature integrated safety accessories including retractable eyewear, face shields or earmuffs.

2. Are safety helmets only applicable for working at heights?

ANSWER: No, safety helmets are designed to help ensure a secure fit in the event of a fall from heights and minor trips and slips at ground level.

3. What standard(s) should my safety helmet meet?

ANSWER: OSHA 1926.100(b) states that head protection administered by a construction employer in the U.S. must meet the specifications outlined in the ANSI Z89.1 standard, which is the American standard of performance and testing requirements for industrial safety helmets. This means all safety helmets used in the U.S. construction industry must at least meet the ANSI Z89.1 requirements for Type I impact protection.

4. What is the difference between ANSI Type I and ANSI Type II safety helmets?

ANSWER: Type I safety helmets are designed to reduce force from an impact only to the top (crown) of the head. Type II safety helmets are designed to reduce force from an impact to the top (crown) and sides of the head. The additional side impact protection is achieved from an integrated foam impact liner.

5. What is the difference between EN 12492 shock absorption and ANSI Type II impact protection?

ANSWER: EN 12492 is a European standard of safety requirements and testing methods for mountaineering helmets. Clause 4.2.1.1, 4.2.1.2, 4.2.1.3, and 4.2.1.4 refer to the vertical, front, side and rear of head impact shock absorption, respectively.

ANSI Z89.1 is the American standard of performance and testing requirements for industrial safety helmets. ANSI Type II hard hats and safety helmets provide top, front, back and side of head impact protection. OSHA 1926.100(b) states that head protection administered by a construction employer in the U.S. must meet the specifications contained in the ANSI Z98.1 standard.

6. What is the difference between Class C, Class G and Class E hard hats?

ANSWER: Class C (Conductive) safety helmets are not intended to protect wearers from contact with electrical conductors, where Class G and Class E safety helmets are. Class G (General) safety helmets are designed to reduce the danger of contact with low voltage conductors up to 2,200 volts. Class E (Electrical) are tested up to 20,000 volts and are designed to protect the worker from high voltage conductors.

7. How can I tell if my hard hat/safety helmet is ANSI Z89.1 certified?

ANSWER:

ANSI Z89.1 head protection required markings include:

– Manufacturers name

– Fate of manufacture

– Testing legend

– Type and class designation

– Approximate sizing range

8. Do safety helmets allow for the additional integration of other PPE items?

ANSWER: PIP® safety helmets allow for the additional integration of earmuffs and face shields with universal accessory slots located on the sides of each helmet. PIP® also offers safety helmets with pre-installed retractable items such as Z87+ certified face shields and eyewear.

9. Making the switch to a more complete level of protection in safety helmets seems expensive. Are there affordable options?

ANSWER: There are many different types of safety helmets on the market. Some contractors may be looking to implement basic upgrades, such as a style or impact change. Other contractors may be looking to make the same upgrades with a more comprehensive option that addresses more than just head protection. PIP® has a full line of safety helmets to address those different types of safety needs and budgets.

EXPLORE:

ANSI Type I Impact Protection

ANSI Type II Impact Protection

ANSI Type I Impact Protection with Integrated Z87+ Protection

ANSI Type II Impact Protection with Mips® Technology

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