Industrial health and safety requirements affect a wide variety of companies. For head protection, the essential standard is the ANSI Z89.1, “American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection.” Developed by ISEA, the International Safety Equipment Association, this standard provides the basis for performance and test requirements for hard hats. And now there’s a new 2014 Edition that replaces the previous 2009 copy.
What does the Z89.1 cover? In this document you’ll find specifications for helmets designed to offer protection from both top-only (Type I) impact and lateral (Type II) impact. Both types are tested for impact attenuation and penetration resistance. Type II helmet performance requirements also include criteria for impact energy attenuation from impacts from the front, back and sides as well as the top. Off-center penetration resistance and chin strap retention are covered too.
Helmets are divided into three classes, to indicate the electrical insulation rating. These are Class G (general) helmets (tested at 2200 volts), Class E (electrical) helmets (tested to withstand 20,000 volts), and Class C (conductive) helmets (no electrical protection).
The ANSI Z89.1 should be used both by manufacturers and by purchasers. You’ll use it to choose the type of helmet that best meets the requirements of your particular work environment.
What are the changes in this new 2014 Edition? The primary revisions include optional testing and marking features for head protection to be used in high-temperature environments. There are also editorial revisions to clarify various test procedures.
Where can you get your copy of the new issue? Use Document Center’s website at www.document-center.com to search for and order the standards you need, including this new release. Or of course you can contact our staff by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com). We’ve been providing standards to our customers since 1982 and can help you with the challenges you face when dealing with this type of conformance information. We’ve helped thousands of folks just like you. Make us your Standards Experts!
