Understanding ANSI Z89.1: Type I vs. Type II Safety Helmets
When it comes to industrial protective helmets in North America, the ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 standard sets the benchmark for hard hats and safety helmets. This standard ensures helmets undergo rigorous testing to safeguard workers across various industries, including construction, mining, petrochemical oil & gas, manufacturing, and utilities.
What is ANSI/ISEA Z89.1?
ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 establishes performance requirements for industrial helmets including but not limited to: impact resistance, penetration resistance, and electrical protection. Helmets are categorized by both impact protection type, temperature environmental suitability and electrical protection class to address different workplace hazards. Let’s break down the two primary helmet types: Type I and Type II.
Type I Helmets: Top Impact Protection
Purpose: Type I helmets focus on reducing the force of impacts resulting from a blow to the top of the head. Your traditional hard hat would fall into this category.These helmets work best in environments where overhead hazards pose the main risk.
Key Features:
- Provides protection primarily for the top of the head.
- Lighter and fewer components compared to Type II helmets.
Use Case Examples:
- A construction worker on a job site where tools or debris may fall from above.
- A safety inspector that occasionally visits sites with falling object hazards.
- A waste water maintenance engineer inspecting infrastructure
Testing Requirements:
- Undergoes testing for falling objects.
- Includes penetration testing to resist sharp objects.
- Undergoes environmental conditioning at cold & hot if specified
Type II Helmets: Multi-Directional Impact Protection
Purpose: Type II helmets shield workers from both top and side impacts. These helmets excel in environments where hazards can strike from multiple directions, and there is a risk of motion-induced injuries such as slips/trips/falls.
Key Features:
- Provides protection against both falling objects and from side impacts such as slips/trips/falls.
- Incorporates a chin strap that helps ensure helmets stay attached during falls.
- Ideal for industries like utilities, construction, oil and gas, mining, forestry, transportation, and energy sectors.
Use Case Examples:
- A utility worker facing risk of both falling objects,fall hazards and working in confined spaces or chambers.
- A mining worker in confined space environments where objects might fall or work surfaces move unpredictably.
- An offshore oilfield services worker that is exposed to wet surfaces which produce slip hazards.
Testing Requirements:
- Passes tests for top and lateral impact forces.
- Includes side penetration testing to block sharp objects from striking the helmet’s sides.
- Undergoes environmental conditioning at cold & hot if specified
Electrical Protection Classes
ANSI helmets also feature classifications for electrical hazards:
- Class G (General): Shields against low-voltage electrical conductors up to 2,200 volts.
- Class E (Electrical): Protects against high-voltage electrical conductors up to 20,000 volts.
- Class C (Conductive): Lacks electrical protection but prioritizes ventilation and lightweight comfort.
Both Type 1 and Type 2 helmets can meet any of these electrical protection classes.
Key Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2 Helmets
Feature | Type 1 Helmets | Type 2 Helmets |
Impact Protection | Top of head only | Top and lateral (multi-directional) |
Penetration Protection | Top penetration | Top and lateral penetration tests. |
Design | Lighter, simpler | Enhanced design for multi-direction protection as well as chin strap integration. |
Cost | Lower cost | Higher due to added protection |
The Right Helmet for the Job
Selecting the most appropriate helmet starts with understanding workplace hazards:
- Use Type I Helmets for environments where overhead risks dominate.
- Select Type II Helmets in workplaces with multi-directional hazards or lateral impact risks.
- Match the electrical class to your exposure to electrical risks.
- Ensure optional temperature stability is selected if working in extreme weather environmental conditions
KOROYD: Redefining Impact Protection in Helmets
KOROYD delivers advanced impact protection technology that sets a new standard for safety helmets. KOROYD’s thermally welded tubes absorb impact energy more efficiently than traditional materials. This design not only mitigates the risk of head injuries but also ensures helmets remain lightweight and breathable, enhancing user comfort without compromising protection. KOROYD designed helmets are also proven to also reduce the risk of heat stress on hot job sites, another safety factor to consider alongside impact protection.
When integrated into helmets, KOROYD technology actively absorbs energy upon impact, reducing the force transmitted to the wearer’s head. This makes KOROYD a preferred solution for industries that demand reliable safety, such as construction, mining, energy, and transportation. By combining superior energy absorption with ventilation and ergonomic comfort, KOROYD transforms the helmet experience, offering unparalleled protection and performance for both categories of Type I and Type II protection under ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 standards.
The ANSI / ISEA Z89.1 2014 (R2019) is currently under review by the head protection product group within ISEA’s membership of which KOROYD is a participating member. Watch out for more communication around these potential updates in 2025.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between Type I and Type II helmets under ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 empowers you to make safer decisions. By identifying workplace risks and selecting the appropriate helmet type for your jobsite needs, you protect workers and comply with industry regulations. Choose wisely to reduce head injuries and foster a safer work environment.
