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Type I Hard Hat

By Tabitha Mishra
Last updated: July 8, 2021

What Does Type I Hard Hat Mean?

Type I hard hats are one of two types of hard hats classified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for the protection of workers against head injury. According to ANSI Z89.1, Type I hard hats have a full brim running all around the hat. These hard hats protect workers from the impact of objects falling from above and hitting the top of the head.

Type I hard hat will reduce the impact of the blow to the head from falling tools, materials, and small parts that accidentally fall from a height. It also reduces the impact on the head when it hits against an overhead obstruction while suddenly rising from a prone position.

Safeopedia Explains Type I Hard Hat

Industrial hard hats absorb the impact of blows to the head. In addition to this, they also serve as insulators against electric shocks, resist water, burn slowly, and shield the scalp, face, neck, and shoulders.

The hard hat's type refers to a standards designation. The current ANSI consensus standard for hard hats is ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) standard 29 CFR1910.135, employees working in areas where there is a possibility of head injury from falling or flying objects, electric shock, and burns shall be protected by protective helmets. OSHA does not specify any criteria for hard hats but requires compliance with ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (R2019).

Types and Classes of Hard Hats

ANSI Z89.1 divides hard hats into two types: Type I and Type II. It also divides hard hats into classes based on how well they protect against shock.

  • Class B / Class E (Electrical): Reduces the danger of contact with exposed high voltage electrical conductors and can withstand up to 20,000 volts of electricity, and reduces the impact force of falling objects
  • Class A / Class G (General): Reduces the danger of contact with exposed low voltage electrical conductors and can withstand up to 2,200 volts of electricity, and reduces the impact force of falling objects
  • Class C (Conductive): Reduces the impact force of falling objects but offer no protection from electric shock

Some Type I hard hats include the following:

  • Type I Class G, Heat-resisting full brim hard hats: These are that are used in high-heat applications such as metalworking and forging. It also reduces the glare and shades the face and neck under direct sunlight.
  • Type I Class E, General purpose front-brim hard hats: These are and non-vented and have a front brim to protect the face from the sun, reduce glare, and shade from rain. It is generally used by construction workers and road workers.
  • Type I Class G, Miner’s style front brim hard hats: These fit close to the head, giving them a slightly lower profile for working in close quarters. A lamp can be attached to the hat.
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