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Hard Hat Type & Class Chart

The ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 hard hat Types (impact direction) and Classes (electrical) on one chart, with where to find the label inside the shell and what the optional marks mean.

Ref SP-0205ANSI/ISEA Z89.1

Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.

What it is

ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 classifies industrial head protection two ways. Type describes the direction of impact the helmet is tested for. Class describes electrical protection. Every compliant helmet carries both, plus other required marks, on a label or molded into the underside of the brim or shell. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.135 requires head protection that meets Z89.1.

How to identify

Turn the helmet over and look inside the shell, usually under the brim or on the suspension. The marking should show:

Manufacturer name or mark.
"ANSI/ISEA Z89.1" with the edition year.
Type (I or II) and Class (G, E or C).
Head size range.
Date of manufacture (often a molded date clock).
Any optional marks listed below.

Type and Class chart

Designation	What it means	Typical customer
Type I	Tested for impact and penetration to the top of the head	General construction, warehousing
Type II	Tested for impact to the top and sides (lateral), plus penetration	Work with side-impact or fall-to-ground risk
Class G (General)	Proof-tested at 2,200 volts; limited electrical protection	Most general work
Class E (Electrical)	Proof-tested at 20,000 volts	Electrical and utility work
Class C (Conductive)	No electrical protection; often vented	Hot environments with no electrical hazard

Optional marks

Mark	Meaning
Reverse-donning symbol (two curved arrows)	May be worn backward when the suspension is reversed
LT	Meets requirements at lower temperature
HT	Meets requirements at higher temperature
HV	High-visibility color requirements

Key points

Test voltages are proof tests on the shell. They are not working-voltage ratings and do not replace electrical PPE rules.
A vented shell is Class C unless the label says otherwise.
Type and Class are independent. A helmet can be Type II Class E, Type I Class C, and so on.
Accessories, stickers and paint can affect performance. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Replace after any significant impact, even if no damage shows.

Common mistakes

Assuming a full-brim helmet is Type II. Brim style says nothing about type.
Selling a vented cap to an electrical crew.
Wearing a cap backward without the reverse-donning mark.

Governing standards: ANSI/ISEA Z89.1; 29 CFR 1910.135.

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.

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