Do You Have the Correct Head Protection?
There are a lot of misconceptions about industrial head protection,
and no one-size-fits all solution.
Do you know your head protection facts?
Federal Standards & Regulation
OSHA mandates specific rules for head protection that aim to create a work environment safe from known dangers or hazards:
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.135 governs safety helmet requirements for general industry workers.
- OSHA 29 CFR 1926.100 governs head protection requirements for construction, demolition, and renovation workers.
Both require head protection to comply with the ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 American National Standard.
American National Standards
ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2026 American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection
This standard provides performance and testing requirements for industrial helmets, commonly known as hard hats. It establishes the types and classes of protective helmets, depending on the type of hazard encountered. It includes specifications for helmets designed to offer protection from lateral impact, or top-only impact, giving employers and users the flexibility to specify the helmet that best meets the needs of their specific workplace.
The 2026 revision maintains the existing Type and Class classifications and introduces optional Type I+ and Type II+ designations for head protection tested for enhanced retention, chin strap performance and expanded impact protection.
ANSI/ISEA 100-2024 American National Standard for Industrial Bump Caps
This standard establishes the minimum performance, testing and labeling criteria for industrial bump caps and bump cap inserts used in the workplace.
Head Protection Performance
Industrial Helmets
ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2026Industrial helmets are classified by the location of impact protection. The “+” designation indicates testing beyond the base Type I or Type II requirements.
Top Protection
Type I helmets are tested for apex impact force transmission and apex penetration resistance.
Top Protection + Enhanced Testing
- A required chin strap
- Chin strap retention testing
- Retention system effectiveness testing
- Off-center force transmission testing at the front, rear and side
Top + Lateral Impact Protection
Type II helmets meet the base Type I requirements and are also tested for impact energy attenuation and off-center penetration resistance. Chin strap retention requirements apply when a chin strap is provided.
Lateral Protection + Enhanced Retention
- A required chin strap
- Chin strap retention testing
- Retention system effectiveness testing
About the “+” designation: The “+” indicates that the head protection has been tested beyond the base Type I or Type II requirements. The standard also includes additional checks for “+” head protection designed to be worn in reverse.
Industrial Bump Caps
ANSI/ISEA 100-2024Industrial bump caps are covered by ANSI/ISEA 100-2024 and are classified as Level 1 or Level 2 based on penetration and force transmission testing.
Level 1 Bump Caps
7.5 JTested for penetration at the apex and force transmission equivalent to 7.5 J at one point on the front and one point on the back of the crown.
Level 2 Bump Caps
12.5 JTested for penetration at the apex and force transmission equivalent to 12.5 J at two points on the front and two points on the back of the crown.
Helmet Electrical Insulation Classes
Glass G (general) – Tested at 2200 volts
Class E (electrical) – Tested to withstand 20,000 volts
Class C (conductive) – No electrical protection
Additional Resources
ISEA is represented on the following standards committees and panels:
- ANSI Z49 – Safety in Welding and Cutting
- ANSI Z87 – Eye and Face Protection
- ANSI Z10 – Occupational Safety and Health Systems
- ASTM E54 – Homeland Security Applications, E54.4 – PPE
- NFPA Technical Correlating Committee – Fire & Emergency Services Protective Clothing & Equipment
- NFPA Technical Committee on Fire Service Occupational Safety & Health
- CSA Z94.1 – Technical Committee on Head Protection
- US TAG Administrator, ISO TC94 Technical Committee for Personnel Safety, SC1 Head Protection
- US TAG to ISO TC94, SC14 Fire Fighters Personal Equipment
