The human skull provides natural protection for the brain, but that protection is only suitable for minor hazards. Head PPE is prudent for activities when individuals will be exposed to serious head injury hazards. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has developed the ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014: American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection that outlines performance and testing requirements for protective helmets. It establishes the types and classes depending on the type of hazard encountered.
ANSI has classified two types of helmets in this standard. Type 1, designed for top protection, is the most common style of head protection used today. Type 2 offers both top and lateral protection. Each of these helmet types are available in three electrical insulation classes: Class G (general) helmets tested to 2,200 volts, Class E (electrical) tested to withstand 20,000 volts and Class C (conductive) which do not provide electrical protection.
When working at height or in scenarios where tasks could create a horizontal head strike hazard, individuals should consider the benefits of the Type 2 helmet as well as a chin strap. A worker who falls while wearing head protection lacking a chin strap could experience the helmet dislodging resulting in their unprotected head striking the landing surface. This increases the potential for serious head injuries or death due to the impact.
Type 2 helmets offer top, front, back, and side impact resistance with a suspension system and additional padding (like a bike helmet). In addition to head protection, those working in bucket trucks or off mobile elevated work platforms, like a boom lift, should also use a five-point harness attached to a safety lanyards secured to manufacturer-recommended anchorage point in order to prevent falling from the bucket/basket to the ground. In a scenario where an individual might fall out of the bucket/basket while using a safety lanyard, the individual could swing into the equipment or strike a surface/material as they dangle from the safety lanyard with the high likelihood of a horizontal impact to the head.
Other reasons to use a Type 2 helmet might be individuals that perform work where materials could become displaced and strike an individual on a horizontal plane. A common example would be individuals performing tree limb lopping. As the limb is cut there is potential for it to pendulum at the cut and swing toward the individual making the cut or another individual that might be working on the ground, creating the potential for a horizontal head strike.
In summary, the proper ANSI type and class of protective helmet can increase the odds of ending your day injury-free. DVPLT and DVWCT members with questions on head or any other PPE concerns should contact the Risk Control Department (215-706-0101) or email their lead risk control consultant.