A Guide to Head and Face Protection
Replace your hard hat when...
- Cracks appear in the shell
- Shiny surface appears dull or chalky
- Shell becomes brittle
Inspect your hard hats before and after each use. Although there is no set service life for hard hats, manufacturers recommend replacement after no more than 5 years. Suspensions should be replaced if torn, cracked, or frayed.
Hard Hats and Bump Caps
Type I Hard Hats
Protects against blows to the top of the head.
Type II Hard Hats
Protects against blows to the top and sides of the head.
Bump Caps
Offer light protection, but do not protect against impact or blows.Headgear Suspension
Ratchet
1-Touch™
Pinlock
Hard Hat Standards Protect You!
In September 2003, ANSI revised the Z89.1 standard, creating ANSI Z89.1-2003. Prior to the change, all hard hats were grouped as Type I. This revision contains new types and classifications of hard hats.
ANSI Z87.1-2003 also changed the designations for the 3 electrical protection classes that apply to both Type I and Type II hard hats. Testing requirements remain the same.
| Z89.1-1986 - Old Standard | Z89.1-2003 - Current Standard | Application | Test Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | G | General | 2200 Volts |
| B | E | Electrical | 20,000 VOlts |
| C | C | Conductive | Not Tested |
Visors and Face Shields
Visor Fundamentals
Visors and face shields are required wherever there is exposure to chemical splash or flying fragments and particles. Face shields provide secondary protection and must be used with ANSI Z87.1 approved primary eye protection for complete coverage. Primary protection must also be worn when using a welding helmet that may be flipped up.
| Visor Properties | Polycarbonate | Propionate | Acetate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact Resistance | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Water Resistance | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Weather Resistance | Good | Fair | Poor |
| Scratch Resistance | Fair | Good | Good |
| Acid Resistance | Good | Fair | Poor |
| Alkaline Resistance | Good | Fair | Poor |
| Solvent Resistance | Good | Poor | Fair |
| Heat Resistance | Excellent | Poor | Fair |
| Max Temperature Use | 250-280 °F | 155-220 °F | 155-220 °F 140-250 °F |
Questions about Head & Face Protection?
Call our knowledgeable Technical Support Department at 1-800-571-4646, 8 am - 5 pm ET, Monday - Friday, or email us.
