ANSI Standard Z89.

1-2003
Industrial Head Protection
Scope and Application:

This standard describes types and classes of protective helmets, testing and
performance requirements, including safety requirements for authorities establishing
codes and regulations. Minimum performance requirements are outlined for impact
forces, penetration and electric shock protection. It is noted that the protection rating
reduces the amount of impact and penetration but will not provide complete protection
against severe impact. The helmets should be effective against small tools, small
pieces of wood, bolts, nuts, rivets, sparks and similar hazards but should not replace
good safety practices and engineering controls. Helmets that are designed with style in
mind may not meet the testing requirements.

Definitions:

• Apex - point on outer surface of the shell coincident with the vertical axis of the
headform when mounted in the as-worn position according to manufacturer’s
specification.
• Dynamic Test Line (DTL) - a test line used as a boundary for conducting impact
energy attenuation and off-centre penetration tests.
• Midsagittal plane- a longitudinal plane perpendicular to the basic plane which
passes through the vertex and geometrically bisects the head.
• Position index - a perpendicular distance as specified by the manufacturer from
some point on the helmet to the basic plane where the helmet is seated on a
reference headform.
• Suspension - portion of the harness which is designed to act as an energy
absorbing mechanism. It may consist of crown straps protective padding or similar
mechanism.

Headwear Classification is categorized in terms of impact type and electrical class.

All helmets shall meet requirements for impact Type 1 or Type 2.
• Type 1 is for risk of impact is to crown only
• Type 2 is for crown and sides of the head.

Electrical classes, G, E or C further categorize each Type (1 or 2). The three classes
E, G or C refer to the electrical ratings.
• Class E to reduce danger from higher voltages and proof tested at 20,000 V
• Class G to reduce danger with lower voltages and be proof tested at 2,200 V.
• Class C provides no protection against electrical current.

Markings on the product shall include name or identification of manufacturer, date of

manufacturing, American National Standard Designation, headsize range.

User Information shall include manufacturer’s instructions, application, and expected

useful life, care and adjustment instructions.

Performance Requirements are outlined for flammability, force transmission, apex

penetration and electrical insulation. The force transmitted in transmission testing shall
not exceed 4500N for any one testing and the average shall not exceed 3780 N. Class
G helmets are tested to withstand 2, 200V AC, 60 Hertz for 1 minute, leakage not to
exceed 3 mill amperes. Class E helmets are tested to withstand 20, 000V AC, 60 Hertz
for 3 minutes, leakage not to exceed 9 mill amperes.

Test requirements are outlined for headform size, force transmittance, penetration,
impact energy attenuation, reference test lines, mountings and preconditioning. Test
methods are outlined for flammability, force transmission, apex penetration, impact
attenuation, off-center penetration, chin strap retention (Type 2 only) and electrical
insulation. The methods specify equipment, sample preparation, apparatus and
mounting, calibration, procedures and recording.
(Over)
(cont’d)

For electrical insulation test methods are for each Class (D, E and C). A schedule of
tests is included for each class.

Tables are included for sizing selection and ten (10) figures show helmet components,
and testing apparatus and set-up.

Appendix A – provides recommendations, cautions, use and care. Warnings include:

• not to use helmets without markings
• follow manufacturer’s instruction for proper fitting adjustment
• cleaning instructions
• inspection for signs of damage, cracks, dents, penetration
• damage due to impact, rough treatment should be removed from service
• wear and caution against certain paints, thinners and cleaning agents
• helmets exposed to sunlight for long period of time show deterioration with gloss,
chalking, discoloration, flaking or a craze pattern
• helmets should be free of abrasions, scrapes, nicks and should not be dropped,
thrown or used as supports, especially those designed for electrical protection.
• Impact penetration and electrical insulation requirements should not be used to
establish the safe impact level or safe voltage level to which a worker can be
subjected.

Appendices B, C and D - outline testing methods for electrical insulation, force

transmission testing, and impact energy attenuation, respectively. Electrical insulation
testing specifies equipment guidelines and precautions to be taken while testing. Force
transmission testing specifies equipment guidelines, equipment testing, calibration force
and velocity measuring systems, calibration procedures and system repeatability
procedures. Impact energy attenuation testing outlines equipment guidelines,
calibration, acceleration and velocity measuring procedures, and system repeatability
procedures.

This bulletin contains a summary of excerpts taken from the Standard, for general
information purposes only. This bulletin is not reflective of the complete
requirements that the Standard prescribes.

Note: Manitoba Regulation M.R. 217/2006 Section 1.4 inconsistency:

If there is an inconsistency between this regulation and a requirement contained
in a publication, code or standard referenced in this regulation, the provisions in
this regulation prevail.