What type and class of hard hat should be worn in an industrial chemical plant

In an industrial chemical plant, head protection is required when there is a risk of head injury from falling objects or electrical hazards. OSHA requires that head protection (hard hats) be worn if there is a risk of head injury from electrical burns or falling/flying objects. [3] [1]

According to ANSI standards, hard hats should:

• Resist penetration
• Absorb the shock of an impact

[5] The standards for hard hats are:

• ANSI Z89.1-2009
• ANSI Z89.1-2003
• ANSI Z89.1-1997

[2] [2] [2] Hard hat types and classes:

• Type I: Protects against blows to the top of the head.
• Type II: Protects against blows to the top and sides of the head.
• Class E (Electrical): Designed to reduce exposure to high-voltage conductors and offer dielectric protection up to 20,000 volts.
• Class G (General): Designed to reduce exposure to low-voltage conductors and offer dielectric protection up to 2,200 volts.
• Class C (Conductive): Not intended to protect against contact with electrical conductors.

[5] [5] [5] [4] [4] When there is a risk of head injury from contact with conductors greater than 600 volts, protective helmets must be ANSI-Z89.1 designated Class E. [2]