Type I vs Type II Hard Hat: Which Impact Protection Do You Need?

Type I vs Type II Hard Hat: Understanding ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 Impact Type Requirements and When Each Applies

ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 defines two hard hat impact types based on the direction from which objects can strike a worker's head. Type I addresses the most common scenario — a vertical strike to the crown of the hat from a falling object. Type II extends protection to lateral impacts — objects striking the sides, front, or back of the hat. Understanding this distinction, and matching the correct type to your hazard assessment, is a fundamental requirement of OSHA's PPE hazard assessment process under 29 CFR 1910.132 and 1926.100.

Quick Comparison

What ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 Actually Measures

ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 is the current edition of the American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection, published by ISEA and recognized by OSHA as the accepted standard for head protection compliance. Key tests under the standard include:

• Force transmission: An 8-lb (3.6 kg) striker dropped from 5 feet (1.5 m) onto the hat crown. Peak transmitted force must not exceed 1,000 lbf (4,448 N).
• Penetration: A pointed striker must not penetrate the shell and contact the headform.
• Flammability: Shell must not continue burning more than 5 seconds after removal from flame.
• Electrical dielectric test (Class E/G): Shell must not conduct more than 9 mA (Class E) or 3 mA (Class G) at rated voltage.

For Type II only, ANSI Z89.1-2014 §6.4 adds a lateral impact test: a hemispherical striker impacts the hat from the side, and transmitted force must remain below the standard's limits. The Type II hat must contain an energy-absorbing foam liner — this liner is the mechanical component that attenuates lateral force. Type I hats have no such liner and are not tested laterally.

The Foam Liner: The Physical Difference

Type II hard hats contain a closed-cell foam pad (typically EPP — expanded polypropylene — or EPS — expanded polystyrene) bonded to the inside of the shell. When a lateral force strikes the hat, the foam crushes and absorbs energy before it reaches the suspension system and the worker's skull. This is the same principle used in bicycle and motorcycle helmets.

The foam liner is a single-use safety component. After any significant lateral impact — even one that leaves no visible damage on the shell — the foam may be permanently compressed and loses its energy-absorption capacity. A compressed foam liner looks identical to an intact one from the outside. Whenever a Type II hat sustains a significant impact, replace it.

Type I hats rely entirely on the shell geometry and suspension for energy management, which is effective for vertical drop events but not for angled or side-strike scenarios.

When Type II Hard Hats Are Required or Strongly Recommended

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.135 and 29 CFR 1926.100 require ANSI Z89.1-compliant head protection but do not specifically mandate Type II. However, the following environments and regulatory contexts make Type II the clearly appropriate selection:

• Logging and forestry: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.266 covers logging operations, and falling branches and logs can strike from any angle. Industry practice strongly favors Type II for chainsaw operators and fellers.
• Iron and structural steel erection: OSHA Subpart R (29 CFR 1926.750–761) governs steel erection. Many general contractors and steel erectors require Type II site-wide.
• Underground mining: Low-clearance tunnels and stopes create frequent lateral head-strike opportunities against rock walls and equipment.
• Scaffolding: Workers on scaffolding are exposed to falling objects striking at angles, and to lateral strikes from scaffold tubes and boards.
• Contractor/owner requirements: Many major project owners and general contractors have adopted Type II as a universal job-site standard regardless of specific task.
• State plan states: Several OSHA state plan states have adopted or are considering Type II requirements for construction more broadly.

How to Identify Type I vs Type II

ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 requires every compliant hard hat to be permanently marked inside the shell with: manufacturer name, standard edition (e.g., ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014), Type (Type I or Type II), Class (E, G, or C), and date of manufacture. If the hat is not marked with a Type designation, it does not meet current ANSI requirements. Type II hats also have a visible foam liner on the inside surface of the shell.

Can Type I Be Upgraded to Type II?

No. A Type II hard hat is a tested, certified assembly — the shell, foam liner, and suspension work together to achieve the lateral impact performance requirement. You cannot retrofit a Type I shell by adding foam and call it Type II. The entire assembly must be ANSI Z89.1-2014 certified as Type II. Purchase a complete certified Type II hat from WC Safety or another authorized distributor.

Type II Hard Hats Available at WC Safety

• MSA V-Gard Type II hard hats — Class E and G, multiple colors
• Pyramex Ridgeline XT Type II — full brim and cap style
• Complete hard hat selection at WC Safety
• Full head protection catalog

Electrical Class and Type Are Independent Choices

The Type designation (I or II) addresses impact protection direction. The Class designation (E, G, or C) addresses electrical insulation. These two attributes are independent — you can have a Type II Class E hat (lateral impact + 20,000V dielectric), a Type II Class G hat (lateral impact + 2,200V dielectric), or a Type I Class E hat. Select both Type and Class based on your hazard assessment. See our Class E vs Class G hard hat guide for full electrical class details.

Frequently Asked Questions