Jackson Safety CH-2-400V Safety Helmet — Type 2, Vented, EPS Liner

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What the Jackson Safety CH-2-400V Safety Helmet Protects Against

Type 2 means impact from the top, front, sides and rear rather than the crown alone, and the mechanism matters more than the label. That all-around performance comes from an energy-absorbing EPS foam liner inside the PC-ABS shell — the foam crushes on impact and absorbs the energy. A Type 1 hard hat relies mainly on its suspension to hold the shell off the skull and manage a blow from directly above; introduce a sideways impact and there is very little to absorb it. That is why a Type 1 cannot be upgraded to Type 2 by buying a heavier shell — compare the Ergodyne 8976 for another Type 2 approach.

Around that sit the fit and retention features: a 6-point woven nylon suspension with a smooth ratcheting dial covering sizes 6-1/4 to 8, a 4-point chin strap in soft synthetic leather that cradles the jaw and holds the helmet in place during a fall event, a moisture-wicking headband and comfort pad, and accessory slots for Jackson's own welding, face and hearing protection. Our hard hat rankings put it against the field.

Is Type 2 Actually What You Need?

Not always, and it is worth saying so on the product page. Type 2 helmets cost more, weigh more, and run warmer — the liner that absorbs lateral energy also sits between your head and the outside air, which is precisely why this model is vented. Where the credible hazard is genuinely overhead, such as falling tools or dropped material on a general construction site, a Type 1 cap-style hat remains compliant and more comfortable to wear all day — the Pyramex Ridgeline is a straightforward example.

Type 2 earns its place where lateral impact is real: work at height, confined and awkward spaces, proximity to moving plant, and any job where a slip could drive your head sideways into a structure. The way to settle it is the hazard assessment rather than preference — ask what the document actually identifies before buying for a crew. If it calls for Type 2, this or another rated Type 2 helmet is the answer; if it does not, you are paying weight and heat for protection the work does not demand. Our construction hard hat guide works through that decision.

Pros & Cons

Specifications

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Frequently Asked Questions

What actually makes a Type 2 helmet Type 2?

An energy-absorbing liner, not a tougher shell. The CH-2-400V uses an EPS foam liner inside a PC-ABS shell, and it is that foam crushing on impact which absorbs lateral energy. A Type 1 hard hat relies mainly on a suspension to hold the shell off your skull and manage a blow from directly above; add a side impact and there is little to absorb it. This is why you cannot upgrade a Type 1 to Type 2 by buying a thicker shell.

What happens to the EPS liner after an impact?

It crushes, and crushed foam does not recover. That is the whole mechanism — the liner spends itself absorbing the energy. A helmet that has taken a real impact is finished even if the shell looks perfectly serviceable, and with a foam liner the damage can be entirely internal. Retire it. This matters more on a Type 2 than on a suspension-only hard hat, because the evidence of a spent liner is hidden.

Is Type 2 always the better choice?

No — it is the better choice for the right hazard. Type 2 costs more, weighs more and generally runs hotter than a Type 1 cap-style hat. Where the credible hazard is genuinely overhead — falling tools, dropped material — a Type 1 remains appropriate and more comfortable. Type 2 earns its place where lateral impact is real: work at height, confined and awkward spaces, moving plant, and anywhere a slip could put your head into something sideways.

Why a PC-ABS shell rather than HDPE?

Temperature range. Jackson specifies PC-ABS for this helmet as capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, which is a step beyond what high-density polyethylene offers. The trade is weight — HDPE shells are typically lighter — so the material choice reflects what the helmet is for. Neither is suitable for molten metal or high radiant heat, which need materials specified for those environments.

What does the 4-point chin strap actually do?

It keeps the helmet on your head during a fall event or sudden movement — Jackson's own wording. A helmet that leaves your head partway through a fall protects nothing, and it becomes a dropped object for anyone below. The strap here is soft synthetic leather cradling the jaw rather than a thin cord, which matters because a strap that is uncomfortable is a strap people loosen.

Does a fall-rated chin strap mean it is fall protection?

No, and the distinction is worth stating plainly. The chin strap secures the helmet during a fall; it does nothing to arrest the person falling. Preventing or arresting a fall requires a harness, a connector and a rated structural anchorage. Head protection and fall protection are separate systems that happen to be needed on the same jobs.

What electrical class does the vented version carry?

Treat a vented shell as offering no electrical protection. Vents are physical openings, so there is nothing to test as a dielectric barrier — that is true of every vented helmet regardless of brand. If any part of your work involves electrical exposure you need a non-vented shell with a stated electrical rating, and you should verify the class marking molded inside whatever helmet you receive rather than relying on listing text.

How does the suspension adjust?

A 6-point woven nylon suspension with a smooth ratcheting dial, covering sizes 6-1/4 to 8. Six points spread both impact force and the static weight of the helmet more evenly than a four-point, and the dial can be re-tensioned one-handed without removing the helmet. The size range starts slightly smaller than many hard hats, which helps on smaller head sizes where cap-style hats often sit high.

Can I fit face and hearing protection to it?

Jackson provides accessory slots specifically for its own welding, face and hearing protection products, which is a meaningful difference from helmets where accessories are an afterthought. Stay within the manufacturer's own accessory range unless you have documentation confirming a third-party fit — a shield or earmuff that loads the shell in an unintended way can compromise both the accessory and the helmet.

What maintenance do the comfort parts need?

The moisture-wicking headband and comfort pad are wear items. Keep them clean, and replace them when they stop wicking or stay permanently compressed. This is the part of a helmet that decides whether people wear it correctly all day — a headband that has gone hard and slick is the reason a helmet ends up pushed back on the head, which defeats the fit the suspension was set to.

Does venting change how hot it feels compared to a Type 2 without vents?

Yes, and that is the point of this variant. An EPS liner adds material between your head and the outside air, so Type 2 helmets tend to run warmer than a simple suspension hard hat; venting is how manufacturers claw some of that back. If you need Type 2 protection and work in heat, a vented Type 2 is the sensible combination — accepting that it cannot carry an electrical rating.

How do I know whether my site requires Type 2?

From the hazard assessment rather than from preference. Type 2 is indicated where lateral, front or rear impact is a credible risk — work at height, confined spaces, near moving equipment, or anywhere a fall could drive the head sideways into a structure. Where the assessment identifies only overhead hazards, Type 1 remains compliant. Ask what the document says before buying for a crew.