Milwaukee BOLT Black Vented Safety Helmet, Type 2 Class C (48-73-1330)
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review β the Milwaukee BOLT black vented safety helmet Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor, based on published Milwaukee specifications and category fit. We did...
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Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor, based on published Milwaukee specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-test this product.
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Milwaukee BOLT Black Vented Safety Helmet, Type 2 Class C (48-73-1330) Overview
The Milwaukee BOLT black vented safety helmet (part 48-73-1330) is an ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type 2, Class C front-brim safety helmet with a high-density polyethylene shell. Type 2 adds lateral (side) impact protection on top of top-impact resistance, and Class C means the shell is vented and conductive β it offers no electrical protection. A padded ratcheting suspension, an adjustable chin strap, and an antimicrobial washable liner handle comfort and retention.
As a Type 2 Class C safety helmet, the Milwaukee 48-73-1330 is built for heat and general construction where airflow matters more than electrical rating. This BOLT front brim helmet carries the BOLT accessory system β four BOLT slots and two universal slots β so this vented safety helmet takes earmuffs, visors, and lights without aftermarket clips.
Like any item in safety helmets, match the helmet to the hazard. The Milwaukee BOLT helmet here is a vented, non-electrical model. Compare it against other vented hard hats and the wider head protection range, and see how a helmet differs from a traditional hard hat before ordering.
What This Safety Helmet Is Built For
| Use case | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Side-impact / trip-and-fall risk | Purpose-built | Type 2 adds lateral impact protection a Type 1 hard hat lacks. |
| Hot-weather construction | Strong | Vents improve airflow; ideal where electrical rating is not needed. |
| Accessory-heavy work | Strong | Four BOLT plus two universal slots take earmuffs, visors, lights. |
| All-day wear | Strong | Ratchet suspension and washable antimicrobial liner aid comfort. |
| Electrical / energized work | Not suitable | Class C is vented and conductive; use Class E or G instead. |
Head protection has to match the specific hazard. This is a Type 2, Class C helmet: Type 2 means it is tested for top and side impact, and Class C means it is vented and conductive, so it provides no electrical protection β for work near energized conductors, use a non-vented Class E or Class G helmet instead. Because it is a Type 2 safety helmet with a chin strap, it is designed to stay on the head during a slip or trip, which is why crews working at height often pair it with a personal fall arrest system as the head-protection part of the ensemble. Inspect the shell, suspension, and strap before each shift, keep the strap fastened, and retire the helmet after any impact or when the shell shows cracks or UV chalking. Compare ratings in our hard hat classes guide and the ANSI Z89.1 standard.
Pros & Cons
- Type 2 rating adds lateral (side) impact protection
- Vented shell improves airflow in hot conditions
- BOLT system: four BOLT plus two universal accessory slots
- Ratchet suspension and adjustable chin strap
- Antimicrobial liner and sweatband, removable and washable
- Class C: vented, no electrical protection β not for electrical work
- Front-brim shape, not a full-brim hard hat
- Heavier and pricier than a basic Type 1 hard hat
- Confirm color and fit for this listing before ordering
How It Compares
The 48-73-1330 is the black, vented, Class C BOLT. Weigh it against the alternatives before ordering:
| Option | Type / Class | Vented? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOLT 48-73-1330 (this page) | Type 2 / Class C | Yes | Heat and general construction, side impact |
| Non-vented BOLT (Class E) | Type 2 / Class E | No | Electrical work up to tested voltage |
| Traditional hard hat | Often Type 1 | Varies | Top-impact-only, lower cost |
Choose the vented Class C BOLT for airflow where electrical protection is not required, a non-vented Class E helmet for energized work, or compare it directly with a rival in our Studson SHK-1 vs Milwaukee BOLT guide and the best safety helmet roundup.
Specifications
| Brand | Milwaukee (BOLT) |
| Part Number | 48-73-1330 (black) |
| Standard | ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type 2, Class C |
| Style / Shell | Front-brim vented safety helmet; HDPE shell |
| Suspension | Padded ratcheting suspension; adjustable chin strap |
| Accessories | 4 BOLT slots + 2 universal slots; headlamp mount and marker clip included |
| Comfort | Antimicrobial sweatband and liner, removable and machine washable |
Related Guides
best safety helmet, hard hat classes explained, Type 1 vs Type 2 hard hat, hard hats vs safety helmets vs bump caps, HDPE vs fiberglass hard hat.
Related Resources
safety helmets vented hard hats head protection hard hats
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Type 2 and Class C mean on the BOLT 48-73-1330?
Type 2 means the helmet is tested for both top and lateral (side) impact, unlike a Type 1 hard hat that is tested for top impact only. Class C means conductive: the shell is vented and provides no electrical protection. Match both ratings to your job.
Is the vented BOLT helmet safe for electrical work?
No. Class C is a conductive, vented rating with no electrical protection. For work near energized conductors, choose a non-vented Class E (up to 20,000 volts tested) or Class G (up to 2,200 volts tested) helmet instead, and follow your site's electrical safety program.
Why is this helmet vented?
The vents improve airflow and comfort in hot conditions. The trade-off is that the openings make it Class C, so a vented helmet is a good choice for heat and general construction but not for electrical hazards, where a sealed Class E or G shell is required.
What is the shell made of?
The BOLT 48-73-1330 uses a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) shell. HDPE is a lightweight, impact-tough thermoplastic common in Class C and Class E head protection; compare it with fiberglass shells if you also face high-heat or arc hazards.
What accessories does the BOLT system support?
The helmet has four BOLT accessory slots and two universal accessory slots, and it ships with a BOLT headlamp mount and a marker clip. That lets you add earmuffs, face shields, visors, and lights without drilling or clips that loosen over time.
How does the suspension adjust?
It uses a padded suspension with an adjustable swinging ratchet, so you can dial the fit at the back of the head one-handed. A ratchet is quicker to fine-tune than a pin-lock suspension and holds its setting through the workday.
Does it come with a chin strap?
Yes. The BOLT helmet includes an adjustable chin strap, which helps keep a Type 2 safety helmet on your head during a slip or trip. Safety helmets are designed to be worn with the strap fastened, unlike a traditional brimmed hard hat.
Is the liner washable?
Yes. The antimicrobial sweatband and helmet liner resist odor and bacteria build-up, and both are removable and machine washable, which helps the helmet stay comfortable and hygienic over long-term daily use.
What is the difference between a safety helmet and a hard hat?
A safety helmet like the BOLT is typically Type 2 with a chin strap and a climbing-style shape for side-impact and retention, while a traditional hard hat is often Type 1 with a brim and no strap. See our hard hats vs safety helmets vs bump caps guide for the full comparison.
How is this different from the non-vented BOLT helmets?
This 48-73-1330 is vented and therefore Class C with no electrical protection. Milwaukee also makes non-vented BOLT helmets that carry a Class E electrical rating. Pick vented Class C for airflow in heat, or non-vented Class E when electrical protection is required.
What color and size is this listing?
This listing is the black BOLT vented helmet. The ratcheting suspension covers a wide head-size range, but confirm the color and the fit range on this listing before ordering if you need a specific look or size.
When should I replace a safety helmet?
Replace it after any significant impact, when the shell is cracked, gouged, or chalky from UV exposure, when the suspension or strap is worn, or per Milwaukee's stated service life. A helmet that has taken a hit should be retired even if damage is not visible.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial. Specifications sourced from Milwaukee published data. Compare the range in safety helmets.
WC Safety is an independent PPE review site and Amazon Associate; no paid placement. Match the helmet to your specific hazard and follow your site PPE program.
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