Jackson Safety CH-2-300 Safety Helmet — Type 2, Class E, Non-Vented

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What the Jackson Safety CH-2-300 Safety Helmet Is

The Jackson Safety CH-2-300 Safety Helmet (SKU 22901) is a climbing-style industrial safety helmet rated ANSI Z89.1 Type 2, Class E. The two ratings are the whole story. Type 2 means it is built to reduce both top impact and lateral impact — blows to the front, sides, and back — through an internal EPS foam liner, where a Type 1 hard hat is tested only for something dropping straight onto the crown. Class E means it is tested to withstand high voltage for electrical work. It is built around a lightweight PC-ABS shell, a six-point ratchet suspension that dials to your head, and a four-point synthetic-leather chin strap with a side clasp that keeps the helmet on your head during a slip, trip, or fall — the moment a brimmed hard hat can tip off and leave you exposed. That combination — side-impact protection plus retention — is what separates a climbing-style safety helmet from a conventional hard hat, and it is why these are chosen for work at height, on uneven ground, and around electrical hazards.

One detail ties the ratings together and is easy to get wrong: the CH-2-300 is non-vented, and that is exactly why it can be Class E. A helmet cannot carry an electrical rating and have vents, because the openings would compromise the electrical protection — so if you need Class E for electrical work, non-vented is the correct, not the compromised, choice. Jackson's vented CH-2-400V is the version for hot work with no electrical hazard, and it trades the Class E rating for airflow; the two are not interchangeable. The helmet's accessory slots are part of the Jackson Safety Hard Hat Interchange System, which accepts optional Jackson components — a welding helmet, face shield, ear muffs, or a headlamp — that are sold separately and designed for that system. For a side-by-side with another Type 2 climbing-style option, the Milwaukee BOLT Type 2, Class E is the closest comparison in the catalog.

Type 2, Class E, and Fit: Getting the Protection You Paid For

A safety helmet only delivers its rating when it is worn and maintained correctly, so three things matter beyond the label. First, fit: dial the six-point ratchet so the headband is snug without pinching, set the four-point chin strap to hold the helmet level, and make sure the suspension holds the shell off your skull — a helmet worn loose or tilted back does not protect the way it was tested to. Second, the right rating for the hazard: use the Type 2 side-impact protection where a fall or lateral strike is possible, and the Class E rating where electrical hazards exist, remembering that around electricity the helmet is backup to de-energizing the circuit. For choosing head protection by trade, our guides to the best hard hat for electrical work and the best hard hat for construction lay out the Type and Class decisions.

Third, the system around the helmet. Head protection is one layer of PPE, not the whole of it. For work at height, the helmet's retention keeps it on during a fall, but the fall itself is controlled by your fall-protection system — a full-body harness and the right connectors and anchors; our guides to fall-protection kits and fall-protection lanyards cover that gear. Around electrical work, the helmet pairs with lockout discipline and danger do-not-operate tags, and on any active site the wearer should be visible in a hi-vis vest. Inspect the helmet before each use, retire it after an impact, and it is a durable, well-rated piece of a complete head-to-toe protection plan.

Where It Fits and Where It Doesn't

This is the right helmet for construction, oil and gas, industrial, forestry, and electrical work where side-impact protection, retention, and a Class E electrical rating matter — especially work at height and around energized equipment. It is the wrong helmet if you need vented airflow for hot, non-electrical work (choose the vented CH-2-400V, which is not Class E), if you only need Type 1 top protection at a lower cost, or if you expected accessories in the box (the interchange parts are optional). Fit it properly, use the rating that matches the hazard, pair it with fall protection and lockout where those apply, and inspect and replace it on schedule. Within a real PPE program, it is a capable Type 2, Class E safety helmet.

Specifications

Specifications reflect the manufacturer listing; other colors are separate SKUs. Confirm current details and the manufacturer's inspection and replacement guidance on the product page before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Jackson Safety CH-2-300 Safety Helmet?

It is a climbing-style, ANSI Z89.1 Type 2, Class E industrial safety helmet (SKU 22901). It protects the top and the sides, front, and back of the head through an EPS foam liner, has a lightweight PC-ABS shell, a six-point ratchet suspension, and a four-point chin strap, and it is the non-vented model, which is what carries its Class E electrical rating.

What does Type 2 mean, and how is it different from Type 1?

Type 2 means the helmet is built to reduce both top impact and lateral impact — blows to the front, sides, and back — using an internal EPS foam liner. A Type 1 hard hat is tested only for impact to the top of the head. That side-impact protection is why a Type 2 climbing-style helmet is chosen for work where a fall, a swinging object, or a sideways strike is a real risk, not just something dropping straight down.

What does Class E protect against, and can I work on live circuits with it?

Class E is the electrical rating — the helmet is tested to withstand high voltage, so it protects against incidental head contact with an energized conductor. But it is a last line of defense, not a license to work live: it does not replace de-energizing the circuit, locking and tagging it out, and verifying that it is de-energized before you work. Use the Class E rating as backup protection while the primary control — removing the energy — is what keeps you safe.

Is it vented or non-vented?

The CH-2-300 is non-vented, and that is deliberate: a helmet cannot carry a Class E electrical rating and have vents, because openings would compromise the electrical protection. So if you need the Class E rating for electrical work, non-vented is the correct choice. If your work has no electrical hazard and you want more airflow in heat, Jackson's vented CH-2-400V is the version to look at — but it is not Class E.

Why does it have a chin strap?

The four-point chin strap with a side clasp keeps the helmet on your head during a slip, trip, or fall — the moments a traditional brimmed hard hat can tip or fall off, leaving you unprotected exactly when a lateral impact is most likely. That retention is a core part of what makes a climbing-style safety helmet different from a conventional hard hat, and it is why these helmets are favored for work at height and on uneven ground.

How is a safety helmet different from a traditional hard hat?

A traditional hard hat is typically a Type 1 shell with a brim and a simple suspension, built to shed objects dropping from above. A climbing-style safety helmet like this adds an EPS foam liner for side-impact (Type 2) protection, a chin strap to keep it on during a fall, and a more enclosed, balanced fit. The trade is usually a bit more weight and, on non-vented models, less airflow; the gain is protection against impacts a brimmed hard hat is not designed for.

How do I adjust the fit?

The six-point ratchet suspension adjusts the headband to your head size with a dial, and the four-point chin strap adjusts to hold the helmet level and secure without pinching. A safety helmet only protects as designed when it fits correctly — snug enough not to shift, level on the head, with the suspension set so the shell is held off the skull. Take a minute to set both the ratchet and the strap rather than wearing it loose.

Does it come with a face shield or other accessories?

No — the helmet includes the shell, suspension, and chin strap. Its accessory slots are part of the Jackson Safety Hard Hat Interchange System, which accepts optional Jackson components — a welding helmet, face shield, ear muffs, or a headlamp — that are sold separately. Those accessories are designed for the Jackson interchange, so plan them as add-ons within that system rather than assuming any brand's attachment will fit.

What jobs is it for?

It suits construction, oil and gas, industrial, forestry, and electrical work — anywhere head protection is required and side impact or a fall is a real risk. The Type 2 lateral protection and chin strap make it well suited to work at height and on uneven terrain, and the Class E rating makes it appropriate around electrical hazards, where a vented helmet could not be used.

How long does it last, and when do I replace it?

Like all head protection, it has a service life rather than lasting forever. Inspect the shell and suspension before each use for cracks, dents, gouges, chalking, or a damaged strap, and replace the helmet immediately after any impact — even one that leaves no visible mark, because the EPS liner and shell absorb energy by deforming and may not protect a second time. Otherwise follow the manufacturer's guidance on shell and suspension replacement intervals from the date of manufacture.

Can I put stickers or paint on it?

Be cautious — solvents in some paints, adhesives, and cleaners can attack a PC-ABS shell and weaken it in ways you cannot see, and covering the shell can hide the cracks an inspection would catch. Follow the manufacturer's guidance on markings, keep any stickers off areas you need to inspect, and never drill, modify, or use aggressive solvents on the shell. Clean it with mild soap and water.

What is the Jackson Safety CH-2-300 Safety Helmet not?

It is not a vented helmet (it is non-vented, which is what makes it Class E), not a Type 1 top-only hard hat (it is Type 2, with side-impact protection), not a substitute for de-energizing a circuit (Class E is a last line of defense, not a license to work live), not a kit with accessories included (interchange parts are optional and separate), and not a lifetime product (inspect and replace it). It is a Type 2, Class E, non-vented climbing-style safety helmet.

Reviewed by Steven Eaton, WC Safety. Specifications reflect the manufacturer listing and are provided to help you match the helmet's Type and Class to your hazards; confirm current details and the manufacturer's inspection and replacement guidance on the live product page before ordering.