Colour coding of hard hats

As this is not a hard and fast rule but is a suggested option.Although this could be more company
specific or choice unless working on a combined site where all colour coding must be uniform
for all personnel.

Suggested colour code for construction sites.
Yellow : labourers
White : engineers, supervisors, managers & visitors
Red : electricians
Blue : operators
Green : HSE & safety officers my choice is Grey for HSE staff.

Or are you asking for

Hard Hat (Safety Helmet) Types and Standards

The standard identifies Type 1 and Type 2 helmets. Type 1 helmets incorporate a full brim (the
brim fully encircles the dome of the hat); Type 2 helmets have no encircling brim, but may
include a short bill on the front (similar to a baseball cap).

There are 3 recognized classes

Class A Helmets are intended to reduce the force of impact of falling objects and to reduce the
danger of contact with exposed low-voltage electrical conductors. For certification, sample shells
are proof-tested at 2,200 volts of electrical charge.

Class B Helmets are intended to reduce the force of impact of falling objects and to reduce the
danger of contact with exposed high-voltage electrical conductors. Sample shells are proof-tested
at 20,000 volts.

Class C Helmets are intended to reduce the force of impact of falling objects, but offer no
electrical protection.

Note: The voltages stated in Classes A and B are not intended to be an indication of the voltage
at which the headgear protects the wearer.

In addition to electrical protection, hard hats are also tested for impact and penetration resistance
from blows to the top of the head, flammability resistance, and water absorption. The rigorous
testing requirements are described in detail within the standard.

All hard hats in accordance with this standard must meet or exceed either Type I or Type II
impact requirements.

In addition to type classifications, all hard hats are further classified as meeting Class G, Class E,
or Class C electrical requirements.

Type I Hard Hats
Type I hard hats are intended to reduce the force of impact resulting for a blow only to the top of
the head. All hard hats, except bump caps, listed on the Cooper Safety website are Type I (top
impact) hard hats.

Type II Hard Hats
Type II hard hats are intended to reduce the force of impact resulting from a blow which may be
received off center or to the top of the head. A Type II hard hat typically is lined on the inside
with thick high density foam.

Electrical Classes
Class G (General)
Class G hard hats are intended to reduce the danger of contact exposure to low voltage
conductors. Test samples are proof tested at 2200 volts (phase to ground). However, this voltage
is not intended as an indication of the voltage at which the hard hat protects the wearer.

Please note: Class G hard hats were formerly known as Class A.

Class E (Electrical)
Class E hard hats are intended to reduce the danger of exposure to high voltage conductors. Test
samples are proof-tested at 20,000 volts (phase to ground). However, this voltage is not intended
as an indication of the voltage at which the helmet protects the wearer. Please note: Class E hard
hats were formerly known as Class B.

Class C (Conductive)
Class C hard hats are not intended to provide protection against contact with electrical
conductors.


"Each affected employee shall wear protective helmets when working in areas where there is a
potential for injury to the head from falling objects."

The standard also covers conditions where electrical hazards are present.

"Protective helmets designed to reduce electrical shock hazard shall be worn by each such
affected employee when near exposed electrical conductors which could contact the head."

These standards apply mainly to American requirements which are most likely recognized and
acceptable internationally.
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March 13, 2013
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