Understanding ANSI Z89.1
Header image: Carol E. Davis, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Europe District
Quick Answer
ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 is the American National Standard for industrial head protection. It sorts helmets by Type (Type I for top impacts, Type II for top and lateral impacts) and Class (G, E, or C for electrical protection). The newest edition, Z89.1-2026, was released September 11, 2026. It keeps Type and Class and adds optional Type I+ and Type II+ ratings for chin strap and retention performance.
Who Writes ANSI Z89.1 And Why It Matters
Z89.1 is developed by the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) and approved as an American National Standard through the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) process. On its own it is a voluntary consensus standard. What gives it teeth is OSHA. OSHA's head protection rules for general industry (29 CFR 1910.135) and construction (29 CFR 1926.100) point employers to Z89.1. OSHA's own Safety and Health Information Bulletin on safety helmets explains that its standards allow compliance through the 2009, 2003, and 1997 editions of Z89.1.
Most helmets on the market today are certified to the 2014 edition, reaffirmed in 2019 and written "ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (R2019)." For example, the STUDSON SHK-1 Full Brim Dual Cert is listed as certified to ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (R2019) Type II and CSA Z94.1-2015 Type II.
What Changed In ANSI Z89.1-2026
On September 11, 2026, ISEA announced the release of ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2026, approved by ANSI. ISEA is clear that the revision "does not replace existing requirements or make current compliant head protection obsolete." Your 2014 (R2019) helmets are still good. Here is what is new:
- A new "+" designation. It marks head protection tested beyond the base Type I or Type II requirements.
- Type I+ adds a required chin strap, chin strap retention testing, retention system testing, and off-center impact testing at the front, rear, and sides.
- Type II+ adds a required chin strap plus chin strap and retention system testing on top of Type II impact protection.
- Reverse wearing. New checks for "+" helmets to confirm they stay on when worn backward.
- HV becomes EV. The High Visibility marking is renamed Enhanced Visibility, because helmets fall outside the ANSI/ISEA 107 hi-vis apparel standard. Visibility performance did not change.
Why it matters: retention is the gap that chin straps fill. A helmet that comes off in a fall protects nothing. The "+" marking gives safety managers a standard way to specify helmets proven to stay on. Expect manufacturers to start labeling "+" models over the coming months, and expect contract specs to follow.
Bottom line: if a helmet is not marked as meeting Z89.1, it does not belong on a U.S. jobsite.
ANSI Z89.1 Type: Which Direction The Helmet Protects
Type I head protection is designed for blows to the top of the head. This is the traditional hard hat most people picture.
Type II head protection is designed for blows to the top and sides of the head. To manage off-center impacts, Type II designs usually add an energy-absorbing liner rather than relying on a suspension alone.
Type describes impact protection only. It says nothing about electrical protection. That is Class. If you want the side-by-side, read Type I vs. Type II safety helmets.
ANSI Z89.1 Class: Electrical Protection
OSHA's bulletin summarizes the three Z89.1 classes this way:
- Class G (General). Designed to reduce exposure to low-voltage conductors. Proof tested at 2,200 volts (phase to ground).
- Class E (Electrical). Designed to reduce exposure to higher-voltage conductors. Proof tested at 20,000 volts (phase to ground).
- Class C (Conductive). Not intended to provide protection against contact with electrical hazards.
Venting matters here. OSHA notes that vented hard hats or safety helmets cannot be used for electrical work, which is why vented helmets are typically Class C. Test voltages are proof tests, not a working voltage rating. Class E does not replace de-energizing, insulated tools, approach distances, or the rest of your electrical safety program. It is one layer of it.
Optional ANSI Z89.1 Helmet Markings
Z89.1 also recognizes optional performance claims. If a helmet passes the extra testing, you will see these on the label:
- Reverse-wearing mark. OSHA's bulletin is clear that only head protection with a reverse-wearing label or mark can be worn backward.
- HT (High Temperature). For high-heat work or exposure to molten materials.
- LT (Low Temperature). Preconditioned in low temperatures before testing, for cold environments.
- HV (High Visibility), renamed EV (Enhanced Visibility) in the 2026 edition. Helps workers be seen on construction and road work sites.
How To Read An ANSI Z89.1 Helmet Label
Every compliant helmet carries markings inside the shell. Look for:
- The manufacturer's name
- The standard designation, such as "ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (R2019)" or, on newer stock, "Z89.1-2026"
- The Type and Class, such as "Type II, Class E" or, for 2026 "+" models, "Type II+"
- The size range
- The date of manufacture
- Any optional markings (reverse-wearing, HT, LT, HV or EV)
OSHA's inspection checklist tells you to confirm these labels are legible and have not been tampered with. Manufacturers also supply instructions for fit, care, and service life. Keep them. Z89.1 does not set one universal expiration date, so service life comes from the manufacturer and your inspections. See When should a safety helmet be replaced?.
What ANSI Z89.1 Does Not Cover
Z89.1 is an industrial standard. It is not the standard for firefighting, law enforcement, or sports helmets, and climbing and rope-access helmets are commonly certified to other standards as well. Canada uses its own standard, CSA Z94.1. Some helmets, like the dual-certified SHK-1 Full Brim, carry both ANSI and CSA certifications so cross-border crews can run one spec.
ANSI Z89.1 And Head Injury Key Statistics
- 2,200 volts: Class G proof-test voltage. 20,000 volts: Class E proof-test voltage (OSHA SHIB 3-6-2024).
- September 11, 2026: ISEA released ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2026, the first edition with Type I+ and Type II+ (ISEA head protection).
- Nearly 700 worker fatalities from head injuries in the last year, as cited by ISEA's president in the Z89.1-2026 announcement.
- 5,070 U.S. workers died from work injuries in 2024 (BLS CFOI, released February 19, 2026).
ANSI Z89.1 Compliant Safety Helmets
STUDSON SHK-1 Full Brim. Non-Vented (Type II, Class E) for electrical exposure | Vented (Type II, Class C) for heat where there is no electrical exposure.
Hardknock Resolve FullBrim. Non-Vented (Type II, Class E) | Vented (Type II, Class C)
Related ANSI And Head Protection Resources
What is a Type II safety helmet?. The complete guide to Type II.
OSHA head protection standards. What the regulations require.
Understanding ANSI standards. How ANSI standards work across all PPE.
Choosing the right safety helmet. Putting Type and Class to work.
Frequently Asked Questions About ANSI Z89.1
Q: Is a helmet certified to Z89.1-2014 OSHA compliant?
A: OSHA's head protection rules name the 2009, 2003, and 1997 editions of Z89.1. The industry, including ISEA, treats helmets certified to later editions as meeting that requirement, and they are what the market sells. If you work under a contract that names a specific edition, follow the contract.
Q: Do I need to replace my helmets because of Z89.1-2026?
A: No. ISEA says the 2026 revision does not make current compliant head protection obsolete. Replace helmets on your normal schedule, and consider Type II+ when you do.
Q: Does Class E mean I can work on energized lines?
A: No. Class E reduces the danger of accidental contact. It does not replace de-energizing, insulating equipment, approach distances, or qualified-worker rules.
Q: Can I wear my helmet backward?
A: Only if it carries the reverse-wearing mark and you follow the manufacturer's instructions for turning the suspension.
Q: Can I add stickers or paint?
A: Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Paint and solvents can damage shells, and some manufacturers allow only approved decals.
Get Your ANSI Z89.1 Helmet Spec Right The First Time
BDG Safety helps safety managers, contractors, and contracting officers translate Z89.1 language into the right helmet for the job. Call (619) 992-7621 or email info@bulldoggroup.net. BDG Safety is a Navy-veteran-founded, certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that supplies Type II safety helmets and PPE to contractors, agencies, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Real people who know the gear, no phone menus. Open a B2B account or see how to buy.
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