R 408.13375 Protective helmets.

Rule 3375. (1) Protective helmets shall be described by impact type and electrical class. All protective helmets shall meet either Type I or Type II requirements. All helmets shall be further classified as meeting Class G, Class E, or Class C electrical requirements. Helmets shall be classified as follows: (a) Impact type protective helmets shall be either of the following: (i) Type I helmets intended to reduce the force of impact resulting from a blow only to the top of the head. (ii) Type II helmets intended to reduce the force of impact resulting from a blow to the top or sides of the head. (b) Electrical classes for protective helmets shall be 1 of the following: (i) Class G, general protective helmets are intended to reduce the danger of contact with low voltage conductors. Test samples shall be proof-tested at 2200 volts (phase to ground). This voltage is not intended as an indication of the voltage at which the helmets protects the wearer. (ii) Class E, electrical protective helmets are intended to reduce the danger of contact with higher voltage conductors. Test samples shall be proof-tested at 20,000 volts (phase to ground). This voltage is not intended as an indication of the voltage at which the helmet protects the wearer. (iii) Class C, conductive protective helmets are not intended to provide protection against contact with electrical hazards. (2) A metallic head device shall not be furnished by an employer or used by an employee for head protection, except where it has been determined that the use of other types of protective helmets or safety hats or caps is impractical, such as where chemical reaction will cause the deterioration of other types of head protection. (3) A protective helmet furnished by an employer shall be identified on the inside of the shell with the name of the manufacturer. (4) When used in conjunction with protective helmets, faceshields, welding helmets, and goggles shall be in compliance with the requirements in these rules, and hearing protection shall be in compliance with Occupational Health Standard Part 380 “Occupational Noise Exposure,” as referenced in R 408.13301a. (5) Winter liners and chin straps used in conjunction with class E helmets for high-voltage protection shall not contain any metallic parts or other conductive materials. (6) Winter liners and chin straps used in areas where there is a danger of ignition from heat, flame, or chemical reaction shall be made of materials that are non-burning or flame retardant. (7) Bump hats or caps or other limited-protection devices shall not be used as a substitute for protective helmets for the hazards described in R 408.13370. (8) An employer shall ensure that protective helmets designed to reduce electrical shock hazard shall be worn by each affected employee who is near exposed electrical conductors that could come in contact with the employee’s head.