Choosing the right hard hat depends on your specific needs and the environment you work in. Hard hats are rated based on their ability to protect against different types of impacts and electrical hazards. There are two main types of hard hats: Type I and Type II. Type I hard hats are designed to reduce the force of impact from a blow to the top of the head, while Type II hard hats provide protection from blows to both the top and sides of the head.
In addition to types, hard hats are also classified based on their electrical protection capabilities. Class E (Electrical) hard hats provide protection against high voltage up to 20,000 volts, making them suitable for electrical work. Class G (General) hard hats offer protection against low voltage up to 2,200 volts, and Class C (Conductive) hard hats do not provide electrical protection but may offer other features like ventilation. These ratings help ensure that you choose the right hard hat for your specific work environment and hazards.