Introducing the new ANSI/ISEA 100-2024 bump cap standard

A new American National Standard for head protection has been released. ANSI/ISEA 100-2024 sets out test methods and assessment criteria for industrial bump caps.

The standard includes two performance levels with different impact testing criteria, plus several optional features.

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What is a bump cap?

A bump cap offers protection from light bumps and scrapes to the head.

The new standard is not a replacement for products covered by ANSI/ISEA Z89.1.

Bump caps serve a different purpose to hard hats and safety helmets. A bump cap reduces the force of impact resulting from a wearer generated impact to the head. However it is not designed to protect against falling masses or high-energy impacts.

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ANSI/ISEA 100-2024 requirements

The new ANSI 100-2024 standard defines mandatory requirements for force transmission and penetration testing. Bump caps must meet one of two performance levels:

Level 1:

• Two force transmission tests are carried out at 7.5 J – on the front and back of the crown.
• Apex penetration is tested within a 50mm radius on the crown.

Level 2:

• Four force transmission tests are carried out at 12.5 J – at two points on the front and two points on the back of the crown.
• Apex penetration is tested within a 50mm radius on the crown.

The standard includes optional tests for reverse donning, impact protection at very low temperature (-22°F / -30°C) and flame resistance.

Requirements for product markings, user instructions, accessories and chinstraps are also set out in the new standard, establishing a complete specification for industrial bump caps.

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When should you wear a bump cap?

A full risk assessment is required to determine the appropriate type of head protection.

Bump caps can be suitable for use in situations where stationary structures pose a risk of bumping or scraping the head – such as working around low ceilings, pipework, or on an automated production line.

If there is a risk of falling objects or higher energy impacts, the relevant type of safety helmet or hard hat should be selected.

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The ANSI/ISEA 100-2024 standard defines clear requirements for industrial bump caps. Previously European standard EN 812 was often applied for these products, however the new standard provides an American national specification and incorporates a wider scope of performance levels.

Find out more about industrial head protection at jspna.com.