MSA V-Gard 500 vented safety helmet type 1 class C, 4-point ratchet suspension, sold individually

MSA V-Gard 500 Vented Helmet — Type 1 Class C, 4-Point Ratchet Suspension

MSA V-Gard 500 vented safety helmet equipped with a four-point (4) suspension. The headgear adjusts in several ways to fit the head size (under the headband), height (pinlocks at the back) and tension (neck ratchet). This helmet meets the CSA Z94.1-15, type 1, class C standard. Sold individually, 20 units per case. MSA manufacturer's code: 10034018 (white).

This safety helmet is available in many colors: those in stock are white, yellow and blue. Some colors are only available on special request (3 to 4 weeks for delivery). Select your color in the drop-down menu above.

This helmet features a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) shell whose underbrim underwent a Glaregard treatment to reduce reflective glare. Certified type 1 and class C in compliance with CSA Z94.1-15, it is legal to work with in Canada, offering physical protection of the top of the head with no electrical protection (because of the ventilation slots pierced in the shell). This model can be worn the regular way (peak up front) or in reverse donning: the reverse mode allows one to see overhead if needed and to wear a face shield. It features an extended rain trough for around-the-brim protection. It also meets ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014. The ratchet system adjusts from 6½ in to 8 in in diameter.

Helmet Specifications

• Brand / model: MSA — V-Gard 500 (vented)
• Manufacturer code: 10034018 (white)
• Shell: high-density polyethylene (HDPE), ventilation slots
• Underbrim: Glaregard anti-glare treatment
• Around-the-brim rain trough
• Suspension: 4-point, size/height/tension adjustment, neck ratchet
• Adjustment: 6½ in to 8 in diameter
• Regular or reverse donning (face shield compatible)
• Certifications: CSA Z94.1-15 type 1 class C (no electrical protection); ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014
• In-stock colors: white, yellow, blue (others on order)
• Sold individually (20 per case)

Ventilation and Class C — No Electrical Protection

The V-Gard 500 is a vented helmet: slots are pierced in the shell to improve airflow and comfort in hot weather. This ventilation has a direct consequence on electrical protection: because the shell is perforated, the helmet is class C, meaning it offers NO electrical protection. Note that HDPE is inherently a dielectric material, but the perforations make it lose that property. Class C is suitable for work where electrical protection is not required, such as roadwork. For electrical protection needs, choose a class E helmet instead (see suggestions below).

Materials and Chemical Resistance

The shell is made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), widely used industrially for its physical strength. HDPE resists a wide spectrum of chemicals (most acids, bases, salts, alcohols, lubricants and oils, as well as gasoline and kerosene). It is not resistant to some fuels (diesel, hydrazine, jet fuel, crude oil, propane), some solvents (acetone, benzene, toluene, mineral spirits, paint thinner, varsol), phenols, ethers, ozone, some concentrated acids (nitric, hydrochloric, phosphoric) and some concentrated strong bases (sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide). If the helmet must withstand direct chemical contact, perform a contact test first. Polyethylene withstands up to 105 °C and becomes brittle as low as -50 °C; it resists oxidizers poorly. The suspension structure and anchor points are made of polypropylene, while the webbing is polyester.

Compatible Accessories

This helmet has side slots for mounting various accessories: earmuffs (OPH10P3), a headgear face shield holder (YPH24) with its polycarbonate visor (YV96), an MSA 2-point chin strap (TA80CS), plus sweatbands and cold-weather liners. Manufacturer-approved retroreflective stripes are also available; decals or stickers are not recommended as they hinder inspection.

Maintenance and Service Life

The CSA Z94.1-15 standard recommends checking and cleaning the helmet and its suspension daily, with lukewarm water and a mild soap. The worker must inspect the helmet each day for any cracking, splitting or discoloration; this is why it should not be covered with stickers or cleaned with aggressive solutions. Any helmet that has withstood a severe impact must be replaced. According to the manufacturer, the shell's maximum service life should not exceed 5 years. The suspension should be inspected and washed daily and the manufacturer recommends replacing it annually. Never use the inside of the helmet to carry tools.

FAQ — MSA V-Gard 500 Vented TA81 Helmet

Does this helmet protect against electricity?

No. Being vented (class C), it offers no electrical protection: the slots pierced for ventilation make the shell lose its dielectric property. For electrical protection up to 20,000 volts, choose a class E helmet such as the MSA V-Gard (TA80).

What is the Glaregard treatment for?

The underbrim is Glaregard-treated to reduce glare (reflections), improving the worker's visual comfort, especially outdoors.

Why choose a vented helmet?

Ventilation improves airflow and comfort in hot weather. It is a good choice for outdoor work (e.g. roadwork) where electrical protection is not required.

Complementary Head Protection Suggestions

Depending on your needs, first see the MSA V-Gard type 1 class E helmet (TA80) if 20,000 V electrical protection is required, and the MSA Super V type 2 lateral-protection helmet (TA82). The MSA chin strap (TA80CS) keeps the helmet in place at height.

Under "Accessories" at the bottom of the page, complete your equipment with the Peltor 3M hearing protector (OPX4P51E), the 3M headgear face shield holder (YPH24) and its polycarbonate visor (YV96).

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