MSA V-Gard minor hard hat type 1, class E with a 4-point suspension

MSA V-Gard full-brim minor hard hat — type 1 class E, 4-point ratchet suspension

MSA® V-Gard™ minor hard hat equipped with a four-point suspension. The headgear may be adjusted to fit the size of the head (under the headband), the height of the head (pinlocks at the back) and the tension on the head (neck ratchet). This helmet meets the CSA Z94.1-15, type 1, class E standard requirements. Sold individually, 20 units per case. MSA® manufacturer's code: 475369 (white).

This safety helmet is available in many colors: those in stock at the manufacturers are white, yellow, and blue. Other colors are available but only upon special request and require 3 to 4 weeks for delivery. Select your color in the drop-down menu above.

This safety helmet for construction workers features a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) shell. Its full brim protects from the sun, the rain, and falling debris in an underground gallery, with an extended rain trough for around-the-brim protection. Certified type 1 and class E in compliance with CSA Z94.1-15, it is legal to work with in Canada since it offers physical protection of the top of the head as well as electrical protection from a 20,000 volts nominal current. This safety gear also meets ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 requirements. The ratchet system allows an adjustment from a diameter of 6 ½ to 8 inches, ensuring safe and comfortable equipment to wear.

Helmet features

• Brand / model: MSA — V-Gard full-brim minor style
• Manufacturer code: 475369 (white)
• Shell: high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
• Suspension: 4 anchor points, size/height/tension adjustment, neck ratchet
• Adjustment: 6 ½ to 8 inches
• Certifications: CSA Z94.1-15 type 1 class E; ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014
• Electrical protection: up to 20,000 volts (60 Hz)
• In-stock colors: white, yellow, blue (others on order)
• Sold individually (20 per case)

Materials and chemical resistance of the V-Gard hard hat

The hard hat shell is made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a material widely used industrially for its physical strength. HDPE is resistant to a wide spectrum of chemicals, including most acids, bases, salts, alcohols, lubricants and oils, as well as gasoline and kerosene. HDPE is not resistant to some fuels (diesel, hydrazine, jet fuel, crude oil, propane), to some solvents (acetone, benzene, toluene, mineral spirits, paint thinner, varsol), to phenols, to ethers, to ozone, to some concentrated acids (nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid) and to some concentrated strong bases (sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide). If a hard hat must withstand contact with chemical products, it is recommended to perform a contact test to ensure the materials will not be compromised. Polyethylene can withstand temperatures as high as 105 °C and may start to break at temperatures as low as -50 °C. Note it doesn't resist well to oxidizers.

The structure of the suspension (or headband or head helmet), as well as the four anchor points, is made of polypropylene, whereas the webbing is made of polyester.

CSA type 1 and class E certification of the V-Gard hard hat

This hard hat is certified type 1, which means it offers protection from impacts occurring on the top of the head. It is also certified class E, which means it offers protection from electrical shocks. The CSA (Canadian Standards Association) has subjected this helmet to lab tests, one of which measures dielectric rigidity (electric conductance or resistance). In short, the lower the leakage current, the better the dielectric rigidity. What's special about Class E helmets is that they are designed to withstand and protect from an incredibly high voltage, which may reach 20,000 volts at 60 Hertz. Other criteria are evaluated during these tests, among other things how the helmet is conditioning its environment and its increment rate at a voltage of 1,000 volts per second.

Compatible accessories for full-brim minor hard hats

This helmet features slots for accessories to adapt your equipment to your environment: protection from noise nuisance with cap-mounted earmuffs (OP10129327), a face shield (YP5006), a chin strap (TA80CS) and other PPE accessories such as a sweatband or a lining for thermal protection.

Retroreflective stripes are also available if a worker wishes to have some at the designated location of the lower part of the helmet; note, however, that the strips must be approved for this use by the manufacturer to be legal. Decals or stickers are not recommended, since they prevent a good inspection of your PPEs.

Maintenance and service life of the safety helmet

The CSA Z94.1-15 standard states that one shall inspect and clean its hard hat and suspension daily, with lukewarm water and a mild soap such as dish soap. The worker should look for any traces of cracking, splitting or discoloration; this is why a helmet should never be covered with stickers. The hat should remain shiny and its appearance equally smooth, so avoid any cleaning solution too aggressive. Any hard hat that withstood a solid impact must be replaced. According to the manufacturer, the shell has a service life of no more than 5 years, and the suspension should be replaced every year.

FAQ — MSA V-Gard minor hard hat TA84

What does "type 1 class E" mean?

Type 1 protects against impacts on the top of the head; class E offers electrical protection up to 20,000 volts (60 Hz). This helmet complies with CSA Z94.1-15 and ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014.

What is the difference with the V-Gard cap style (TA80)?

The TA84 is a full-brim "minor" style all around, ideal against sun, rain and debris in galleries; the TA80 is a front-brim cap style. Both are type 1 class E.

What is the helmet's service life?

The manufacturer recommends a maximum service life of 5 years for the shell and annual replacement of the suspension. Any helmet that has withstood a severe impact must be replaced immediately.

Complementary head protection suggestions

To optimize your protection, see the MSA SoundControl SH 25 dB earmuffs (OP10129327) that clip onto the brim, the nylon faceshield holder (YP5006) for face protection, the MSA chin strap (TA80CS) to keep the helmet in place and the V-Gard cap type 1 (TA80).

Under "Accessories" at the bottom of the page, complete your equipment with the V-Gard 500 vented type 1 class C (TA81) for hot days, the Super V type 2 lateral-protection helmet (TA82), the Okanagan full-brim minor helmet (TA14FS) and the Delta Plus Independence type 1 (TA14LR).

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