Hard Hat: How to Choose Between CSA Type 1 and Type 2 in Canada

A hard hat is chosen on three things: the impact protection you need (CSA Type 1 or Type 2), the electrical class (E, G or C), and whether the site requires a chin strap. Since July 1, 2026, Canadian Construction Safety Council member sites require a Type 2 hard hat with an integrated chin strap, so Type 2 is now the safe default on construction work. This guide explains the types and classes and matches them to the Dynamic Safety hard hats ERE lists.

In this guide

• What Is the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Hard Hats?
• Which Class Do You Need: E, G or C?
• Why Are Type 2 Hard Hats with Chin Straps Now Required on Some Sites?
• Which Hard Hats Does ERE List?
• When Should You Replace a Hard Hat?
• How Do You Choose a Hard Hat, Step by Step?
• Frequently Asked Questions

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What Is the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Hard Hats?

Type 1 hard hats protect against impact and penetration at the crown (top) only, while Type 2 hard hats also protect against impact and penetration from the sides and back (CCOHS, Selecting Protective Headwear). Most Canadian legislation points to CSA Z94.1-15, Industrial protective headwear: performance, selection, care, and use, as the compliance standard.

The practical split: Type 1 covers overhead falling-object hazards, such as a tool dropped from a level above. Type 2 adds lateral protection, which matters when the hazard is a fall, a slip into a structure, or a strike from the side. The CCSC notice cites approximately 25% of construction fatalities as traumatic brain injuries, over half from falls (CCSC).

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Which Class Do You Need: E, G or C?

Class is about electrical protection, and the right one depends on whether energized conductors are present. CCOHS defines the three classes as follows (CCOHS):

Class	Electrical rating	Protects against
E	20,000 V	High-voltage conductors
G	2,200 V	Low-voltage conductors (general trades)
C	None	No electrical protection

Every type is available in each class, so a Type 2 Class E hat is a different product from a Type 2 Class C hat. Do not use winter liners that contain metal or conductive material, or metal labels, under Class G or E headwear.

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Why Are Type 2 Hard Hats with Chin Straps Now Required on Some Sites?

The Canadian Construction Safety Council announced on April 16, 2026 that, from July 1, 2026, all personnel on CCSC member construction sites, including trade partners and visitors, must wear a Type 2 hard hat with a manufacturer-approved four-point integrated chin strap. The notice says the class must match the hazard and the certification must meet local rules, such as CSA or ANSI (CCSC).

The CCSC gives two reasons: Type 2 protects against vertical and lateral impacts, and a chin strap keeps the hat on during a slip or fall and stops it becoming a dropped object. It cites Virginia Tech research showing reductions of 34% in the probability of concussion and 65% in skull fracture with a Type 2 hat. These are the CCSC's figures, not ERE's.

Two cautions. First, this is a CCSC member-site requirement; a mine, plant or utility sets its own rules. Second, use the strap the manufacturer approves for that hat, and do not draw the chin strap over the brim or peak (CCOHS, Headwear: Care of).

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Which Hard Hats Does ERE List?

ERE lists four Dynamic Safety hard hats on the Head Protection collection. The table reads from each product record.

Product	Style	CSA type and class on record	Notes
Whistler (HP241)	Cap style, non-vented	Type 1, Class E	HDPE shell with rain trough; slotted for accessories; chin strap attachment points
Tremblant	Curved "V" style, no rain trough	Type 1, Class E (see note)	Universal accessory slots; 4-point chin strap attachment; sizes 6-1/2 to 8
Mont-Blanc	Rain-trough shell	Type 2, Class E	Foam liner adds lateral protection; about 1.21 lb; chin strap attachments
Kilimandjaro	Full brim	Type 1 or Type 2, Class E	UV-stabilized shell, added sun protection for ears and neck; Type 2 model has a foam liner

All four use an HDPE shell and a 4-point nylon suspension (the Kilimandjaro record lists 4 to 6 points) with pin-lock or Sure-Lock ratchet adjustment. Two notes on the records. The Tremblant record states CSA Type 1 but prints ANSI Type II in the same line, so confirm the type on the product label or the Dynamic Safety specification sheet before you rely on it for a Type 2 requirement. And the records quote the older Z94.1-05 and ANSI Z89.1-2009 editions in places, so check the current certification marking on the hat you receive.

For a site that needs Type 2 with a chin strap, the Mont-Blanc, or the Type 2 version of the Kilimandjaro, is the starting point. A chin strap is not a separate product on the collection, so ask us which strap Dynamic Safety approves for the model.

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When Should You Replace a Hard Hat?

Replace a hard hat immediately if it has been struck by an object, even when there is no visible damage (CCOHS). CSA Z94.1 requires the month and year of manufacture to be marked, and manufacturers may state an expected useful life, but daily inspection of the shell, liner and suspension matters more than the date.

• Look for cracks, dents, cuts, a chalky or dull shell, and torn or frayed suspension material.
• Do not drill, alter or paint the shell. Paint solvents can make plastic brittle and hide cracks; use reflective tape for identification instead.
• Do not leave a hard hat in a vehicle rear window. Heat and UV make the shell brittle.
• Do not mix a suspension from one manufacturer with a shell from another.
• Do not wear a baseball cap under it; it interferes with the suspension.

Hard hats often share the head with other PPE. See our guides to the industrial earplugs, the half mask respirator and the fall arrest harness.

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How Do You Choose a Hard Hat, Step by Step?

1. Check the site rule. Find out whether the site or owner requires Type 2 and a chin strap, as CCSC member sites now do.
2. Assess the hazards. Overhead only points to Type 1; falls, side strikes or work at height point to Type 2.
3. Pick the electrical class. Class E near high voltage, G for general trades, C only where there is no electrical exposure.
4. Pick the style. Cap style for general work, full brim for sun exposure in forestry, mining or oil and gas.
5. Plan the accessories. Confirm with the manufacturer that earmuffs, face shields, liners and the chin strap are approved for the model.
6. Fit and inspect. Size to 6-1/2 to 8, tighten so it stays on when bending forward, and inspect before every use.

If you are standardizing a crew on one model or need a Type 2 option with the right strap, request a quote and we will return a specific list.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Type 1 and a Type 2 hard hat?

Type 1 protects against impact and penetration at the crown only. Type 2 protects the crown and also the sides and back.

Do I need a Type 2 hard hat in Canada?

Not by a single national law. CSA Z94.1 is the standard most legislation references, but the CCSC requires Type 2 with a four-point integrated chin strap on its member construction sites from July 1, 2026. Check your site and provincial rules.

What does Class E mean on a hard hat?

Class E is rated for 20,000 V and protects against high-voltage conductors. Class G is rated 2,200 V and Class C has no electrical rating.

Does hard hat colour matter?

Colour is not a protection rating. CSA Z94.1 does not assign colours to jobs, so workplaces set their own colour coding based on the hazard assessment.

When should a hard hat be replaced?

Replace it if it has been struck, even without visible damage, and whenever the shell is cracked, dented, chalky or the suspension is torn or frayed. Inspect it before every use.

Related articles

• Earplugs for Industrial Work: How to Read NRR and Choose in Canada
• Half Mask Respirator: How to Match Cartridges and Filters to the Hazard in Canada
• Fall Arrest Harness: How to Read CSA Z259.10 Classes and Choose in Canada

Lire en français : Casque de chantier : comment choisir entre le type 1 et le type 2 CSA au Canada