Personal Protective Equipment – Helmet Inspection and Care

Wildland firefighting helmets are intended to reduce the severity of an impact. Helmets require frequent inspection to maintain performance standards. Inspection frequency will depend on its use and exposure. Inspect your helmet when it is first issued, after a significant event (involved in an accident, significant incident, or obvious damage), and periodically throughout the season. Helmets that do not meet the criteria in the Wildland Firefighter’s Helmet Serviceability Guide need to be removed from service.

The wildland firefighting helmet is certified to meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1977 Standard for Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire Fighting and Urban Interface Fire Fighting. The NFPA 1977 Standard ensures Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) meets minimum design, performance, labeling, testing, visibility, and certification requirements.

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Helmets certified to NFPA 1977 also meet ANSI Z89.1, Type 1, Class G. Type 1 helmets are intended to reduce the force of impact resulting from a blow to the top of the head. Class G helmets are intended to reduce the danger of contact with low-voltage electrical conductors.

Helmet Components: The wildland fire helmet is comprised of an outer shell and an adjustable inner suspension.

Date of Manufacture (DOM): Displayed as radial dials on the underside of the brim, one for the month and year of manufacture. Ten years or older should be removed from service, regardless of wear.

Outer Shell: Look for dents, cracks, gouges, discoloration, and deformities. Chemicals, bug spray, and some cleaning solutions can cause damage to the shell.

Compression Test: Pressure to the sides of the shell should result in a quick return to its original shape, demonstrating elasticity in the shell.

Suspension Inspection: Inspect suspension webbing for wear and tear. A damaged suspension can be replaced if the shell is still serviceable.

Suspension Keys: The suspension is attached using keys, these should be snapped into place and held snuggly in the helmet’s key slot. If a portion of the key is broken, cracked, or damaged, replace the suspension or remove the helmet from service.

Cleaning: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the shell and the suspension.

Storage: Store helmets in a cool, dark, and dry place. Do not store helmets near chemicals. Avoid direct sunlight.

Discussion Question:

• Have you checked your hard hat lately?