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How often Should Fire Helmets be Replaced

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In firefighting, firefighting helmets are one of the key equipment to safeguard firefighters' life and safety. People often wonder whether there is a warranty period for firefighting helmets and how often they should be replaced. This issue is critical, related to the firefighters in a dangerous environment of safety and protection.


The Warranty Period of Fire Helmets 
We are familiar with the shelf life of food products, tools are usually less mentioned. But fire helmets do have a shelf life. By referring to professional information and understanding the industry, some famous brands, such as SHOEI, will provide 5 years warranty for their fire helmets, of course, there are other brands that provide 3 years warranty and other different service length.

Relationship between Fire Helmet Shelf Life and Structure

Shell

fire helmet shell hard, using ABS, PC, composite glass fibre or composite carbon fibre and other materials. Its role is to resist foreign body penetration, wear and maintain the shape of the helmet. At the scene of a fire, the helmet may be punctured by falling incendiary objects, and it is also susceptible to everyday knocks and bumps, and will deteriorate slowly when exposed to a complex environment for a long period of time.

EPS Cushioning

This is the key to saving your life, but is often overlooked. The material is polystyrene, similar to cushioning foam. It can cushion and absorb energy, reduce the acceleration of collision, reduce the impact of the head, and its groove design can also be ventilated. However, its effectiveness decreases by about 2 per cent per year, and it can be deformed, dented or even ruptured on impact.

Lining

is made of fabric-covered foam that provides comfort and wrap-around comfort, and many lining fabrics are anti-bacterial and perspiration-wicking. How often they are worn affects their lifespan, and how well they are cared for can extend or shorten their use.
As these three key parts will be used with the time and frequency of aging, performance decline, so from the purchase and use, fire helmets in the wear and tear, there is a certain shelf life.

Factors affect Firefighting Helmets Cycle

Firefighting Helmets Replacement Determined by Economic Strength

From the financial point of view, if the economy is abundant and the pursuit of absolute safety, helmets can be replaced at any time according to the actual situation.
Big brand products have a benchmark significance in the industry. If the brand can provide 5-year warranty service, it reflects that the general use warranty period recommended by the manufacturer is about 5 years.

Frequency of use Affects Firefighting Helmets

Frequent use firefighting helmets affects If the product is worn on a daily basis, it is recommended to consider replacing it after 3-5 years of use, depending on the effectiveness of maintenance. Depending on the effectiveness of the maintenance, it can be extended appropriately if the maintenance is good, otherwise, it should be advanced. For occasional use, manufacturers generally recommend replacement within 7 years from the date of manufacture for less frequent use.

Date of Shipment Affects Firefighting Helmets 
Firefighting helmets have a time cycle from the factory to dealers at all levels and then to the fire brigade, which may take six months to one year for imported ones. Influenced by brand, sales and style, if left in storage for 2 - 3 years, it generally has little effect on life expectancy, but more than 5 years may affect performance.

Firefighting Helmets Replacement Reference Based on Price

From the cost point of view, 300 - 1,000 yuan helmet, material technology is relatively basic, about 3 years can be replaced; 1,000 - 2,500 yuan, material performance is better, about 5 years to replace; 3,000 yuan and above the high-end or special commemorative version of the normal use of the maintenance of the use of 5 years can be considered for the collection, but the actual replacement of the performance of the test and use of the condition shall prevail.

Special Tips: Refused Second-hand Fire Helmets

recommended firmly do not buy second-hand fire helmets, especially the source is unknown. The core value of fire helmets is safety, not brand appearance. After use, the performance will decline due to a variety of factors, even if the appearance is good, the protective power may also be greatly reduced. There is no way to tell how long it has been in use and whether it has been dropped. Helmets that have been impacted or worn out have lost much of their safety performance, and helmets that have been dropped have an EPS layer that is prone to deformation, which significantly reduces the safety factor. Do not buy a second-hand fire helmet unless you can be sure it has not been hit and is from a reliable source.

How to choose the right firefighter's helmet

When purchasing a new firefighter's helmet, it is important to pay attention to the following:

Padding is Critical

One of the key features of a quality helmet is the type of padding that covers the face. A firefighter's head is under a great deal of pressure in the course of his daily duties, so a good helmet must be equipped with comfortable padding to ensure that it is comfortable to wear. For example, during prolonged firefighting operations, comfortable padding allows firefighters to focus on the rescue without head discomfort.

All-round Protection

In addition to the appropriate padding, it is also important that the helmet protects the wearer's eyes, ears and chin. Ideally, a helmet should have enough padding to fully protect the head, while not being too tight to prevent breathing. After all, on the scene of a fire, smooth breathing is critical for firefighters to maintain their strength and operate efficiently.


Full-size vs. Half-size
Firefighters need a helmet that is fitted to withstand potential impacts. In doing so, there are a few things that need to be looked at to ensure that helmet protection is effective. Firstly, it is important to check whether the fire engine helmet you have chosen is a full-size or half-size. Full-size helmets can completely wrap the head, more comprehensive protection, suitable for fierce fire, complex environments, a large number of falling objects and flying debris fire scene; half-size helmets only cover the top part of the head, lighter, in the high demand for flexibility, relatively low level of risk in the rescue scenario, more conducive to the action of firefighters.
 
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