What to Look for in a Firefighter Helmet
Aside from a firefighter’s personal protective equipment (PPE), nothing is more important than their helmet. In fact, the first firefighter helmets were introduced in 1821, and they’ve remained a staple in the firefighting uniform ever since. Whether your helmet is worn out after many years of service or you’re just beginning your firefighting career, you’re going to need a good helmet. Continue reading to learn what to look for in a firefighter helmet.
It should meet safety requirements
Every fire helmet must meet the NFPA 1971 regulations to ensure the user’s safety. These regulations detail every aspect of the helmet and includes the shell construction, an absorbing layer that protect the firefighter from falling items. Furthermore, the regulation indicates that helmets must include a retention apparatus to ensure the best fit.
A comfortable fit
Just like any other hat you’d purchase, a fire helmet must be comfortable for the user. Some helmets are made with heavier materials that might be fine for others but that may be too heavy for you. Alternatively, lightweight helmets are available as well. You may lose some of the protection, but they’ll still meet NFPA requirements.
Made with quality materials
Your helmet and other PPE are the only layers that stand between you and dangerous situations, so you’ll obviously want a fire helmet made with high-quality materials to protect yourself. Some quality materials to look out for include thermoplastic and polycarbonate shells and Nomex lining. Additionally, we always suggest purchasing helmets made in the U.S. because they’re almost always guaranteed to meet safety requirements.
Every manufacturer fits their fire helmets differently, so make sure to have a general idea of your head’s size, and always ask if their helmets run large or small. From there, you can easily shop around for a quality helmet, especially since you now know what to look for in a firefighter helmet. Keep in mind that this is your safety we’re talking about, so don’t immediately go for the cheapest option you can find. You certainly get what you pay for in fire helmets.
