Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

Note:   National Incident Support Caches consider helmets a consumable item.  Helmets returned to caches removed from their original packaging will be considered used and will not be refurbished or reissued.  Helmets that have been issued but not removed from their original packaging will be subject to the Wildland Firefighter’s Helmet Serviceability Guide and Inspection process below to determine serviceability.

1. Wildland Firefighter’s Helmet Serviceability Guide:
   1. Has it been more than 10 years since the helmet’s date of manufacture (DOM)? If yes then remove from service.  If it is less than 10 years since DOM, Inspect the helmet.
   2. Helmet is less than 10 years from DOM:  Inspect the helmet using inspection criteria in #2.  Does the helmet pass inspection?  If yes, return to stock.  If no, remove from service.
2. Inspection

The shell should be inspected routinely for dents, cracks, nicks, gouges, and any damage that might reduce protection. Any helmet that shows signs of worn or damaged parts should be removed from service immediately.

The shell material may be degrading if the shell becomes stiff, brittle, faded, or appears dull or chalky. With further degradation, the shell's surface may flake or delaminate.  A hardhat should be replaced at the first sign of any of these conditions.

1. Compress the shell from both sides about 1 inch with your hands and release the pressure without dropping the shell.  The shell should return to its original shape quickly, exhibiting elasticity.  Compare the elasticity with that of a new shell.  If the shell being tested does not have as much elasticity as the new shell, or if the shell cracks, it should be replaced immediately.
2. Inspect the suspension system closely for cracks, cut or frayed shell straps, torn headband or size adjustment slots, loss of pliability, or other signs of wear.  Remove and replace any suspension that is damaged.
3. Inspect for cracks, chips in shell, scuff marks and discoloration, and if so dispose of.
4. Ensure that all attachment clips are present (chin strap, headlamp, liner, neck and face shroud).
5. Inspect for markings, drawings or labels, if any dispose of.
6. All certification labels (ANSI, etc.) must be present in helmet, if not dispose of.
   See also: Inspection Guidelines: From Your Hardhat: Inspection and Maintenance 0267 2331. Missoula, MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Missoula Technology and Development Center. 4p.  
7. Return to Stock if helmet complies with the Wildland Firefighter’s Helmet Serviceability Guide and passes initial inspection.
4. Refurbish helmet if it complies with the Wildland Firefighter’s Helmet Serviceability Guide the passes initial inspection but requires cleaning and or repair.
5. Dispose of helmet if it fails inspection or the Wildland Firefighter’s Helmet Serviceability Guide.

Refurbishing Procedures

A.  Cleaning

• Wash with soap and water, rinse, and air dry.

B.  Repair

1. Replace with new liner and new chin strap.

• Bullard helmet (NFES #007287) use liner NFES #002025 – Bullard Personal Protective Equipment
• Mine Safety Appliances (MSA) helmets (NFES #000109) use liner NFES #007036 – MSA Safety Equipment

2. Attach front 2 suspension clips to helmet to ensure proper fit.
3. Add or replace reflective strips.
4. Add or replace Velcro strips
5. Velcro strips 1½” x 2¼” and placed at center at rear of helmet and 9½” around curvature of helmet on each side.
6. The adhesive used shall be approved by the manufacturer for use on the helmet.

C. Testing for performance

• none

D. Repackaging

• Local cache option.