By Alan M. Petrillo
Helmets and eye protection are major pieces in the personal protective equipment (PPE) envelope that a firefighter wears.
So, PPE manufacturers have evolved helmets and eye protection to provide the greatest safety for firefighters and yet remain functional and ergonomic in use.
Bullard
Matt Ernst, product manager of fire helmets for Bullard, says that Bullard makes five models of firefighting helmets, including the newly introduced ReTrak™ series that has an integrated visor “engineered based directly on feedback from firefighters.” The integrated liner fits between the helmet’s inner liner and outer shell, Ernst says, which “gives it a lower profile where it is out of the way and stowed in a contained area so it doesn’t get dirty.”
1 Bullard makes the ReTrak™ integrated visor that is available on its UST, FX, and PX series helmets, shown here on a UST traditional style fiberglass outer shell helmet. (Photo courtesy of Bullard.)
The integrated visor moves across two axes, Ernst points out, so when it is deployed, it rotates down but also moves away from the face, allowing for a better fit for firefighters with larger faces or those wearing eyeglasses. “The integrated visor is held in by two finger latches on the left and right of the helmet,” Ernst says. “A firefighter can pop the latch with a single finger to remove the visor to clean or replace it.” The ReTrak integrated visor is available on Bullard’s UST, FX, and PX series helmets.
Bullard’s UST series helmet is made in a traditional style and has a fiberglass outer shell for toughness and durability, Ernst says, as well as a 12-point comfort system including the Sure-Lock® ratchet headband that adjusts to the wearer’s head with a turn of a knob. The FX series is a contemporary style fiberglass helmet that also uses the Sure-Lock ratchet and additional adjustment points to permit a custom fit. Bullard’s PX and LT series helmets have thermoplastic outer shells and are designed in the contemporary style.
Lion
Jonathan Gates, product manager for helmets and face gear at Lion, says his company makes traditional style firefighting helmets. “The traditional style helmet with ribs across the top like our American Legend® helmet is the most popular with firefighters,” Gates points out. “There’s a trend in the industry in trying to make helmets lighter, and the ribs help strengthen the shell and continue to help with impact resistance.”
2 Lion makes the American Legend fiberglass fire helmet that features an integrated face shield and a ratcheting headband with a Nomex® foam wrap.
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