Materials
Fire helmets are made from either thermoplastic or fiberglass materials, which have both been shown to protect firefighters in extreme heat conditions. Fiberglass helmets are made up of a mixture of thermoset resins and glass fiber. The thermoset resin is the “glue” that is needed to hold glass fibers together in a composite helmet shell. Thermoset resins are a family of plastics that do not melt, but chemically degrade at high temperatures. Thermoset resins by themselves have relatively little strength; the strength of a thermoset composite material comes primarily from the fibers of the glass or other materials that are bonded together by the resin.
The challenge in designing an effective fiberglass material is getting the right mix of a good thermoset resin and high content of glass. The glass fiber is heavier than the resin, so getting the right mix also creates the best potential for a lighter helmet shell. Most fire helmets today have a glass content of approximately 50%.
Fiberglass helmets have traditionally shown their best strength against chemical exposure. Today’s fiberglass helmets also protect well in high heat environments; however, over time and repeated exposures to extreme temperatures, the thermoset resin that holds the glass fibers together in fiberglass helmets begins to degrade with each exposure. High heat exposures can accelerate the degradation of fiberglass helmets.
Thermoplastic material exhibits a high-quality surface finish and has proven to be impact and resistant. While today’s advanced thermoplastics can perform at temperatures exceeding 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius), thermoplastics can be sensitive to some chemical solvents. Since thermoplastic helmets are made by a process of melting and re-cooling, they are designed to accept the type of re-heating that occurs when fighting fires.
Style
There are a variety of fire helmet models on the market today, but three specific designs are the most popular among firefighters: the traditional American helmet; the streamlined contemporary helmet; and the jet-style helmet.
The traditional helmet, which was first embraced hundreds of years ago, is designed with ribs protruding from the dome, created by the joining of eight triangular sections, with a long brim in the back of the helmet to allow water to drip off and often adorned with a customized shield in the front to identify the firefighter. The contemporary helmet is often a lower profile and lighter weight design than the traditional, offering more streamlined and simple lines. This style helmet allows for the face, eyes and neck to be protected with visors, eye shields, and neck protectors. The jet-style helmet is becoming more popular on an international stage. This style looks more like a motorcycle helmet, wraps around the head with no extended brim and allows for greater integration of eye protection.
Brand
Bullard
Size
Medium
Style
Modern
Item Weight
0.01 Ounces
Material
ULTEM® thermoplastic
Specification Met
OSHA
Closure Type
Ratchet
Manufacturer
Bullard
Part Number
24550
Item Weight
0.01 ounces
Item model number
PXYLW-R325
Item Package Quantity
1
Batteries Required?
No