Fire Helmet Visor Issues

Initial Email Enquiry –

I have a lack of confidence in the quality and reliability of the visor's we have on our fire fighter's helmet here at BMW Plant Hams Hall UK.

Overview - Purchased from new and over a four year period 8 visors have needed to be changed due to issues ranging from hairline fractures to complete breakage. On one occasion an officer stepped down at the bottom of the drill tower, turned hit the tower 'head on' and broke the visor in two. (the officer was fine but his ego was a little dented)

Can the JOIFF members provide feedback 'reply to all' on how their fire-fighters visors have performed and instances where they have failed.

Fire & Security Co-ordinator

Gil fire-fighter face protection is an important priority in fire-fighting. Face-shield (visor) systems are commonly made from materials such as polycarbonate that can resist high velocity impacts and protect against radiant heat, however, the quality of such items is variable and like all PPE systems minor impacts can reduce the integrity of the unit. The common helmet standards are EN443 and NFPA 1971 ASNZS 4067 NB: within our company light eye protection on plant is mandatory and is worn in conjunction with the visor protection should this be necessary. Please find an article taken from the Bullard Website which may be of interest:

Click here to view article on helmet visor issues.

1st Response –

We at Hull Site have had nothing but problems with the external visor style of helmet and at a cost of about £40 per visor we are planning to buy the galena style helmet in the future. We have the new style and find we do not have any problems with the visors as the retract into the helmet, they also come with additional safety glasses which also retract into the helmet.

2^nd Response –

We here in the Falklands had similar problems with this type of visor. However since I purchased helmets that protect the visor inside the shell I have not had a problem.

End of email correspondence on Topic to date

Author’s identities are concealed for privacy and security reasons. Further information on the information contained in this topic can be directed to the JOIFF secretariat.