What is the maximum impact force that a FireFighter helmet can withstand?

Ever wonder how firefighters remain safe when entering into a burning building? The helmet is the most important equipment that they wear. Firefighter helmets are custom-designed for head protection during firefighting activities. How Much Protection a Fire Fighter black fire helmet Offers? Now, let us find out how these helmets protect firefighters! 

How Firefighter Helmets Work

Firefighter helmets are specifically built to protect their heads from severe impacts that can produce life-threatening head injuries. These types of helmets are constructed with durable and tough materials like fiberglass and Kevlar. Those materials are common due to their ability to resist a considerable amount of force. 

The energy from the heavy or hard hit spreads over a larger area when in contact with the helmet. This dispersion of energy minimizes the transfer to the head inside the helmet. Redistributing force is a critical element to firefighter helmets as we know them today. 

Testing Firefighter Helmets

Firefighter helmets undergo extensive testing to ensure they can withstand strong impacts. These fireman helmet are governed by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) rules. For example, one of the guidelines tests how well a helmet can withstand impacts (hard hits). 

The test consists of dropping a heavy weight on the helmet from several feet above ground level. Essentially, this test simulates what would happen if something fell onto the helmet or if a firefighter got struck in the head. The helmet should be sturdy enough not to crack/ break on performing this test. Obviously, they need a helmet in one piece because if it's not they won't be able to function effectively as protection for the firefighter. 

How much force can a helmet take? 

According to the NFPA, their requirement states firefighter helmets must withstand a force of 300 pounds during impact. That's roughly the mass of your average adult male human. That’s a lot of weight! 

Choosing a Safe Helmet 

Choosing the right firefighter helmet is critical, and you need to get one with the NFPA impact-standard rescue best. Basically, the helmet has successfully clear all of key exams and approved as a secure component to wear. And, even better, you may also want to invest on helmets that carry additional features leading to extra protection. 

Take, for example, Anben's EXO-999 helmet which comes with not just a polycarbonate outer shell but impact-resistant thick EPS foam that can absorb shocks of 500 pounds. These extra layers of protection go a long way to help keep firefighters safe. This firefighting helmet also features heat and flying debris protecting visor as it is mostly used during the fire. And it includes a built-in flashlight, which is useful for visibility at night or in smoky conditions.