How to Maintain Performance and NFPA Compliance of MSA Fire Helmets

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MSA Cairns® fire helmets are compliant with NFPA and/or OSHA standards according to the configuration chosen. Follow these guidelines in order to maintain compliance and ensure performance of MSA Cairns® fire helmets:

Use only MSA approved eye protection such as a Defender visor, faceshield, or goggles. Removing compliant eye protection voids the NFPA certification.
Use only components and accessories that are included with the original fire helmet or approved by MSA. Using unauthorized components or accessories can adversely affect fire helmet performance.
Do not alter, paint, or attach any item that is not recommended by MSA to the fire helmet. Doing so by persons other than authorized service personnel will void the MSA Cairns® fire helmet 10-year warranty.
Use only fire helmet markings (front identification shields, title tapes, decals, retroreflective trim) and fire helmet accessories (flashlight brackets, communications headsets) that are supplied and/or approved by MSA.
Refurbishment of the fire helmet is not permitted. Refurbishment can affect the performance of the helmet and void compliance with the standards to which it is approved. Refurbished helmets must not be used for firefighting activities.
Following NFPA 1851 guidelines, individuals are required to perform a routine inspection of fire helmets upon issue and after each wearing, as well as at the beginning of each duty period.
In accordance with NFPA 1851, advanced inspections are required annually and also whenever a routine inspection determines potential damage. Advanced inspections are required to be documented.
NFPA 1851 requires that users evaluate fire helmets after each use to determine the appropriate cleaning level. The standard provides guidelines for preliminary exposure reduction procedures that must be followed for on-scene cleaning at an emergency scene, in addition to routine cleaning and advanced cleaning that must be done every six months. One of those advanced cleanings must occur at the time of annual advanced inspection.
Following NFPA 1851 guidelines, maintain recordkeeping for each MSA Cairns® fire helmet that includes, but is not limited to: manufacturer and model name, manufacturer’s identification, lot or serial numbers, month and year of manufacture; person to whom the helmet is issued; dates and findings of advanced inspections and advanced cleanings or decontamination; dates and a brief description of repairs; date of retirement, as well as date and method of disposal.

MSA encourages departments and users to obtain copies of NFPA standards and read through the details to ensure complete compliance. Additional information is also available in MSA Cairns® Fire Helmet Operating Manuals, which can be accessed on our website by helmet type or by scanning the QR code on helmets manufactured after August 2018.

Properly using and maintaining your fire helmet according to NFPA standards and the user operating manual not only helps ensure compliance, but it also ensures that your fire helmet will perform as designed to help keep you safe on the job.