User Instructions
Safety, Training and Maintenance
PACIFIC RESCUE HELMETS
A3/A3T/R3/R3T
R7G/R7GT

NFPA 1951 –2001 Edition
ANSI Z89.4 US Standard
EN443 and EN397 European Standard
AS1801 Type 2 Australian Standard

Designed and manufactured in New Zealand by:
Pacific Helmets (NZ) Ltd
P.O. Box 866, Wanganui, New Zealand.
Phone (NZ)+6+3445019 Fax: (NZ)+6+3445376
Email: sales@pacifichelmets.co.nz
Website: www.pacifichelmets.com

THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING A PACIFIC FIRE HELMET
Your new helmet incorporates materials and design ideas which are primarily designed to safely protect you - the wearer - from all foreseeable dangers and to give the best possible comfort, convenience and style that a modern safety helmet can provide.
Please read the basic maintenance and care instructions. If followed, your helmet should provide many years of protection.
This modern rescue safety helmet has been carefully engineered and manufactured to precise design and performance criteria. Our objective is to provide you with a safety helmet which is lightweight, comfortable, practical to use, incorporates the very best materials available and is built to the highest standards of workmanship. If care is taken with this safety helmet it will provide protection and safety considerably in excess of the minimum requirements of the relevant Standards to which it is constructed.

If for any reason the helmet has or develops a fault, please contact the Distributor from whom the helmet was purchased and identify the problem before the warranty period expires

USER INFORMATION
PROPER USE
This helmet is designed for Ambulance/Rescue services and may have use in country
areas and rescue operations including extrication of accident victims. It may be used for
bush or rural fire fighting provided optional face shield and neck protector are fitted. It
is not recommended for urban or structural fire fighting.

This helmet is a complete safety system that should be treated as such. Under no circumstances should the helmet be dropped or carelessly used in anyway which could cause damage. This damage may not be visible or even if visible, it may in some instances reduce the helmets performance

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS REQUIRED TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTIONS WITH ANSI Z89.4
Safety considerations:

No helmet can protect the wearer against all possible types of impacts. The capacity of the helmet’s designed level of protection could be exceeded in some reasonably foreseeable perilous emergency services incidents.
For maximum protection, the helmet must fit firmly on the head and all retention straps must be securely fastened.
No attachments should be added or alterations made to the helmet except those recommended by the helmet manufacturer. Do not remove parts from the helmet without replacing them with genuine replacements.
The helmet is designed to absorb shock by partial destruction of the shell and liner. This damage may not be visible. Therefore if subjected to a severe blow, the helmet should be returned to the Ambulance/Rescue equipment service center or your local helmet distributor for inspection or replacement.

Limitations of use:
This helmet is designed for use in general rescue/USAR paramedic operations.

Helmet marking recommendations and restrictions:
Subject to the restrictions on modification or drilling holes, most self adhesive labels and other forms of external markings can be applied to the shell.

Performance properties:
The helmet user is cautioned that most of the performance properties of the helmet cannot be safely tested by the user in the field.

Warranty information:
Any warranty claim must be lodged with and through the supplier who will advise on the condition and warranty time limits applying.

Damage resulting from reasonably foreseeable training or actual incidents is considered fair wear and tear and is therefore not covered by warranty.

USA Master Distributor
ALLIANCE FIRE & RESCUE, INC
Building 4, Northeastern Industrial Park
Guilderland Center, New York 12085
United States of America
PH (866) 825 2124
FAX (518) 861 0144
E-mail: sales@alliancefireandrescue.com

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS REQUIRED TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH STANDARD ON PROTECTIVE ENSURBLE FOR USAR OPERATIONS
NFPA 1951 (2001 Edition)

Safety considerations:
No helmet can protect the wearer against all possible types of impacts. The capacity of the helmet’s designed level of protection could be exceeded in some reasonably foreseeable perilous fire fighting or emergency services incidents.

For maximum protection, the helmet must fit firmly on the head and all retention straps must be securely fastened.

No attachments should be added or alterations made to the helmet except those recommended by the helmet manufacturer. Do not remove parts from the helmet without replacing them with genuine replacements.

The helmet is designed to absorb shock by partial destruction of the shell and liner. This damage may not be visible. Therefore if subjected to a severe blow, the helmet should be returned to the fire department equipment service center or your local helmet distributor for inspection or replacement.

Limitations of use:
This helmet is designed for use in general urban/military/police rescue and paramedic operations.
(Not recommended for structural fire fighting where a brim on the helmet provides additional thermal protection to the face and neck.)

Helmet marking recommendations and restrictions:
Subject to the restrictions on modification or drilling holes, most self adhesive labels and other forms of external markings can be applied to the shell.

Performance properties:
The helmet user is cautioned that most of the performance properties of the helmet cannot be safely tested by the user in the field.

Warranty information:
Any warranty claim must be lodged with and through the supplier who will advise on the condition and warranty time limits applying.

Damage resulting from reasonably foreseeable training or actual incidents is considered fair wear and tear and is therefore not covered by warranty.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS REQUIRED TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH EN443 FIRE FIGHTING HELMETS AND EN397 INDUSTRIAL SAFETY HELMETS
European Standard

Performance:
Complies with EN397 “Industrial Safety Helmets” or EN443 “Protective Helmets for Firefighters” (as appropriate).

Accessories:
Face Shields of varying sizes and thickness, eye protectors, neck protectors and lights are available from the manufacturer. Only accessories approved by the manufacturer should be fitted to the helmet.

Classes of Protection:
The protection provided by the helmet makes it suitable for Ambulance/Rescue services both
on and off public roads.

Obsolescence:
The helmet can be expected to remain in service for from 5 to 15 years, when it is not damaged
during use. The eye protector/Face Shield, are replaceable items and replacement will be necessary if it is damaged during use, e.g.: if badly scratched or if vision through is obscured.

Optional performance requirements:

EN443 Samples of this helmet have been tested and exceed the following optional performances.
C1.5.7 C1.6.8.2 C1.6.8.3 C1.6.2.4	Radiant heat classification:14kW/m Wet helmet insulation test Surface insulation test Low temperature classification -30°C	[14] E2 E3 ***

Appropriate spare parts include the following

1. Shell
2. Windlace shell brim extrusion
3. Screws
4. Complete liner
5. Liner headband assembly
6. Complete chinstrap
7. Face Shield and hinge hardware
8. Neck Protector (Ear Flaps)

Please contact your local distributor for details of the current part numbers. Referencing to the primary reference (PRN#) inside your helmet.

Packaging:
A helmet carry bag is avaliable. (Part# A104102). For freighting we recommend that the helmet is package in a recyclable carton with suitable paddding.

Markings:
No special markings are required on Fire Helmets and Rescue Helmets certified to EN443.

Warning:
This helmet is not designed to provide protection from the following hazards; non-ionising radiation, ionising radiation and external radiation. The safety intended to be provided by the helmet can only be ensured when it is properly assembled and correctly fitted and that removeable parts should not be worn separately

Documentation in the language of the country of use is available from the distributor.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS REQUIRED TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH RESCUE HELMETS
AS1801 Type 2

No helmet can protect the wearer against all possible impacts.
For maximum protection, the helmet must fit firmly on the head, and all retention straps must be securely fastened.

No attachments should be added or alterations made to the helmet except those recommended by the helmet manufacturer. The helmet is designed to absorb shock by partial destruction of the shell and liner. This damage may not be visible. Therefore if subjected to a severe blow, the helmet should be returned to the manufacturer for inspection or replaced, even if it is apparently undamaged.

The helmet may be damaged and rendered ineffective by such materials as petroleum and petroleum products, cleaning agents, paints and adhesives, without the damage being visible to the user.

For the list of suitable cleaning agents that can be applied to the helmet and face shield, please
refer to the section on “General Cleaning and Repairs”. If in doubt, please contact the helmet
supplier.

WARNING
If damaged due to severe impact or deterioration of the helmet shell, the helmet is to be
referred to the Ambulance/Rescue Service section and or if necessary returned to the
supplying agent or distributor for inspection, or be replaced.

Do not modify or remove parts or add accessories which are not approved by the manufacturer.

Replace harness and other components as recommended by manufacturer.

Manufacturer’s instructions should be followed for cleaning – helmet and faceshield may be seriously damaged by certain substances.

This helmet must be properly adjusted and secured to the head with all components in place to
provide the designed level of protection.

Fitting and Using the Pacific A3/R3 and R7 Helmets
1. The complete impact liner A3/R3 The complete impact liner is secured in the  shell by four pieces of matching hook/loop velcro
The complete impact liner R7 The complete impact liner is secured in the shell by one screw at the rear and velcro.The liner should not be removed more often than is essential for special repairs.
2. Headband adjustment The complete headband is secured inside the liner by three Velcroed legs. By adjusting the position of the Velcroed legs inside the liner, the lower edge of the head band should rest near the top of the wearer's ears. This will ensure the best lateral stability of the helmet.
3. Adjusting the size to fit your head: Ratchet Adjustment: Rotate ratchet control knob to expand or contract band to provide comfortable but firm fit. A correctly adjusted helmet should be comfortable and secure on the wearer's head without the chin strap needing to be done up.
4. Doing up the Chinstrap securely: Check the operation of the chin strap buckle before putting the helmet on your head. When the buckle is closed, both trigger arms on the female side must be depressed before the maleside will withdraw.
5. Using the Face Shield: (A3/R3) The shield system should operate for years without adjustment, but the shield hinge mechanism can be tightened to a limited extent by further tension on the two screws. The face shield is the one item on the helmet which will require periodic replacement due to its susceptibility to scratching. Note the special cleaning instructions.
Using the Eye Protector: (R7) The R7 has an internally retracting eye protector attached to the liner by a ratchet/screw system. Like the A3/R3 the eye protector is one item that may require periodic replacement due to its susceptibility to scratching. Note the special cleaning instructions.
6. Fitting the Neck Protector (A3/R3): Fitting the neck protector requires only matching of the velcro hook to velcro loop on the outside edge of the liner. The ear flap should at all times overlap the neck of the tunic coat.
Fitting the Neck Protector (R7): Fitting the neck protector require only matching the three domes on the neck protector to the three domes attached to the liner.

GENERAL CLEANING and REPAIRS

Do not use helmets that are not thoroughly cleaned and dried.

EXTERNAL CLEANING OF SHELL

Use general cleaning materials such as normal household polishes (Pledge, Brasso and Jiff).
After exposure to flame, fumes or non-toxic chemicals use the following procedure:

1. Wash the helmet shell down in warm soapy water.
2. Remaining pollutants can be cleaned with any spirit cleaner like M.E.K., Acetone (wipe
off quickly) or Methylated Spirits. Avoid contacting the face shield/eye protector with any solvents. Again, wash off in warm soapy water.
3. Where necessary, wash or dry clean the neck protector.

Decontaminating the helmet after toxic and biological exposure.
At all times comply with your Department's standing instructions. In general decontamination requires the use of clean water with some detergents. Use anti-bacterial or anti-biological agents strictly in conformity to Fire Department instructions or follow National/Federal/State Hazardous Materials guidelines.

CLEANING THE SHIELD/EYE PROTECTOR

Use warm soapy water and be careful to avoid scratching. Avoid using spirit (petro-chemical) based cleaners as these affect the polycarbonate. Most water based proprietary window cleaners can be used on polycarbonate surfaces.

INTERNAL CLEANING

Follow the general cleaning instructions above, avoiding the use of petro-chemical cleaners unless absolutely necessary. However all internal materials are resistant to most chemical cleaning agents.

The leather comfort bands may be cleaned from time to time with leather/vinyl restorer.
Dry-cleaning the neck protector from time to time will maintain the material.

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE CRITERIA

Maintenance requirements will vary depending on the level of use and the age of the helmet.

a) Check the helmet after incidents where it could have received damage.
Avoid dropping the helmet wherever possible.

b) 6 and 12 monthly, or whenever considered appropriate, visually inspect
all sub-components for wear and tear or damage.

Thereafter repeat at similar intervals up to 5 years

c) 5 and 10 year checks
Repeat (b) above but replace the following items:
1) Front and rear comfort head band pads.
2) Face shield hinge system and polycarbonate shield/eye protector.
3) Replace the neck protector after 50 wash cycles.
4) Any other deteriorated components.

d) Destroy the helmet and replace it at any time where damage is evident that may effect
your safety, or when the helmet may no longer comply with the Standard to which it was
manufactured.
Never modify the helmet, or drill holes in the shell.
Dropping the helmet on to a hard surface from reasonable heights (>1m/3 feet) may
damage the paint, and the shell laminate. Small scratches or marks on the painted surface
are unlikely to affect the performance of the helmet.

e) Storage
Use the rear storage hook (where fitted) but if possible store out of direct sunlight
especially behind glass or in vehicles during high summer temperatures.
Helmet trim (reflectorising) and some paint colors can be affected by ultra-violet light.
Helmet shells painted with photo-luminescent (glow in the dark) paint require storage in
day or incandescent light, in order to glow at night.

f) Don/Doff procedures.

Due to the simple size adjustment of this helmet, the helmet can be stored as it was
last worn, ready for re-use. Refer to the Instructions for use section for details on
how to first adjust the helmet when new.

Fire Department procedures should be followed when interfacing this new helmet
to other protective equipment, such as SCBA masks, etc.

Doff (removing the helmet from your head) procedures.

1. Undo the quick release buckle and allow the chin strap to swing clear.
2. If a wrap-around ear flap is in use, undo the Velcro flap join.
3. If the face shield is down, lift to the raised position.
4. Withdraw the head from the helmet.

g) Interface issues
No direct interface issues but helmet can be worn in association with most breathing apparatus, risk apparatus and other eye and face protection. Neck protectors are available which can overlap of protective jackets.

PACIFIC FIRE HELMET REPAIR/REPLACE DECISIONS

Repair if:
1. Shell stained by carbon or chemicals
2. Painted surface scratched
3. In these cases the shell can be restored to use by warm wet sanding to remove the stains,
scratches and surface damage.

Pacific Fire Helmet Repair/Replace Decisions
Repair if:
1. Shell stained by carbon or chemicals
2. Painted surface scratched
3. In these cases the shell can be restored to use by warm wet sanding to remove the stains, scratches and surface damage.
Destroy the shell and replace if:
1. Shell shows signs of major laminate failure/breakage. This will either take the form of deep indentations from falling objects or major crushing. It can also be seen as a ‘whitening’ of laminate in impact area when inside of the shell is inspected.
2. Helmet has suffered excessive heat or burning.
3. This includes any charring of the paint or helmet substrate.
4. Acids and chemicals may damage the shell paint or substrate, and if there is visible signs of this destroy the shell and replace it.
5. If the shell shows signs of distortion to its shape. This can be seen as "sagging" or "drooping" when it is compared to a new helmet. This type of damage would be most unusual in the Pacific helmet as it does not melt.
Components which can be replaced:
1. Shell
2. Shell brim extrusion (difficult to remove and requires a strong adhesive to secure the replacement extrusion to shell)
3. The velcro strips on the shell and the liner
4. Complete liner - Liner headband assembly
5. Complete chinstrap
6. Face Shield/Eye Protector
7. Neck Protector

Destroy the shell and replace if:

1. Shell shows signs of major laminate failure/breakage. This will either take the form of deep indentations from falling objects or major crushing. It can also be seen as a ‘whitening' of laminate in impact area when inside of the shell is inspected.
2. Helmet has suffered excessive heat or burning.
3. This includes any charring of the paint or helmet substrate.
4. Acids and chemicals may damage the shell paint or substrate, and if there is visible signs of this destroy the shell and replace it.
5. If the shell shows signs of distortion to its shape. This can be seen as “sagging” or
“drooping” when it is compared to a new helmet. This type of damage would be most

unusual in the Pacific helmet as it does not melt. 

Components which can be replaced:

1. Shell
2. Shell brim extrusion (If glued on version, it can be difficult to remove and requires a strong adhesive to secure the replacement extrusion to shell)
3. The velcro strips on the shell and the liner
4. Complete liner – Liner headband assembly
5. Complete chinstrap
6. Face Shield/Eye Protector
7. Neck Protector

The products and the various sub-components are supplied with varying warranties
(depending on the model) from 1-6 years.

SHELLS
Covered by 6 year (life-time) warranty.

EAR FLAPS/NECK PROTECTORS
6 month warranty. We recommend they be replaced after a maximum of 50 wash cycles.

FACE SHIELD/EYE PROTECTORS
1 year warranty. Replace once scratched or deformed by heat, smoke or other pollutants.

COMPONENTS
2 Year warranty (except Face shields/eye protectors/neck protectors).
These warranties cover only faulty materials or workmanship and exclude fair wear and tear, of which the Manufacturer (or his agent) shall be the sole arbiter.
Many fire fighting, or rescue operations including training or simply careless use can result in damage to the equipment, which is not covered by the warranty.
Follow instructions in this booklet for regular checks on this equipment and when making
repair/replace decisions. Most components are available as spare parts.

In particular, fire personnel involved in repetitive hot fire training will require their
helmets to be replaced at frequent intervals certainly no longer than one year. This is dependent on the duration, frequency and exposure to heat and pollutants. All staff
involved in hot fire training should wear their helmets with aluminized hoods over the
shells when engaged in these activities.

The above warranty time limits do not imply any form of helmet life expectancy. These
time frames simply place reasonable limits on the discovery of faulty materials and allow
these to be dealt with.

Kevlar reinforced composite helmet shells and most other subcomponents can be expected in normal operating circumstances to have a useable life expectancy in excess of 10 years.

EN166/1995 Certified Face Shield Options Table

NOTES

Standard Polycarbonate is neither anti-scratch or anti-fog treated.
“Pacificarb” is both anti-scratch and anti-fog treated.

Pacific Face Shields and Eye Protectors Information for Users - EN166/1995 Edition