Riot Helmet Fitting Instructions

(Note: Pacific P6 helmet pictured.)

Designed and manufactured in New Zealand by:
Pacific Helmets (NZ) Ltd

Fitting and Using a Pacific Riot Helmet
1. The complete impact liner. The complete impact liner is secured in the shell by five screws. It should not be removed more often than is essential for special repairs, such as replacing the face shield.
	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 headband should rest near the top of the wearer's ears. This will ensure the best lateral stability of the helmet. Available as an optional extra is a booster pad, which can be fitted to the headband, this assists spectacle wearers to wear spectacles.
Note: the lower edge of the headband should be between the tips of your ears. Make this adjustment by moving the “legs” of the headband on the Velcro inside the liner. The wearing height of the helmet on the head can also be adjusted by changing the tension string holding the cradle ribbons.
	3. Adjusting the size to fit your head: Ratchet Adjustment: Rotate ratchet control knob to expand or contract band to providecomfortable 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 male side will withdraw. Make sure the nape strap is set tight as this helps prevent the helmet being torn off your head. The leather chin cup will require to be centered to your jaw.
	The helmet is fitted with a three point chin strap (illustrated above) the nape strap connectors with the chin strap should rest under the ears. In this configuration the NEXUS buckle will be located on the left hand side.
5.Using the Face Shield: (Visor) The shield system should operate for years without adjustment. Rotation is controlled by pushing the stop button on the left hand side and rotating the face shield to the next position. To secure the shield, make sure the stop-pin is securely in the appropriate hole.

CLEANING and REPAIRS
Do not use helmets unless 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 with any solvents. Again, wash off in warm soapy water.
3. Where necessary, wash or dry clean the ear flaps (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.

CLEANING THE SHIELD
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. The face shield is anti-fog treated on the inside and this should last the life of the shield provided it is not cleaned with solvents.
If replacing the face shield, return the used component to Police stores as these are recyclable.

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 sweat padding may be cleaned from time to time with leather/vinyl restorer. Brushed nylon ear padding should be cleaned only with limited amounts of soapy water.

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.
3) 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
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.
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 above Fitting and Use instructions for details on
how to first adjust the helmet when new.
Doff (removing the helmet from your head) procedures.
1. Undo the quick release buckle and allow the chin strap to swing clear.
2. If the face shield is down, lift to the raised position.
3. Withdraw the head from the helmet.
4. Store securely, away from possibility of dropping or other damage.

POLICE HELMET REPAIR/REPLACE DECISIONS
Repair if:
1. Shell stained by carbon or chemicals
2. Painted surface scratched
3. Surface damage only
4. 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 the inside of the shell is inspected.
2. Brim area has severe crack lines or flexes abnormally.
3. Helmet has obviously suffered excessive heat or burning.
4. This includes any charring of the paint or helmet substrate.
By charring we mean an actual burnt area or surface damage which cannot be
repaired by sanding or repainting.
5. Acids and chemicals may damage the shell paint or substrate, and if there is visible signs
of this destroy the shell and replace it.
6. If the shell shows signs of distortion to its shape. This type of damage would be most
unusual in the Pacific helmet shell as it does not melt.
Components which can be replaced:
1. Shell
2. Shell brim extrusion
3. Screws
4. Complete liner
5. Liner headband assembly
6. Complete chinstrap
7. Face Shield and hinge hardware
8. Padded Neck Protector