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Firefighter Helmet problem

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TNFF412N Regular Joined: 14 Jun 2008 Posts: 147 Location: Fayetteville, TN	Posted: Sat 8-Nov-2008 14:13    Post subject: Firefighter Helmet problem In the last 5 years i have never had an issue with cracking my shield on my helmet. The last 2 months i have broken mine 2 times and my wifes once. One time both out gear bags fell off the truck in route to a call. But i have cracked mine while moving gear bag from truck to truck. I have since taken my helmet out and carried it in a military helmet bag but what are you guys doing and is this a problem for you as well?
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Pulltotheright Contributing Member Joined: 31 Oct 2006 Posts: 600 Location: Bolingbrook, Illinois	Posted: Sat 8-Nov-2008 14:41    Post subject: We all have switched to the new NFPA approves \"bourkes\". No face shields. What kind of helmet do you use? You could always go to ESS googles. John
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dustymedic Contributing Member Joined: 03 Feb 2007 Posts: 2624 Location: Columbus,OH-IO!	Posted: Sat 8-Nov-2008 14:47    Post subject: Every helmet with a face shield that I've ever had has had a negative helmet / face shield interface at some point. That's why I don't have a face shield on my current helmet...
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TNFF412N Regular Joined: 14 Jun 2008 Posts: 147 Location: Fayetteville, TN	Posted: Sat 8-Nov-2008 14:54    Post subject: i will have to get a picture of it i have thought of getting rid of the shield i have the goggles.
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Bonanno Regular Joined: 10 Dec 2007 Posts: 463 Location: Neptune, NJ	Posted: Sat 8-Nov-2008 15:27    Post subject: I have had the regular ones break on me. My bourkes, haven't had a single problem with them
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dustymedic Contributing Member Joined: 03 Feb 2007 Posts: 2624 Location: Columbus,OH-IO!	Posted: Sat 8-Nov-2008 15:34    Post subject: When my old FD had the Cairns 660 Metros, The face shield was always scuffing & chipping the top ridge on the helmets....
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brewmeister Frequent Poster Joined: 06 May 2007 Posts: 1328 Location: Austin, TX	Posted: Sat 8-Nov-2008 20:18    Post subject: I'm not sure what kind of helmet you're wearing, but I highly recommend switching to Bourkes. Takes about a pound off your head and I haven't had any chip.
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pondfly Contributing Member Joined: 28 Dec 2007 Posts: 317 Location: Unincorperated Wood Dale, IL	Posted: Sun 9-Nov-2008 21:27    Post subject: Just remember if you are wearing Bourkes, you must also have a pair of ANSI approved safety glasses. I have exclusively used Bourkes for about 15 years and just keep a pair stashed above the impact cap. I only work a tupperware helmet when I first started.
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grfd711 Moderator Joined: 16 May 2007 Posts: 3316 Location: Gravel Ridge, AR	Posted: Sun 9-Nov-2008 21:58    Post subject: [quote:8115580bd8=\"TNFF412N\"]One time both out gear bags fell off the truck in route to a call. Before going EN route, put the bags in compartments. If no room, run the seat belts from empty seats through the handles of the gear bags. If no empty seats (two man cab, for instance) put your gear on before responding. As far as the bad luck with shields, it's gonna happen sooner or later. They're not invicible. I agree with the rest of the folks concerning the bourkes...it's the way to go.

Back to top    URL usdemt
Regular



Joined: 07 Mar 2008
Posts: 917
Location: Britton/Vermillion SD

Posted: Sun 9-Nov-2008 22:46    Post subject: Re:
[quote:42df81754b=\"Pulltotheright\"]We all have switched to the new NFPA approves \"bourkes\". No face shields. What kind of helmet do you use? You could always go to ESS googles. John

Are you talking about the Cairns Defender? Back to top    URL TNFF412N
Regular



Joined: 14 Jun 2008
Posts: 147
Location: Fayetteville, TN

Posted: Sun 9-Nov-2008 22:58    Post subject:
Well the bag falling off issue was not a problem till we got a new rescue. The rngines you just put it up on the hose bed and no problem. My wife put the bags in our rescue on the booster reel and i hit a bump going around a corner and both bags fell off. We have since put straps on the tool box to solve this. But i just found a new helmet and might go that route. we have paul something helmets can you retro fit bourkes?

Back to top    URL mfaith91
Moderator



Joined: 08 Mar 2007
Posts: 2020
Location: Brandenburg, KY

Posted: Mon 10-Nov-2008 00:06    Post subject:
I disagree with you guys on the bourkes... I actually removed my bourkes from my 1010, and my 1044. At the request of the other half... I also removed her's. We went with the shield. Let me explain why.... Everytime we were on an extrication, my safety glasses were gone- and bourkes are worthless for this. I always kept a backup pair of safety glasses in my pocket just inc ase- and they were always very scratched up. My goggles were always getting damaged or I would have to stop and remove them during a structure fire-interior attack... (can't wear mask and goggles at once- right?) It simply was quicker and more convenient to use the shield- it's always there and available- and to be honest with you- it's been pretty effective as far as keeping junk from hitting my mask during interior, and is great for extrication. As far as keeping it safe- usually it's hanging on a hook at headquarters- but when I'm carrying- which I have been for the past 4 months- I actually do not put it in my gear bag. It's out in the open so that I can keep my eye on it if I'm in the SUV, OR it sits on top in the trunk of the impala. I've broken a few shields in my time, but not too often- and usually it's about time to change the shield anyways... My two pennies.... Mike

Back to top    URL ATVrescue24
Contributing Member


Joined: 11 Dec 2005
Posts: 2031
Location: Sullivan County, New Hampshire

Posted: Mon 10-Nov-2008 20:37    Post subject: Re:
[quote:256c28ffb3=\"pondfly\"]Just remember if you are wearing Bourkes, you must also have a pair of ANSI approved safety glasses. I have exclusively used Bourkes for about 15 years and just keep a pair stashed above the impact cap. I only work a tupperware helmet when I first started.

That is not completely correct. If you have the NFPA \"Bourkes Style\" eye shield, then you do not need the ANSI approved glasses. I believe they only come on the Morning Pride Ben II Plus, but I could be wrong.

Please correct me if I'm incorrect.

-Peter Back to top    URL brewmeister
Frequent Poster


Joined: 06 May 2007
Posts: 1328
Location: Austin, TX

Posted: Mon 10-Nov-2008 22:01    Post subject:
Peter, are you referring to the Defender system?

Back to top    URL pondfly
Contributing Member


Joined: 28 Dec 2007
Posts: 317
Location: Unincorperated Wood Dale, IL

Posted: Mon 10-Nov-2008 22:07    Post subject: Re:
[quote:a98ffad093=\"ATVrescue24\"][quote:a98ffad093=\"pondfly\"]Just remember if you are wearing Bourkes, you must also have a pair of ANSI approved safety glasses. I have exclusively used Bourkes for about 15 years and just keep a pair stashed above the impact cap. I only work a tupperware helmet when I first started.

That is not completely correct. If you have the NFPA \"Bourkes Style\" eye shield, then you do not need the ANSI approved glasses. I believe they only come on the Morning Pride Ben II Plus, but I could be wrong.

Please correct me if I'm incorrect.

-Peter

You're correct, I'm just partial to my Phenix As for keeping my glasses scratch free, I keep my cold weather hat in the impact area and the glasses are in there, I'm at two years with the same pair and it's still relatively clean. Back to top    URL ATVrescue24
Contributing Member


Joined: 11 Dec 2005
Posts: 2031
Location: Sullivan County, New Hampshire

Posted: Mon 10-Nov-2008 22:18    Post subject: Re:
[quote:268e90ca46=\"brewmeister\"]Peter, are you referring to the Defender system?

Negative. I am referring to the following helmet.

http://www.thefirestore.com/store/product.cfm/pid_5242_morning_pride_ben_2_plus_with_ez_flips_nfpa/

[quote:268e90ca46=\"pondfly\"][quote:268e90ca46=\"ATVrescue24\"][quote:268e90ca46=\"pondfly\"]Just remember if you are wearing Bourkes, you must also have a pair of ANSI approved safety glasses. I have exclusively used Bourkes for about 15 years and just keep a pair stashed above the impact cap. I only work a tupperware helmet when I first started.

That is not completely correct. If you have the NFPA \"Bourkes Style\" eye shield, then you do not need the ANSI approved glasses. I believe they only come on the Morning Pride Ben II Plus, but I could be wrong.

Please correct me if I'm incorrect.

-Peter

You're correct, I'm just partial to my Phenix As for keeping my glasses scratch free, I keep my cold weather hat in the impact area and the glasses are in there, I'm at two years with the same pair and it's still relatively clean.

Gotcha. Nonetheless, a very good helmet. Do the glass ever get bump or hit your head, when they are stored between the liner and the impact cap?

-Peter Back to top    URL brewmeister
Frequent Poster


Joined: 06 May 2007
Posts: 1328
Location: Austin, TX

Posted: Mon 10-Nov-2008 22:27    Post subject:
*Slaps head* Doh! Totally escaped my mind. I still say wear a pair of some Oakleys regardless not for eye protection (they sure as heck do provide it!), but for the CDI factor.

Back to top    URL bobcoop06
Regular



Joined: 01 Jan 2007
Posts: 180
Location: Culver, IN

Posted: Mon 10-Nov-2008 22:31    Post subject:
Heh, I've used bourkes and a faceshield. Both usually end up so smoked up you can't see through them anyway. I keep a nice pair of safety glasses in a case in my bunker pants.. I would really like to try the Defenders tho, just can't bring myself to buy ANOTHER new helmet...

Back to top    URL ATVrescue24
Contributing Member


Joined: 11 Dec 2005
Posts: 2031
Location: Sullivan County, New Hampshire

Posted: Tue 11-Nov-2008 08:09    Post subject: Re:
[quote:bbb57dda50=\"bobcoop06\"]Heh, I've used bourkes and a faceshield. Both usually end up so smoked up you can't see through them anyway. I keep a nice pair of safety glasses in a case in my bunker pants.. I would really like to try the Defenders tho, just can't bring myself to buy ANOTHER new helmet...

Do you have a link for some safety glasses recommendations?

I think I might want to purchase a pair. In retrospect, they are probably good to have in the event of an extraction or whatnot. Even the NFPA-approved \"Bourkes\" on my MP Ben II Plus may not cut it. Back to top    URL pondfly
Contributing Member


Joined: 28 Dec 2007
Posts: 317
Location: Unincorperated Wood Dale, IL

Posted: Tue 11-Nov-2008 18:04    Post subject: Re:
[quote:213cba5214=\"ATVrescue24\"][quote:213cba5214=\"brewmeister\"]Peter, are you referring to the Defender system?

Gotcha. Nonetheless, a very good helmet. Do the glass ever get bump or hit your head, when they are stored between the liner and the impact cap?

-Peter

I have my helmet on more often than not (not so much lately with the neck surgery) and never feel it unless it somehow shifts. As for the goggles I get most of our safety equipment from www.galeton.com as the quality is good and prices are excellent. That way if something breaks I don't feel that bad for out of pocket expenses. Back to top    URL bobcoop06
Regular



Joined: 01 Jan 2007
Posts: 180
Location: Culver, IN

Posted: Tue 11-Nov-2008 20:11    Post subject: Re:
[quote:205ac2d461=\"ATVrescue24\"][quote:205ac2d461=\"bobcoop06\"]Heh, I've used bourkes and a faceshield. Both usually end up so smoked up you can't see through them anyway. I keep a nice pair of safety glasses in a case in my bunker pants.. I would really like to try the Defenders tho, just can't bring myself to buy ANOTHER new helmet...

Do you have a link for some safety glasses recommendations?

I think I might want to purchase a pair. In retrospect, they are probably good to have in the event of an extraction or whatnot. Even the NFPA-approved \"Bourkes\" on my MP Ben II Plus may not cut it.

Smith and Wesson makes some VERY nice safety glasses. I like the Magnums, you can check them out here...

http://www.safetyglassesusa.com/smithwesson2.html

Personally though, I find it a lot easier just to go to Lowe's or Home Depot and pick out a nice pair. Most any pair you find are adequate for what we do, plus you can try different pairs on to see which sizes and styles you like. Not to mention they're bound to get lost/destroyed/stolen at some point, so I wouldn't spend a fortune on them. And you can find cases at Wal-Mart. Good luck! Back to top    URL BLSBoy
Regular



Joined: 17 Mar 2006
Posts: 169
Location: Ocean City NJ

Posted: Wed 12-Nov-2008 09:51    Post subject:
Just be advised, the more crap on your lid, like the mounting brackets on your lid are entanglement hazards. Go into one worker where you have the newer style HVAC systems, and they drop down after the plastic tubing melts. The wires WILL get hung up on everything. And should you need to do a wall breach, the wider the helmet, the wider the hole. I ran into those issues at at fire, and again in training. I will NEVER again wear a faceshield on my lid.

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