Pacific Helmets F15 Operation manual

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USER INFORMATION

Pacific Helmets NZ Ltd
P.O. Box 866 / 315 Heads Road
Wanganui 4501, New Zealand
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.pacifichelmets.com

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CONTENTS
4 Please Read Before Use
5 Introduction
6 Warnings
7 General Pre-Use Information
11 F15 Summary
12 Overview of the F15
14 Parts
16 Setting Up Your Helmet
17 Preparation For Use
Fitting Your Helmet
Eye Protector Instructions
27 Fitting Accessories
29 Wearing Instructions
Donning
Doing
Recommended Storage Practices
31 Care & Maintenance
32 Details of Inspections
33 Care and Maintenance
Instructions
Cleaning and Disinfection
Precautions
Routine Cleaning and Disinfection
Optional Machine Washing of
Selected Components
Decontamination
37 Repair, Replace, and
Obsolescence Instructions
39 Warranty
40 Warranty Information
42 Technical Information
43 Certification And Distributors
Information
44 Standards Information
AS/NZS4067:2012
EN443:2008 / CE / MED
NFPA1971:2018 and
NFPA1951:2013
F USER INFORMATION

PLEASE READ
BEFORE USE

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INTRODUCTION
This guide addresses the model F15 Structural Firefighting Helmet
by Pacific Helmets NZ Ltd.
Your new helmet incorporates materials and design ideas that are
primarily intended to safely protect you from all foreseeable dangers
and to give the best possible comfort, convenience and appearance
that a modern protective helmet can provide depending on the
standard. We have selected the best possible material fit for the
intended purposes, carefully engineered and manufactured the helmet
to precise design and performance criteria. Your helmet will provide
protection to your head and portions of your face and neck as part of a
properly selected and configured ensemble.
This guide provides information and instructions related to the
selection, use, care, and maintenance of your helmet. However, this
guide does not tell you when and under what circumstances you
should wear your helmet. Rather, it suggests how to properly wear
your helmet and provides an understanding of the limitations of your
helmet in how it may or may not protect you. The responsibility for
determining the suitability of your helmet for specific emergency
operations rests with your department or employer, who has the legal
responsibility to conduct a risk assessment and decide if your helmet
provides appropriate protection against identified hazards.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
⚠This user information is to be removed from the helmet only
by the end user. Please read carefully all instructions and
warnings before use. Failure to follow these instructions
could result in death or serious injury.

F15 USER INFORMATION GUIDE
6
WARNINGS
⚠The helmet is designed to absorb shock by partial
destruction of, or damage to, the shell and liner. This
damage may not be visible. If subject to severe impact or
deterioration, the helmet is to be inspected, or replaced,
even if it is apparently undamaged.
⚠This helmet is not designed to provide protection from the
following hazards: non-ionizing radiation, ionizing radiation,
CBRN, explosions, and gun shots.
⚠The length of the usable life of this helmet will be aected
by the type(s) of material used in its construction and
the environment in which the helmet is used and stored.
Recommendations on this topic should be sought from the
manufacturer.
⚠The safety intended to be provided by the helmet can
only be ensured when it is properly assembled and
correctly fitted, and that removable parts shall not be worn
separately.
⚠When fitted with another item of personal protective
equipment or with an accessory (other than those supplied
by Pacific Helmets (NZ) Ltd for use with this helmet), a
helmet marked as complying with EN443 might no longer
satisfy all clauses of the standard. Applies to EN443 certified
helmets only.
⚠This helmet complies with the retention requirements
of EN443 when the chinstrap supplied by the helmet
manufacturer is worn and adjusted in accordance with
these instructions. EN443 certified helmets only.

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GENERAL PREUSE
INFORMATION
It is critically important that you do not use your protective helmet
until you have read and understood this entire guide and the labels
provided on the interior of your protective helmet. In order to reduce,
but not eliminate, your risks. Do not wear this protective helmet
unless the following are understood.
i. For NFPA users, you have read, fully understand, and strictly
adhere to the following: this guide and all labels for this helmet;
NFPA1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural
Firefighting and Proximity Firefighting; NFPA1851, Standard on
Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for
Structural Firefighting and Proximity Firefighting; and applicable
national, state/provincial, and local regulations pertinent to
emergency operations.
ii. For NFPA users: your use of this protective helmet is consistent
with NFPA1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational
Safety and Health, and Wellness Program, Title 29, Code of
Federal Regulations Part 1910.132 and General Requirements of
Subpart I, “Personal Protective Equipment.”
iii. The labels, this guide and applicable standards and
regulations: You have read, fully understood, and will strictly
adhere to this guide, all labels for this helmet and applicable
national, state/provincial and local regulations pertinent to
emergency operations.
iv. Your use is in accordance with applicable standards and
regulations: Your use of the helmet is consistent with the
relevant standards and regulations governing the applications in
which the helmet is being used.

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8
v. Hazard/risk assessment already conducted: Your
department, organization, or employer has conducted a risk/
hazard assessment and determined that this helmet provides
an acceptable level of protection for the particular emergency
operations consistent with applicable federal, state/provincial,
and local regulations.
vi. Your helmet is properly adjusted: Your helmet must fit or be
adjusted to the size of your head. Where applicable, it also should
be positioned to not interfere with your Self-Contained Breathing
Apparatus (SCBA) full face piece.
vii. All components of your helmet are in place and properly
worn: Your helmet must be complete and you must wear
your helmet properly. Where applicable, this includes the full
deployment of your neck protector and the proper attachment
and adjustment of your chinstrap for securing the helmet on your
head.
viii. Limitations of protection: You have been trained and
understand that not all helmets provide heat and/or flame
resistance or protection from all hazards, and you have been
trained and understand how to select and properly use the
appropriate helmet to meet the expected exposure.
ix. Risks of heat stress: It is possible that wearing your protective
helmet together with other ensemble elements may increase
your risk of heat stress, which may cause heart attack, stroke,
dehydration, or other health-related conditions. At the first sign
of heat stress, immediately seek medical help.
x. Risks of burn injury: Your protective helmet will not protect you
from all burns and injuries. If your protective helmet is exposed to
radiant, convective, or conductive heat, or comes in contact with
a hot environment or hot object, you may be burned underneath

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the protective helmet with no warning and no sign of damage to
the protective helmet.
xi. Possibility that heat sensation may be absent: Be aware
your protective helmet will lower your ability to feel heat. Do
not be misled by the absence of heat or discomfort underneath
your protective helmet. Even though you do not feel heat or
discomfort, you can be burned or injured suddenly and without
warning. If you feel heat or some slight discomfort or unusual
sensation under your protective helmet, you may already have
been burned or are about to be burned. Be constantly alert to the
possibility of exposure to heat and other hazards.
xii. Other hazards: Your protective helmet, wet or dry, may not oer
complete protection from electrical shock. It will not protect you
from all physical hazards. Heavy falling objects or impact with
hard surfaces involve forces that can be fatal or severely injure
you. Do not use your protective helmet if it is contaminated, cut,
punctured, worn, cracked, abraded, or altered from its original
conditions.
xiii. The need for complete ensemble: This helmet is eective only
when it is properly worn; provides a proper interface with your
garment, hood, and SCBA; and is part of a complete ensemble.
A complete ensemble includes appropriate elements for your
overall protection and is consistent with your organization /
department’s hazard/risk assessment.
xiv. Proper care and maintenance: This helmet must be properly
inspected, maintained, and cared for by your department,
organization, or employer consistent with these instructions and
applicable federal, state/provincial, and local regulations. It must
be free of soiling, contamination, damage, and any alteration
from its original condition that would compromise its protection.
Damage and contamination of this helmet may warrant its
disposal.

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10
xv. Replacement after impact or high heat exposure: Your
helmet is made to absorb the energy of a blow by partial
destruction or damage to the shell and/or suspension system.
Even though such damage may not be readily apparent, you
should replace your helmet if it is subjected to a severe impact or
excessive heat.
xvi. Warranty: This helmet is NOT warranted to be fit for a particular
purpose. Read carefully the “Warranty Information” in this
user information. If labels in the helmet are missing or become
unreadable, contact the manufacturer for replacement labels.
xvii. Marking recommendations and modifications: Do not
attempt to alter or modify your helmet. Do not paint or apply
any materials to the exterior of the helmet that have not been
approved by Pacific Helmets. For identification purposes,
you may mark your protective helmet on the interior using an
indelible marker, if permitted by your department or organization.
Do not write over or obscure information on the product label.
xviii. Testing and assessment of performance: Your protective
helmet has been evaluated for a number of performance
properties that are based on the respective standard(s) for its
certification. These properties include, but are not limited to,
impact resistance and force acceleration, physical penetration
resistance, heat and thermal shrinkage resistance, flame
resistance, electrical insulation, retention system strength,
suspension system retention. Where required by the relevant
standards, helmets may also be checked for shell separation,
label durability and legibility, corrosion resistance, and trim
visibility. If you have any questions, check with your department
or organization, who in turn can contact Pacific Helmets for
clarification.

F SUMMARY

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12
OVERVIEW OF THE F
Standard components available on the F15 helmet. Please note,
configuration is customisable and some features may dier.
1. Reflective Trim
2. Kevlar® & Fibreglass Reinforced Composite Shell
3. Advanced Polymer Chassis
4. Adapter Plates
5. Rear Storage Hanger
6. Flame and Heat Resistant Neck Protector
7. Pivot Headband
8. Front Plinth
9. Eye Protector
10. Dual Pivot Face Shield
11. Polyurethane Impact Liner
12. Micro-Flex Hinge
13. Hands-Free Comms Bracket
14. 6-Point Ribbon Suspension System with Padded Air Mesh
15. 4-Point Nomex® Chinstrap
16. Quick Release Buckle
TECHNICAL DATA
Helmet Size: One Size Fits All. Ratchet adjustable
headband for head sizes between 52-64cm.
Downsize padding available for smaller head
sizes.
Certified: • AS/NZS : with AS/NZS 1337.1:2010
• EN: with EN14458:2004
• Dual Certified to NFPA : and
NFPA 1951:2013 with ANSI Z87.1:2015

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3
4
6
5
7
29
15
16
14
13
10
11
8
1
12

F15 USER INFORMATION GUIDE
14
PARTS
Details of current accessories and spare parts approved by the
manufacturer.
FEATURES AND ACCESSORIES *
Shell: • Painted Shell with Chassis
Front Plinth: • Standard Plinth
Reflectors and
Decals:
• 3M680 Trim Range
• 3M8887 Trim Range
Custom reflector shapes available by request.
Reflector options are standard dependent.
Adapter Plates: • Easi-On-O Base
• SCBA / Easi-On-O Base Combo
Liner: • PU Liner/Headband/Air Mesh
• Headband and Air Mesh Only
• Liner Retainer Set
Chinstrap: • 4-point Nomex® Chinstrap
• Screw Set for Chinstrap
Eye Protector: • OTEP™ V3 Eye Protector
• OTEP™ Hinge Kit
Face Shield: • Clear Face Shield
• Gold Plated Face Shield
• Glides Kit for Face Shield

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FEATURES AND ACCESSORIES *
Neck Protector: • Short Gusseted, Long Gusseted, and Wrap
Styles available in:
• Black Nomex®
• Yellow Nomex®
• Yellow FR Fabric
• Aluminized/Black Nomex®
Custom Neck Protectors may be available by request.
Neck Protector options are standard dependent.
Rear Hanger: • Rear Hanger
• Screw Set for Rear Hanger
Lighting: • UK3AA eLED Tail Switch Torch
• Torch Clip Pair for UK3AA
• Adaro Adalit L5 Torch
• Torch Clip for Adaro
• UK3AAA eLED Vizion I Lamp
• F15 Vizion Plinth
Comms System: • Titan® Comms Bracket
• Titan® Comms with Push to Talk (PTT) Option
Sizing: • Downsize Padding for 50-56cm
* Including but not limited to, subject to change. Some options are standard dependent. Spare
parts and accessories may not be compatible with your exact build of F15, please contact your
distributor for more information.
⚠NOTE: it is important to consult with the distributors/
manufacturer for any accessories not listed in the above
table before using them with your protective helmet to avoid
invalidating the helmet’s certification or causing unintended
consequences which might involve injuries or even death.

SETTING UP
YOUR HELMET

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PREPARATION FOR USE
FITTING YOUR HELMET
The integrity, fit, and proper assembly of the helmet, suspension,
and chinstrap must be checked before each use. Your safety
depends upon the proper fit of your helmet and proper use of all
features and components.
All adjustments are independent of how far your head goes into
the helmet and do not aect the length of the overhead suspension
ribbons.
REMOVE PACKAGING
Remove the vinyl protective film from the face shield and/or eye
protector and remove user information from inside helmet before use.
Protective films can be disposed of.

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18
FIT THE HELMET TO YOUR HEAD
The chinstrap and headband
should be adjusted to a point
where it is comfortable to wear
but does not allow the helmet to
move or wobble.
1. Loosen the two rear
adjustment points. Loosen
the two rear adjustment
straps by lifting the rear
ladder lock and pulling on
the webbing strap with the
other hand.
2. Undo the chinstrap and
loosen the under chin
strap. Hold the fixed end
of the under chin strap and
pull on the buckle to loosen
the under chin strap.
3. Put the Helmet on and
do up the buckle. Pull the
free end of the strap under
your chin until secure. This
should be fitted firmly but
does not need to be so tight
as to cause discomfort.

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4. Rotate the ratchet control
knob anti-clockwise to
expand or clockwise to
contract the headband to
provide comfortable but
firm fit to the head. Do not
overtighten the ratchet. The
headband fits a nominal
range of head sizes from 52
to 65cm.
5. Adjust the two rear nape
straps. Pull the free ends
of the two rear adjustment
straps with the helmet still
on your head to the correct
tightness.
6. Readjust if required.
Alway make sure the nape
strap connectors with the
chinstrap rest under both
the ears and with the nape
strap pulled tight before
pulling the chinstrap firm
under the chin. Secure
loose ends of chinstrap to
the velcro.

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20
ADJUSTING THE HEADBAND HEIGHT OPTIONAL
There are three levels of wearing height for the headband. Your helmet
comes preset at the mid height which will suit the majority of wearers.
For smaller head sizes adjust
the headband to allow your
head to sit deeper inside the
helmet, and vice versa for larger
head sizes.
1. Detach Cradle Hanger (B)
from Liner (A). Remove the
cradle hanger from the liner
slot by pulling upwards on
the ribbon (C).
2. Detach Headband (D)
from Cradle Hanger (B).
Disengage the headband
boss by bending the cradle
hanger to enable the boss
to pop free
3. Reattach Headband (D)
to Cradle Hanger (B).
Reattach the boss on the
required level by sliding the
boss into the cradle hanger
on one edge with the cradle
hanger bending, then slide
the other side of the boss in.
4. Reattach Cradle Hanger
(C) to Liner (A). Push the
cradle hanger back into the
liner slot firmly. Repeat for
all 4 cradle hangers.
B
B
B
D
A
A
LARGE
MEDIUM
SMALL