Pacific Helmets HALOFLEX F20H Owner's manual

STRUCTURAL FIREFIGHTING HELMET
User Information Guide


F20H
WWW.PACIFICHELMETS.COM
3
User
Information
Contents
4 Introduction
5 Warnings
6 General Pre-Use Information
10 Overview of the F20H
11 Preparation for use
12 Fitting Your Helmet
15 Changing parts
21 Eye Protector Instructions
22 Fitting Accessories
24 Wearing Instructions
Donning
Doffing
25 Recommended Storage Practices
26 Care & Maintenace.
Details of Inspections
27 Care & Maintenance
Instructions
Cleaning and Disinfection
Optional Washing of
Selected Components
Decomtaminaiton
31 Repair, Replace, and
Obsolescence Instructions
33 Warranty.
Warranty Information
35 Technical Information.
Certification And Distributors
Information
36 Standards Information
AS/NZS4067:2012
EN443:2008 / UKCA / CE / MED*
EN16471:2014 / EN16473:2014*
NFPA1971:2018*
*Pending

Introduction.
This guide addresses the model F20H 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 and keep
safe for future reference. Failure to follow these
instructions could result in death or serious injury.
WWW.PACIFICHELMETS.COM

1). 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.
2). This helmet is not designed to provide protection from the following
hazards: non-ionizing radiation, ionizing radiation, CBRN, explosions,
and gun shots.
3). The length of the usable life of this helmet will be affected by the
type(s) of material it comes into contact with and the environment in which
the helmet is used and stored. Recommendations on this topic should be
sought from the manufacturer.
4).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.
5). 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.
F20 USER INFORMATION GUIDE
5
Warnings.

General Pre-use Information.
It is 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 is understood.
1). 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; and applicable
national, state/provincial, and local regulations pertinent to
emergency operations.
2). 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.”
3). 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.
4). 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.
6
WWW.PACIFICHELMETS.COM

F20 USER INFORMATION GUIDE
7
5). Risk assessment already conducted: Your department,
organization, or employer has conducted a risk 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.
6). 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.
7). 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.
8). 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.
9). 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.
10). 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
the protective helmet with no warning and no sign of damage to
the protective helmet.

8
WWW.PACIFICHELMETS.COM
11). 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.
12). Other hazards: Your protective helmet, wet or dry, may not offer
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, badly abraded, or altered from its original conditions.
13). The need for complete ensemble: This helmet is effective only
when it is properly worn; provides a proper interface with your
garment, firehood, 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 risk assessment.
14). 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.

15). 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.
16). Warranty: This helmet is warranted for a particular purpose.
Carefully read the “Warranty Information” in this user information
guide. If labels in the helmet are missing or become unreadable, contact
the manufacturer for replacement labels.
17). 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.
18). 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, force impact
resistance and impact energy attenuation, 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.
F20 USER INFORMATION GUIDE
9

F20H Overview.
Standard components available on the F20H Helmet.
Please note, configuration is customisable and some features may differ.
1. Retro-reflective Trim*
2. DuPont™ Kevlar® & Fibreglass Reinforced Composite Shell
3. Advanced Polymer Chassis
4. Adapter Plates
5. Rear Storage Hanger
6. Qik-Klip Neck Protector - Flame Retardant and Heat Resistant
7. Ratchet Adjustable Pivot Headband
8. Front Plinth
9. Qik-Klip Eye Protector
10. Dual Pivot Face Shield
11. Polyurethane Impact Liner
12. Haloflex™ Impact Mesh and Qik-Klip Comfort Padding
13. 4-Point Nomex® Chinstrap with Quick Release Buckle
Technical Data.
HELMET SIZE:
One size fits all. Ratchet adjustable headband for head sizes between
52-65cm. Hat size 6-1/2” to 8-1/2” (52-65cm)
CERTIFIED:
- AS/NZS 4067:2012 with AS/NZS 1337.1:2010
- EN443:2008 with EN14458:2018**
- EN16471:2014 with EN14458:2018**
- EN16473:2014 with EN14458:2018**
- NFPA 1971:2018 with ANSI Z87.1:2020**
10
WWW.PACIFICHELMETS.COM
* Standards dependant
** Pending

Preparation for Use.
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.
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 should be disposed of in accordance with local
municipal bylaws for waste management.
WWW.PACIFICHELMETS.COM
11
1. Helmet Shell
2. Face shield
3. Helmet liner
4. Haloex™ Impact Mesh
5. Qik-Klip OTEP™
6. Ratchet Adjustable Pivoting
Headband
7. Qik-Klip Neck protector
8. Qik-Klip Crown pad
9. Qik-Klip Brow pad
10. Qik-Klip Nape pad
11. Chin Strap
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
7.
8.
9. 10.
11.
6.

12
F20 USER INFORMATION GUIDE
FITTING YOUR HELMET
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). Loosen the chinstrap.
Loosen the chinstrap by
lifting the buckle and
pulling on the webbing strap
with the other hand.
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.
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.

4). Rotate the ratchet adjustment
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, you should
be able to fit an index finger between
the nape band and your head.
6). Readjust if required. Always
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.
WWW.PACIFICHELMETS.COM
13
5). Adjust nape straps. Pull the indicated
chinstrap ends until the chinstrap is firm,
but not tight under your head.

ADUSTING THE HEADBAND HEIGHT (OPTIONAL)
1). Release Headband from
Liner frame. Using a finger,
bend to release the headband
from the slotted liner frame.
Do not remove the headband.
2). Adjust Headband height.
Select the height that you want
the headband to sit at. Repeat
this on all four points on the
headband.
3). Lock the headband position.
Snap the frame back into place
in the headband to lock your
desired headband height.
14
F20 USER INFORMATION GUIDE
There are four 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.

Changing Parts.
Your F20H will be provided fully assembled. There are some cases
where you will need to install certain components, replace components
that have become damaged, or remove components for cleaning
and decontamination.
CHANGING PADDING
NOTE: No tools are required.
1). Remove front comfort pad:
Unclip the front pad from the
headband.
2). Replace with a fresh or
cleaned comfort pad: Clip it
back into the headband.
WWW.PACIFICHELMETS.COM
15

3). Remove rear comfort pad:
Unbutton the padding from around
the adjustment knob.
4). Replace rear comfort pad:
Button the pad back around
the ratchet adjustment knob.
16
F20 USER INFORMATION GUIDE

5). Remove the top comfort pad:
Pull the padding away from the
impact mesh in each corner to
remove.
6). Replace the top comfort pad:
Locate the pad and
press each plastic dimple
into the Haloflex™ impact mesh.
WWW.PACIFICHELMETS.COM
17

REPLACING FACE SHIELD
NOTE: Phillips head screwdriver
is required.
1). Unscrew the face shield:
There are 2 screws and 2
bosses on each side of the
helmet.
2). Put the screws and bosses
aside:
3). Detach the old face shield:
4). Place the new face shield
in the helmet: Align the bottom
of the face shield. Make sure
the pin on each side sits inside
the rail track.
5). Attach new face shield:
Slide the top of the face
shield into place so the rails
on the face shield align
with the screw holes. On
each side reattach the two
bosses and fasten the two
screws.
18
F20 USER INFORMATION GUIDE

CHANGING THE NECK PROTECTOR
The neck protectors for the F20H can easily be attached and removed for
cleaning and maintenance or allowing a new neck protector to be attached.
NOTE: No tools are required.
1). The neck protector attaches
at 4 points around the edge of
the Liner frame :
AB
2). Detach the neck protector by
twisting barb A inwards, pull up and
release. Then unhook barb B and release.
Mirror this process on the opposite
side for full detachment.
3). To retach just follow the detachment
process in reverse order starting by
hooking barb B in followed by barb A.
Ensure that the gusset in the neck protector
is facing outwards.
WWW.PACIFICHELMETS.COM
19

DETACHING CHINSTRAP
NOTE: No tools are required.
20
F20 USER INFORMATION GUIDE
1). Unthread Chinstrap from
the Ladder-lock and Helmet
Liner, repeat for both sides.
2). Unclip the rear metal loop
from the rear of the liner.
You can now remove the
chinstrap entirely for cleaning.
Table of contents
Other Pacific Helmets Motorcycle Accessories manuals