Overview
A glass fibre reinforced shell. Fibreglass is chosen over ABS where heat, or a shell that must not soften, is the controlling factor — it holds its shape at temperatures that would deform a thermoplastic shell. It is heavier, and that trade is deliberate.
Construction
- Glass fibre reinforced shell
- Riveted harness mounting
- Adjustable headband
- Front peak
Where it fits
Hot work, foundries, and sites that specify a thermoset shell. State the standard and the temperature range at order stage; a shell that passes one standard is not automatically suitable for the other.
Chosen when the shell must not soften
A thermoset glass-fibre shell holds its shape at temperatures that would soften a thermoplastic one, and that is the whole reason to specify it: hot work, foundries, and sites whose own standard calls for a thermoset shell. It is heavier than ABS and it costs more, so it is a specification decision rather than an upgrade. Whether it also has to be electrically insulating is a separate requirement to state explicitly, because that depends on the shell and not on the name of the material.
What to confirm before ordering
- The standard and shell class your site specifies: EN 397 and ANSI Z89.1 differ in the tests applied and in the markings, so which one applies has to be stated.
- Whether electrical insulation is required: Insulation is a property of the shell specification, not a feature that comes with being plastic.
- Harness type: Ratchet or pin-lock changes adjustment speed, and the harness is part of the certified article.
- Whether the peak must clear a face shield or welding mask: Peak length is a compatibility decision, not a style one.
- Colour coding, if your site uses it for trade identification.
Compliance note
A helmet is certified as a complete article - shell, harness and headband together - and the certificate names the standard, the shell material and the size range. Fitting a different harness or an accessory can take the article outside its certification, which is why helmets are not mixed and matched. The shell material and the standard the build is designed to are stated here; the certificate for the article you order, with its standard and its marking, is confirmed at order stage. A helmet that has taken a significant impact is spent, whatever it looks like.
Related formats
For closely related builds see ABS Safety Helmet and Welding Mask. The full category is at Safety Helmets.
Samples and lead time
Sample pieces are supplied before a bulk order so your team can check fit, finish and marking on the actual article. Standard lead time is 2–4 weeks from order confirmation.
