When Should I Replace My Safety Helmet?

Head Protection

When Should I Replace My Safety Helmet?

Understanding Helmet Lifespan and Maintenance for Continued Protection

Safety helmets must be replaced periodically to ensure they continue to provide effective protection. Over time, both the shell and internal harness can deteriorate, reducing their ability to protect the wearer from injury. This applies equally to standard helmets and those used with Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR).

Helmet lifespan

JSP safety helmets have a combined shelf and useful life of 10 years:

Up to 5 years in storage under suitable conditions.
Up to 5 years in use, provided regular inspection and maintenance is carried out.

To track lifespan:

Check the date of manufacture – found under the peak of the helmet using a date wheel.
Record the date of first use to calculate the remaining ‘in use’ life.
Ensure total life (storage + use) does not exceed 10 years, even if the helmet appears undamaged.
Replace helmets sooner if required by company policy or local regulations.
Immediately replace any helmet that has received an impact.

PAPR helmet headtops

Helmets used as part of PAPR systems (certified to EN 12941) follow the same replacement guidelines:

PAPR helmet headtops provide both respiratory and head protection.
It’s essential to check their manufacture and first use dates to ensure they remain in-date.
In addition to changing filters and charging the battery, replace the helmet itself as needed to maintain full protective performance.

JSP PAPR systems are designed modularly, so worn or outdated components can be replaced without discarding the entire unit.

Helmet inspection and maintenance

Regular inspections are key:

Look for signs of damage, cracks, discolouration, or brittleness.
Avoid placing stickers or labels on the helmet shell, as these can hide defects.
Cleaning helmets regularly helps to identify issues early.
Include lifespan checks during inspections to ensure expired helmets are removed from use.

If you’re unsure about the status of your helmet or PAPR headtop, contact JSP for advice.

Key points:

JSP helmets have a 10-year lifespan: 5 years in storage + 5 years in use.
Always check the date of manufacture and record the date of first use.
Replace helmets immediately after impact or if past their lifespan.
PAPR helmet headtops follow the same replacement guidelines.
Regular inspection and cleaning are essential for helmet safety.

If you need further support, please contact our Technical Support Team using the email: technical@jspsafety.com or contact us via WhatsApp.