Care and Use of MSA Helmets ; Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
It is important that you read and carefully follow all of the instructions and warnings accompanying your helmet.
Failure to follow the instructions listed on the bag provided with your helmet may result in serious injury or death.
For questions concerning the care and use of your MSA helmet, contact your MSA Sales Associate or MSA Customer Service at 800-MSA-2222.
QUESTION ANSWER
Are any MSA suspensions interchangeable
among MSA industrial helmets?
The following MSA suspension and helmet assemblies are interchangeable and meet ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009 when used together.
MSA V-Gard Staz-On® and Fas-Trac® III Suspensions are interchangeable among these MSA helmets:
• V-Gard Cap (standard size) • V-Gard 500 Non-Vented Cap
• V-Gard Hat • SmoothDome Cap
• V-Gard 500 Vented Cap • V-Gard GREEN Cap
For example, a V-Gard Cap (standard size) Staz-On or Fas-Trac III Suspension can be used in a V-Gard Hat as well as a V-Gard 500 Cap (Vented and Non-Vented)
and SmoothDome Cap. The same holds true for Freedom™ Series and Specialty V-Gard Caps and Hats.
Does the Fas-Trac® III Suspension affect
the Standards compliance of my helmet
assembly?
No. The Fas-Trac III has been third-party tested by SEI and certfied to the Standards requirements stated on the label in MSA helmets.
These changes to the suspension were made to improve comfort, stability and fit:
• Lower nape strap improves retention; it also adjusts for a custom fit on the back of the head.
• Three levels of nape adjustment allow desired nape fit, without interfering with line of sight or other protective gear, such as earmuffs and safety glasses.
• Ratchet offers smooth rotation, virtually no backlash, and grippable knob that can be adjusted—even with a gloved hand!
• Comfort pad separates the back of the ratchet from the rear of the head, cradling the head while encouraging airflow.
• Largest sweatband surface area on the market covers the suspension headband and user’s forehead for added comfort.
• Optional sweatband accessory helps remove moisture and can be installed while the suspension is assembled in the helmet.
Can another manufacturer’s suspension
be used in an MSA industrial helmet?
No. MSA caps and hats are only tested with MSA suspensions, therefore, we do not know if another manufacturer’s suspension will pass ANSI Z89.1 impact and penetration
requirements when used in an MSA helmet. Suspension webbing or “crown strap” length varies depending upon crown clearance (distance between shell and suspension)
necessary to meet ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009. In fact, lengths can vary, not only from manufacturer to manufacturer, but among MSA helmet models as well. As a result,
you can only use the MSA suspension designated for a given MSA helmet model and size.
Can an MSA industrial helmet be purchased
without a suspension?
MSA will not sell a hard hat shell without a suspension because we label our shells with appropriate Standards information which the shell and suspension meet as an
assembled product. Shells alone do not meet these standards; the shell and suspension work together in order to provide the necessary protection.
Can an MSA industrial helmet
be worn backwards?
The following MSA helmets meet the voluntary standard for reverse donning as prescribed by ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009:
• V-Gard Caps and Hats • Topgard Caps and Hats
• V-Gard GREEN Caps • Thermalgard Caps
•
V-Gard 500 Caps • Skullgard Caps and Hats
• SmoothDome Caps
Accepted models display the official reverse donning logo.
NOTE: When wearing a helmet in reverse, be sure to reverse the suspension so the nape strap is facing the brim. Use caution before using accessories while wearing an
MSA helmet backwards. Wearing a cap with the brim facing the rear may reduce the performance of accessories, such that they may not meet the applicable requirements.
Can I wear competitor helmet accessories,
like visor/frame combinations
and cap-mounted muffs on MSA helmets?
No. Competitor products should not be worn on MSA helmets. It is potentially unsafe to wear competitor products on MSA helmets, as competitor products have
not been tested with MSA products to ensure continued compliance with stated safety standards. Even if competitor helmet accessories appear to be compatible
with MSA helmets, only MSA helmet accessories, such as the V-Gard Face Protection System and SoundControl or left/RIGHT hearing protectors, are tested and approved
to ensure continued compliance for their applicable Standards in an assembly.
If a competitor claims their helmet accessories are compatible with MSA helmets, ask for documentation to support these claims for all of the products,
preferably from a qualified third-party test laboratory.
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