Section 10 - Durability
Helmet Attrition
It is well said by fire department chiefs that the biggest loss of equipment does not come from actual fire fighting activities. Their greatest losses come from abuse and training. Equipment is tossed around after use, thrown onto concrete, slammed into the back of vehicles, dropped getting out of gear etc. Training burns build fires that are watched not extinguished, creating much greater heat exposures than real life fires. Negligence causes complete loss due to trucks losing or running over equipment. Firefighters are not always held accountable for lost equipment due to abuse or negligence, therefore it creates the potential for repeat offenses.
Bang For Your Buck
Although composite helmets perform very well in firefighting activities, the fact remains that we are dealing with rigid and inflexible material that is subject to cracking and chipping. Considering the daily routine of a firefighter and the multiple roles that he/she must play, thermoplastic helmets will often have a longer life in the department. Simply ask yourself, what materials are being used for automobile bumpers, fiberglass or plastic? There is a reason, durability.