BS EN 16473 is a European standard on firefighters’ helmets that discusses the requirements for firefighter’s helmets for technical rescue to ensure protection against mechanical hazards. BS EN 16473 specifies the minimum requirements for technical rescue helmets. These helmets are intended to protect the upper head against the effects of mechanical hazards such as impact and penetration, flame, electrical and chemical hazards while conducting technical rescue and associated activities.
Technical rescues involve the environments and conditions associated with operational scenarios such as but not limited to those found during road traffic collisions, railway incidents and when working in and around collapsed structures, often for extended periods of time, after natural disasters (flood, earthquake, etc.).
Requirements for marking and information to be supplied by the manufacturer are included. Note1: Helmets for use while firefighting in buildings and other structures or in wildland firefighting environments are not covered by BS EN 16473.
Note2: Helmets for use in water rescue operations using craft, such as boats, canoes etc., are also not covered by BS EN 16473.
Note3: Protection of the face and eyes, when not provided by visors, ears and neck might require additional items of personal protective equipment (PPE), which are not covered by BS EN 16473.
BS EN 16473 on the requirements for firefighters’ helmets for technical rescue is useful for:
Helmet for wildland fire fighting consists of headwear, including all integral components supplied by the manufacturer, intended primarily to protect the upper part of a wearer's head against hazards that may occur during wildland fire fighting activities.
BS EN 16473 provides you guidance for the physical requirements, materials, projections, retention system, accessories and non-integral additional protective devices, performance requirements, thermal resistance, test methods, visual inspection, flame resistance and marking.
The requirements and test methods provided by BS EN 16473 assist you in improving the performance and quality of firefighters’ helmets, satisfy firefighters’ expectations and provide the best of its utility and benefits and ensure protection to firefighters against the risk of workplace injuries.
With obedience and compliance to BS EN 16473, you can enhance the efficacy of the wildlife firefighters’ helmets and manufacture a standardized high-quality product.
EN 16473:2014