Helmet recall reports untrue

Whanganui senior firefighter Carl Murphy wearing one of the F10 helmets when they were introduced in 2012. Photo/Bevan Conley

Reports that firefighting helmets have been recalled are misleading, says the Whanganui-based manufacturer and New Zealand Fire Service representatives.

Radio New Zealand reported on Tuesday that the Fire Service had been "forced to recall helmets, chemical splash suits and high-pressure hoses because of faults and complaints from firefighters".

Helmets for firefighters throughout New Zealand and Australia have been manufactured by Pacific Helmets in Whanganui for more than 30 years.

Pacific Helmets chief executive David Bennett said the reports were disappointing because his company had always worked with the Fire Service to improve and adjust the designs to suit their purpose.

"I don't know about the other equipment, but there has been no recall on helmets," he said.

"The Fire Service have always shown outstanding support of our products," he said.
"We make the F10 helmets, which firefighters wear for fighting structural or house fires, and we also make other designs used for rescue and utility work.

"There is an interface between the helmets and the neck protection gear that firefighters wear," said Mr Bennett.

"We don't supply the neckwear but we work with the Fire Service to make sure the helmets are compatible."

Acting Whanganui Fire Service area commander Gary Ward said he was very surprised to learn of the reports because he could not recall any problems with firefighting equipment.
"If anyone had been injured or their safety had been compromised because of faulty equipment, I would certainly know about it," he said.

A spokesperson for the New Zealand Fire Service said all firefighting equipment was monitored regularly.

"The New Zealand Fire Service is constantly improving our equipment to keep up with new technology and personal protective equipment standards," she said.

"We are confident our people have the tools and equipment they need to do their job effectively."

Pacific Helmets has been manufacturing the F10 firefighting helmets since 2012, when the design was the only one to meet the Australasian standard.