Firefighter Helmet Cleaning: 3 Levels for MSA Cairns Soft Goods

A fire helmet takes a beating on every call. The shell gets most of the attention, but the fabric parts underneath often carry the most contamination. Ear covers, neck protectors, and liners absorb soot, sweat, and smoke residue with every exposure. That’s why firefighter helmet cleaning needs to cover the soft goods, not just the shell. Here’s a step-by-step look at the three cleaning levels for MSA Cairns helmet soft goods, plus how to store them between calls.

What NFPA 1850 Requires for Helmet Care

The following requirements come from NFPA 1850, the National Fire Protection Association’s standard for the selection, care, and maintenance of structural firefighting protective ensembles. It now includes the guidance formerly found in NFPA 1851, so many departments still know it by the older number. That said, NFPA 1850 is a comprehensive user document. All fire personnel should read the full standard to get a complete picture of PPE cleaning, maintenance, and storage. Departments can find it on the NFPA 1850 standard page. For a broader look at jackets, pants, and repair decisions, see our turnout gear maintenance guide.

Keeping Helmets in Service During Cleaning

For most departments, the real challenge is keeping helmets available while soft goods are out for cleaning. A spare set makes firefighter helmet cleaning much easier to stay on top of. MSA offers soft goods replacement kits for Cairns Fire Helmets, so crews can swap in a clean set right away and send the soiled set out for advanced cleaning.

Fire Safety Services carries gear from MSA Safety’s firefighter product line, including MSA Cairns Fire Helmets, Globe Boots, Globe Hoods, Globe Turnout Jackets, Globe Pants, and Supplied Air Respirators (SCBA). Departments can browse options through our personal protective equipment sales or explore our featured brands.

Level 1: On-Scene Preliminary Exposure Reduction

Cleaning starts before crews leave the fireground. NFPA 1850 calls this step preliminary exposure reduction, or PER. The goal is simple: remove as much heavy contamination as possible on scene.

Firefighters should brush, hose, or wipe away loose debris from the helmet and its soft goods. Afterward, they should place soiled gear in a sealed bag or protective case. A dedicated option like the True North Decon Bag helps contain contaminated gear on the ride back. Soiled helmets shouldn’t ride loose in the apparatus crew compartment. Otherwise, contaminants spread into the cab and travel back to the station.

Level 2: Wet and Dry Decontamination

PER includes two decontamination methods. Crews can choose the one that fits the situation and the type of exposure:

• Dry decontamination: Crews use a soft-bristle brush to remove loose soot and debris from the helmet and soft goods.
• Wet decontamination: Crews gently rinse the exterior of the gear with water, and they can add a mild detergent if needed.

Both methods also apply to hoods and eye and face protection. Once decon is complete, crews should remove the soft goods, bag them, and bring them back to the station. From there, the gear moves on to advanced cleaning.

Level 3: Advanced Cleaning

Advanced cleaning is the most thorough level of firefighter helmet cleaning. Under NFPA 1850, departments must complete advanced cleaning at least twice a year. In addition, gear needs advanced cleaning any time it’s exposed to products of combustion. Soiled gear must go through advanced cleaning before anyone wears it again.

The standard also sets rules for who can do this work. The element manufacturer, a verified independent service provider (ISP), or properly trained department personnel can handle advanced cleaning. An ISP is a third-party company that’s verified to clean, inspect, and repair firefighting PPE.

For helmet soft goods, the process follows a few basic steps. First, remove the soft goods from the shell and set the shell aside for its own cleaning. Next, place the soft goods in a mesh laundry bag. Then, machine wash and dry them on low settings, following the manufacturer’s laundering instructions. Use a mild detergent, since harsh chemicals can damage protective fabrics. Finally, inspect the soft goods once they’re dry. If they’re still soiled, wash them again. If they show tears or damage that cleaning can’t fix, replace them.

Departments should also keep records of each advanced cleaning. Good records show which items were cleaned, when they were cleaned, and how.

How to Store Helmets and Soft Goods

Proper storage protects every step of firefighter helmet cleaning. Helmets and soft goods should be completely dry before they return to service. Store them in a dry, well-ventilated area.

Keep gear out of direct sunlight. Also, keep it away from indoor light sources, since both give off UV rays that break down materials over time. Avoid extreme hot or cold temperatures as well. Most importantly, soiled gear should never be stored in living quarters or personal vehicles.

Professional PPE Cleaning and Repair from Fire Safety Services

Consistent firefighter helmet cleaning keeps helmets performing and helps reduce exposure to harmful contaminants. Still, advanced cleaning takes the right equipment, training, and documentation.

Fire Safety Services partners with Turnout Gear Management, a Globe Warranty Repair Center, to provide cleaning and repair services for firefighter PPE. Departments can ship gear directly from their facility and get it back quickly. Explore our PPE cleaning and repair services, and contact our knowledgeable sales team today with questions about gear standards.