In response to several emails we have recently received regarding MSA V-Gard Protective Helmets, we want to pass on the following information: MSA has not issued a recall of V-Gard helmets, and all V-Gard helmets manufactured in March of 2008 are not to be removed from service. It seems there has been a wide range of misinformation circulated via the Internet.
Here are the results of an investigation done by MSA:
Cracking in V-Gard hardhats in question is limited to blue and red helmets that were manufactured in the U.S., and are estimated to represent less than one one-hundredth of a percent of MSA’s U.S. V-Gard helmet production over the past 5 years.
The cause of this has been traced to a variation of copper pigment content, which is a component in blue and red colorants, and minor process variations. In mid-2008, MSA changed to a different colorant and improved the process variation. They have not received a single report of any cracked helmets, of any color, since these improvements were put into place.
Testing by MSA indicates that a cap exhibiting this type of crack continues to meet the ANSI Z89.1-2003 and CSA Z94.1-2005 impact and penetration test requirements. However, a crack of this type would prevent the cap from passing the electrical resistance test.
We hope that this will clear up any questions regarding the rumors in question, and that you will continue to inspect all safety equipment on a daily basis, including hardhats. Please stay tuned for more hardhat info…
Source: MSA
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