FEATURE : FIA SAFETY BULLETIN
Here ’ s a selection of helmets from the 2022 HSCC racing season .
Helmet painting the FIA guidance
As part of the FIA ’ s ongoing mission to continuously improve safety , the FIA requires competitors participating in competitions registered on the FIA International Sporting Calendar to wear an FIA-approved helmet . The helmet is typically a piece of safety equipment that competitors like to personalise . However , it is important that they ensure that the safety performance of a homologated helmet is not compromised by any personalisation .
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The most common form of customisation used on helmets is paint . It is important to note that paint can react with the helmet shell and energy-absorbing materials ( also known as the helmet liner ) and may negatively affect its protective capacity if the incorrect type or application method is used . Article 1.6 “ Helmet - Decoration ” of Chapter III “ Drivers ’ Equipment ” of Appendix L to the International Sporting Code states that modifications can only be made if in compliance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the specific helmet model .
Improper use of paint will void the FIA homologation
It is the competitor ’ s responsibility to ensure that any decoration of their helmet is done in accordance with the guidelines provided by the manufacturer . Such guidelines are typically available in the helmet user guide , published on the helmet manufacturer ’ s website , and available upon request directly from the manufacturer . FIA and / or ASN officials
may reject a helmet if it has been improperly customised ( e . g . if the FIA and / or ASN officials see any paint marks on the helmet liner or evidence that the energy-absorbing material was removed and reinstalled , the helmet can be rejected during initial scrutineering ).
Key points regarding helmet painting
⦁ Always check the guidelines provided by the helmet manufacturer or in case of doubt , contact the manufacturer before decorating the helmet to make sure you follow their recommendations . ⦁ Ensure that the inside of the helmet is fully protected by carefully sealing ALL the openings , even paint fumes can damage the liner ( energy-absorbing foam ) of the helmet . ⦁ It is typically recommended to use air-drying acrylic or polyurethane paint BUT any paint product must be in accordance with the recommendations of the helmet manufacturer . ⦁ Remove all the hardware from the outside of the helmet before painting , such as the 8858-2010 Helmet M6 terminal
and visor fixing screws , whilst still ensuring that openings are properly sealed . NOTE : the 8858-2002 Helmet M6 terminal cannot be removed and must be properly covered . ⦁ Cover all non-removable hardware and moving parts . ⦁ The selected paint should include flame-resistant properties .
Do not : ⦁ Remove any permanent components of the helmet ( e . g . energy absorbing foam , rubber seals , chin strap , fixing rivets , etc .) under any circumstance . NOTE : it is strictly forbidden to remove the energy-absorbing foam or rubber seals as they are permanently fixed to the helmet . The rubber seals guarantee that the visor seals and the visor opening mechanism operates correctly . ⦁ Submit the helmet to high temperatures ( i . e . it is forbidden to expose the helmet to any heat source higher than 50 ° C / 122 ° F ). ⦁ Remove the original manufacturer applied coating of the helmet . ⦁ Paint any part of the visor and / or visor mechanism . ⦁ Expose the helmet to chemical solvents or their fumes .