What is the maximum lifespan typically recommended for a safety helmet?

The maximum lifespan typically recommended for a safety helmet is five years. This recommendation is based on safety standards and the understanding that helmets can degrade over time due to factors such as exposure to sunlight, chemicals, and physical wear and tear. Even if a helmet appears to be in good condition, its material properties may be compromised, reducing its effectiveness in protecting the wearer during an impact.

Regular inspection and maintenance are crucial for ensuring helmets are safe to use, but even with proper care, most helmet manufacturers advise replacing helmets every five years. This timeline takes into account the natural aging process of materials used in helmet construction and aligns with general occupational safety guidelines. In contrast, suggestions for longer lifespans, like ten years or indefinitely, do not account for these degradation factors, making them less reliable for maintaining safety standards.