A balaclava is a mask that covers the head, neck and part of the face. Some models have slits for the eyes, while others leave the entire face open. Both options are equally good, it's purely a matter of taste. A balaclava or balaclava mask is needed, firstly, for hygiene. While riding, your head sweats and leaves marks on the helmet, and cleaning it is not very convenient. This does not mean that after purchasing a mask you won’t have to clean the helmet’s upholstery at all, but you will definitely have to do it less often. Secondly, the helmet fits better in them and rubs less in the process. In the cold season, a balaclava warms your head; you can hide your hair under it so that it does not flutter in the wind and impair visibility.
Purpose
Many motorcycle enthusiasts are interested in whether a helmet liner is needed and what its function is. The main tasks that a balaclava performs are protection and personal hygiene of the biker. While driving with an open visor, the product will protect your face from flying insects, road dust and dirt. The wind will also cease to be a hindrance - a motorcycle balaclava covers most of the face, so the skin will not become chapped. In cold weather, such motorcycle protection will provide additional warmth to the face and neck. Thanks to the balaclava, the helmet will not slip on the head, and its interior will remain in its original form, since sweat and dirt will not leak through the balaclava.
A motorcycle helmet liner has its pros and cons
Marking
The label indicates the manufacturer and address, what type of product it is, size, protective properties, date of manufacture, care instructions.
Type Ш(У) – winter half-woolen (insulated).
Winter heat-resistant balaclava - provides additional protection for the face and neck from adverse weather conditions, as well as from high and low temperatures. In addition, it helps remove heat from the front part, thereby preventing sweat from getting into the eyes when extinguishing fires and conducting ASR.
Designation on the balaclava label
Type T – heat-resistant (available in winter and summer).
Type T liner - two-layer, the top layer is made of heat-resistant material, the inner layer is made of viscose or cotton yarn. The balaclava is made in two types of design. In the parietal part of the balaclava there is an insert made of knitted fabric, which provides ventilation of the product. It has a similar purpose as Type Sh.
Summer heat-resistant balaclava
Sizes from 1 to 3 , which corresponds to a head circumference from 52 to 62 centimeters.
In accordance with the requirements of interstate GOST 12.4.103-83, special clothing and means of protecting hands and feet must be named and marked with special symbols in accordance with their protective properties.
Ti – from thermal radiation.
Tn – from low temperatures.
Pros and cons of using
A motorcycle helmet liner has its pros and cons. The advantage is the protective functions - the face is not blown, midges and dust do not stick to it. The inside of the helmet remains clean, so there is no need to wash it. A balaclava under a motorcycle helmet is a kind of thermal underwear that warms your head in the cold season and absorbs sweat in hot weather. It makes the ride more comfortable, helps cut off breathing, and the visor sweats less. For those using headphones, the balaclava will serve as their holder.
Among the disadvantages are inconvenient eye slits, so when choosing a balaclava you should pay attention to them. It is not very comfortable to wear at high temperatures - the ventilation of the helmet deteriorates. Sometimes an allergy occurs, which is due to the low quality of the material from which the balaclava is made, or the characteristics of the body. Balaclavas are often lost.
Vest
We continue to talk about insulation in case of sudden changes in weather, which are so common in the mountains. A light and compact vest can be a real helper when skiing at a ski resort. It does not take up much space in a backpack, weighs practically nothing, and most importantly, it easily fits under any ski jacket, noticeably insulating even the thinnest Gore-Tex skin. At the current level of progress, synthetic insulation can easily replace down in terms of efficiency, thickness and weight, while allowing you to save a lot of money. And the most important difference is the ease of washing and drying. A vest with modern synthetic insulation is almost impossible to spoil, unlike a down vest, which requires special care. For example, the Maier Agero vests for men and the Maier Carp vests for women are ideal for a classic ski holiday in the mountains. For harsher conditions, the Red Fox Quasar II is insulated with PRIMALOFT® DOWN.
-50%
Activewear vest Maier 2018-19 Agero Vest M bluewing teal
4 145 8 290
-50%
Outdoor Vest Maier 2018-19 Carp Vest W red dahlia
4 145 8 290
-20%
Active Vest Red Fox 2022 quasar ii black
4 952 6 190
Types of balaclavas
In specialized stores you can find the following types of balaclavas:
- One-piece, better known as a balaclava, - only the eye area and, in some models, the mouth are open, provide complete protection of the face from unwanted influences.
- Cap - motorcycle protection is worn exclusively on the upper part of the head, it is convenient to use, but the efficiency is reduced compared to a balaclava.
- The liner for a motorcycle helmet has protective functions
- A balaclava-mask is worn on the face; such a product protects the respiratory tract from penetrating harmful substances, but the helmet lining will continue to get dirty.
- Tube-shaped balaclavas cover not only the face, but also the neck.
- The buffs can be transformed and used as a beanie, bandana, trumpet or balaclava.
The design is often different; there are liners with a pattern for a motorcycle helmet: a skull, a cat, a bull, and whatever the biker’s heart desires.
How it was created
In Soviet times, the protective equipment for fire department employees was a gas mask of the KIP-8 type. Which included a special rubber mask over the entire face area. However, it did not completely protect the head from the negative effects of external factors during a fire.
Later, firefighter equipment was improved. The construction of helmets (KP-80,92) began to have liners sewn into them, which were used by builders.
Since the beginning of 2000, oxygen gas masks began to be replaced by breathing apparatus (DASV) equipped with a panoramic mask. New models of head helmets began to appear. The ShPM, Gallet and ShKPS helmet models have gained popularity in the firefighting equipment market. The improved design eliminated the use of construction liners.
The new equipment left the ears, neck and back of the head unprotected against one of the dangerous factors of fire, high temperature. Soon, analogues from motorcycle equipment began to be used to create more advanced models.
Balaclava Type T
Criterias of choice
Material
The material of the balaclava should be elastic, stretch well and return to its original shape.
Balaclavas for motorcyclists are made from the following fabrics:
- the most inexpensive and short-lived is synthetics, quite suitable for summer;
- cotton is also attractively priced and more durable, but it wears out quickly and breaks after just a couple of washes;
- balaclavas made of polyester fibers and cotton are durable and pleasant to the touch;
- viscose fibers are thick and durable;
- the most expensive is thermal fabric, it lasts a long time, does not stretch, breathes and wicks away moisture;
- Sometimes there are silk products, they exclude allergies.
The material of the balaclava must be elastic.
It is necessary to have special perforated inserts in the area of the respiratory tract. Be sure to check if you are allergic to this material; it should be pleasant to the touch and not cause irritation.
Size
It is important not to make a mistake with the size of the balaclava. To determine it, you need to use a flexible ruler or centimeter to measure the head circumference line, passing at a height of 2 cm above the eyebrows and along the convex areas of the back of the head. Check the resulting numbers with the product manufacturer's sizing charts. Don't forget that they tend to stretch.
Season
Balaclavas are lightweight and insulated. A summer liner for a motorcycle helmet has an air exchange design, while winter ones are often supplemented with fleece inserts or made of thick fabric.
The fabric of the balaclava should not cause allergies
Protective helmet. Individual protection means
A protective helmet is a headgear used to protect groups of workers who operate in hazardous conditions. These are builders, miners, rescuers, speleologists, motorcyclists, parachutists.
A protective helmet is used to protect the upper part of the head from falling objects, water, electricity, and metal splashes.
The material for helmets is high-density polyethylene, although the most recent developments have begun to use polypropylene, as well as other polymer materials.
Design
Safety standards require the installation of a safety sign “Wear a safety helmet” in workplaces where there is a risk of head injury. It has code M02 (ZK-12). The design of this PPE is as follows:
- The carrier tape is placed on the head so that the head is covered in the place where the volume is maximum.
- The back band provides additional reinforcement of the helmet on the head and is located below the supporting band in the area of the back of the head.
- A shock absorber is a device that covers the head from all sides. The most important design of the helmet, springing when heavy objects fall on the helmet, smoothing out the force of the impact.
- The inner padding is designed to increase wearing comfort. The entire inside is covered with a special material that softly fits the head.
- Shock-absorbing tapes are similar in their effect to the shock absorber of a helmet. They smooth out the force of impacts.
- Protective upholstery is a material that, together with shock absorbers, helps absorb impact forces.
- Ventilation holes are holes made in a helmet to ensure normal air circulation between the helmet and the head.
- Chin strap – designed for final fastening to the head. It allows you to perfectly fix the helmet, preventing it from slipping.
Devices on safety helmets
The helmet does not interfere with wearing dust masks and safety glasses. Safety helmets made of polyethylene can be used in the temperature range from -50 to +40 degrees Celsius.
There are special safety helmets that are characterized by increased heat resistance. Such products can be used for a long time at a maximum temperature of +150 0C. They are also able to withstand temperatures of 1000 0C for a short time.
For personal protective equipment called “protective helmets,” GOST regulates the size of the brim and visors. According to GOST requirements, construction safety helmets must be equipped with brims not exceeding 1.5 cm in width and a visor not exceeding 6 cm in width.
For miners' safety helmets, the requirements are slightly different: the width of the brim is no more than 1 cm, and the visor is 4.5 cm. For underground work, as well as where protection from dripping moisture is required, the helmet must have a circular brim with a width of more than 2 cm and waterproof drape.
All mining helmets must have provisions for attaching the headlight and cable to it.
During operation, it often becomes necessary to attach headphones or face shields to a protective helmet. To avoid surprises, when purchasing the products described, it is necessary to find out which brands of fastenings the purchased construction safety helmets are compatible with.
The use of such PPE (personal protective equipment) in hot weather is accompanied by intense sweating in the head area. In this case, it is recommended to wear a balaclava under the helmet. What is it for? A helmet liner is an accessory that maintains a good view and eliminates the need to wipe sweat from your forehead and eyes.
The type of product, size, manufacturer's trademark, month and year of manufacture must be marked on the helmet body. Tests must comply with the requirements of GOST R 12.4.207-99.
Color spectrum
Traditionally, construction safety helmets are made in two colors: orange and white. However, these days other options are used: blue, yellow, green, red. In the area of the frontal part there is a place to apply the logo. Safety helmets of various colors are intended for workers of various specialties:
- white – used by the management of enterprises and organizations, workshops and sites, specialists of occupational safety and health services;
- red is intended for engineering and technical workers, foremen, foremen, chief power engineers and mechanics;
- orange and yellow are worn by workers and junior service personnel;
- brown - for miners;
- blue – for mine rescuers.
Story
The oldest helmets are considered to be Sumerian protective helmets, which appeared in the middle of the 3rd millennium BC. They were shaped like low domes, not differing significantly from modern helmets.
One of the first personal protective equipment for the head was a hat - a fur headdress with volume and protection from cold weather and in battle. During the development of civilization, people came to the production of protective helmets from metal and leather.
The helmet was originally used during military operations and served to protect against various shell and bomb fragments and bullets of low penetrating power.
Helmets were introduced into the Russian army in the 16th century. By the beginning of the 19th century, they were used as headdresses for military branches that fought with edged weapons. These are dragoons and cuirassiers. The helmet made it possible, to some extent, to prevent the head from being cut off by a blow from above. It served as a milestone towards the invention of the safety helmet. Its name comes from a Latin word that meant a helmet made of metal.
The production of protective helmets has now been launched, using the highest technologies and protecting against various classes of hazards, such as hot metal and heavy objects falling on the head.
Recommendations for use
- It is prohibited to repair helmets.
- It is necessary to carry out daily inspection throughout the entire service life in order to promptly identify defects.
- A protective helmet that has experienced impacts, as well as with traces of damage on the body or inside, must be replaced.
- Sanitary treatment of helmets during operation consists of immersion in a chloramine solution (5%) or bleach solution (3%) for 30-60 minutes, rinsing in cold water, wiping and natural drying.
Warranty periods
As follows from the regulatory documents, manufacturers provide a guarantee that the safety helmet will meet the requirements of the standard. Naturally, if the operating, storage and transportation conditions are met. From the date of manufacture, a protective helmet has a service life of 2 years.
Prices
Let's consider whether there is a difference between expensive and cheap helmets. Specialized stores offer a sufficient number of products called “protective helmets,” the price of which ranges between 60 and 2,000 rubles per piece. What is the difference between them? Can an expensive helmet save you from a brick falling on your head?
Most construction companies do not bother themselves with unnecessary questions, buying cheap helmets for their workers. Is this the right decision? Partly yes. However, the main requirement must be met - ensuring the safety of the employee.
Each batch is subjected to laboratory tests before reaching retail outlets. Only helmets that comply with GOST standards are allowed on store shelves. So, regardless of price, every certified hard hat can provide construction worker protection. It is important that the labeling allows the purpose to be determined.
Helmets that are not marked do not guarantee safety.
Many people are wondering: why are expensive helmets produced? The price of expensive products often includes a brand fee. In addition, the buyer may need additional features: a stylish design, a shield or glasses, adjustable ventilation.
Other PPE
Most enterprises have employees who need special clothing, safety shoes and other personal protective equipment to perform their functional duties.
These could be gowns, rubber gloves, construction gloves. However, not all employers know the standards for issuing PPE. Failure to comply with them is a significant violation. Both general standards for issuing PPE and industry specific ones have been developed.
Every employer should follow them.
The best brands and manufacturers
The greatest demand is for motorcycle balaclava Starks and Hyperlook. And the rating of the best manufacturers for 2022 was headed by Gears Anti Freeze Balaclava.
The Italian company Dainese has proven itself well - a recognized leader in the market of equipment that protects people from head to toe. The company is introducing new motorcycle protection elements made from more advanced materials. Silk liners for motorcycle helmets from Dainese are popular - they quickly remove moisture from the surface of the body, breathe well, and provide excellent thermoregulation.
If the manufacturer is not important to you, you can order a balaclava from China.
Popular brands
Today, balaclavas from the Starks and Hyperlook . Not far behind them is the brand Gears Anti Freeze Balaclava . Dainese showed itself on the good side . The company has received the title of leader in the world market, as it produces high-quality equipment suits. Moreover, this manufacturer is constantly introducing new technologies into the process of sewing uniforms, namely, transforming familiar materials into more advanced fabrics, increasing their properties.
Thus, Dainese balaclavas, made of perfect silk, instantly eliminate sweat from the surface of the head and provide maximum thermal regulation.
Spare mittens or gloves
The meaning is basically the same. The main pair may get wet, pick up snow in the cuff, or (by the way, like the mask) may simply fly down the lift while you are texting with friends or photographing breathtaking views. Just like with a mask, the second pair should not have Gore-Tex ® and top-end insulation, such as REUSCH Isidro GTX. There are quite enough good and functional Viking Rondas, which for a modest price are ready to help you or someone from your company in difficult times.
Ski gloves REUSCH 2018-19 isidro gtx black
8 090
Mountain gloves VIKING 2020-21 ronda dark gray
2 190
Buy
Photo gallery
There are many types of masks and balaclavas for helmets; we invite you to familiarize yourself with a small photo selection of their varieties.
Care Tips
Any piece of specialized equipment must be properly cared for. Among the complete list of uniforms, balaclavas require special attention. When washing, it is important to take into account the characteristics of the material. On the balaclava tag there is an explanation at what temperature and in what mode this item of clothing can be washed .
For example, if the balaclava is made of silk material, it is recommended to set the washing machine to the “delicate wash” setting. Under no circumstances should you supplement the program with a spin cycle . And the most important thing is to use a minimal amount of powder. To wash a balaclava, it is recommended to use a mesh bag or bag.
It is worth noting that regular washing of the balaclava relieves its owner from constant cleaning of the helmet.
General recommendations
In conclusion, there are a few basic rules, the observance of which will guarantee convenience and safety when extinguishing a fire.
- Always, during any challenge, use a balaclava;
- When putting on combat equipment, wear the product up to the jacket;
- The balaclava must completely cover the head when included in the RPE;
- To avoid leaks and air loss, wear over the mask;
- Check the correct fit of the balaclava and mask for yourself and your colleague.
A helmet liner is a necessary element of firefighter protection. Its use should become mandatory whenever going to any type of fire. Even if it is not documented, each fire department employee is obliged to independently take care of his own safety. Carrying it in your jacket pocket will not protect you from sparks and flames. It should be used for its intended purpose.
Dimensions
When choosing a balaclava, it is extremely important to consider size. In order not to make a mistake, it is best to take independent head measurements. To do this, you will need a soft centimeter or a flexible ruler. The girth should be measured at a height of 2 cm from the eyebrow line. The resulting figure must be checked against the table, which presents the size range with letter values .
According to statistical averages, balaclavas for women are in the range of 54–61, and balaclavas for men are in the range of 58–65.
Which is the best Balaclava to buy?
The most effective balaclavas
with combined designs: the part that falls on the neck is deliberately made warmer, and where air penetration is required during breathing, inserts are made of air-conducting and quick-drying fabrics, or special slots are made for ventilation.
Interesting materials:
How to hide scratches on iPhone? How to hide your Twitter account? How to hide WhatsApp notification? How to hide a second WhatsApp? How to spy on someone else's iPhone? How to monitor Internet traffic on iPhone? How to fold your headphones so they don't get tangled? How to listen to lossless on iPhone? How to listen to MP3 on iPhone? How to listen to music via AirPlay?
With your own hands
Each performer, having familiarized himself with the above advantages and disadvantages of purchased and independently made hats, will be able to decide which option is better, simpler and more convenient. If the welder nevertheless decides to sew a headdress with his own hands, the following are instructions on how to do it correctly.
cap
- Sewing a welder's cap is quite easy.
- To do this, you need to take two types of materials: one for the top layer, the other for the lining.
- Cut out 4 subtriangular pieces of the required size from each material.
- Then we put each blank for the lining into the blank of the outer layer and sew it with threads with fire-resistant impregnation.
Welder's headgear made from fire-retardant industrial materials
Some performers prefer to make their own headgear rather than buy a ready-made protective device. Homemade and purchased headwear have their own advantages and disadvantages, which we will consider below.
Advantages of industrially made hats:
- appropriate quality of materials and fittings;
- high quality tailoring;
- a large selection of hats from various manufacturers, in different shapes and configurations.
No disadvantages of purchased hats (except for the need for financial costs and price values ) have been identified. It is important to point out that some models are not of high quality. Unscrupulous manufacturers can save on materials and accessories. Therefore, it is necessary to purchase protective devices and accessories only from trusted manufacturers and sellers. [ads-pc-4][ads-mob-4]
Advantages of handmade hats:
- the opportunity to create something independently, to show imagination and skill;
- you can sew a headdress of the required size, from the necessary materials; such an accessory will be suitable in size and fit for a particular performer.
Disadvantages of self-made hats:
- a headdress made by yourself may not meet all necessary standards and safety standards;
- you need to spend time selecting materials, as well as the cutting and sewing process.
