Gecko Headgear Ltd - Marine Safety Helmet. http://www.geckoheadgear.co.uk

Finnish Rescue boats wearing the Gecko Marine Safety Helmet

GMSH MK10 - Maintenance & Handling

In order for you to experience the full benefit from the Gecko Marine Safety Helmet, you should follow these maintenance and handling guidelines carefully.

Correct fitting and use of your GMSH

The helmet should be worn so that the front rim provides protection to the forehead down to just above the level of the eyebrows. The helmet must not be worn tipped back so that the forehead is exposed.

The Strap must be worn so that it passes close to the neck where it should fit snugly under the jaw - it should not be worn forward, close to the point of the chin. When the helmet is placed correctly on the head, the strap will fall into the correct position. Tighten the strap so that the helmet is held firmly - a loose strap will reduce the protection provided by the helmet.

To make sizing easier it is recommended that you first deflate the liner. To do this:

Pull open the red valve by the outer ring
Place the end of the valve in your mouth and draw the air out of the liner (partial deflation is normally sufficient but dependant on head size)
Close the valve by pushing inwards, to retain the vacuum

To fit the helmet:

Place the helmet on your head so that the brim of the helmet is just above the eyebrow line and the ears are located within the ear apertures.
With the strap undone, inflate the liner by pulling out the outer ring. This will allow air to be drawn in automatically. Increasing or decreasing the pressure within the liner will help ascertain the correct level of tension.
Once the correct pressure has been achieved, push the valve to close it. The valve must be closed at all times unless adjusting the tension.
Secure the strap assembly, which is registered closed when a click is heard. Adjustment of the strap is achieved by pulling on the looped tab, always ensuring that the strap is then fed back on itself through the neoprene tube.
Remove/re-install the ear protection bungs depending on conditions or if hearing requirements change.

Handling & Maintenance

Before use please ensure that the helmet is in sound working order. In the event of a fault, please contact the supplier within 14 days with proof of purchase.

The MK10 Gecko Marine Safety Helmet (GMSH) is designed for use within a marine environment, for operators of small fast craft and people requiring head protection in or around waterborne activities. It is not intended for land based situations and any unauthorised use will invalidate any responsibility by Gecko Head Gear.

The following information is provided as a guide on how to gain the maximum use from this product and should be read and understood before use. Please store these instructions in the bag provided for future reference.

For adequate protection, the helmet must fit or be adjusted to the size of the users head. The helmet is made to absorb the energy of a blow by partial destruction or damage to the helmet and, even though such damage may not be readily apparent, any helmet subjected to severe impact should be replaced. The attention of users is also drawn to the danger of modifying or removing any of the original component parts of the helmet, other than as recommended by the helmet manufacturer. Helmets should not be adapted for the purpose of fitting attachments in any way not recommended by the helmet manufacturer. Do not apply paint, solvents, adhesives or self-adhesive labels, except in accordance with instructions from the helmet manufacturer.

Before use

Please examine the helmet to confirm that it is in a sound condition. Examine the strap anchor points along with the buckle to ensure it is in working order. Ensure that the shell is in tact and that the adjustable liner is fully functioning. In the event of a malfunctioning liner, a replacement can be purchased from the manufacturer.

If a visor accompanies the helmet, check that it is clean and clear from scratches or defects, and that it attaches to the helmet correctly. If defective, a new visor is recommended, which is available from the manufacturer.

Periodically the visor needs to be removed and the mounting studs smeared with a petroleum jelly type product to help prevent salt corrosion between the visor caps and the helmet studs.

After use

The helmet can be washed in fresh water and allowed to dry before storing in the box or a clean and safe environment out of direct sunlight.

The range of the BSI head forms used for testing, date of manufacture and unique identification number are all recorded on the outside of the helmet.

The MK 10 GMSH meets the requirements of the BSI Publicly Available Specification PS 028:2002 for Marine Safety Helmets. The CE Type-Examination was conducted by BSI, Notified Body Number 0086, who can be contacted as BSI Product Services, Maylands Avenue, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP2 4SQ, UK, phone (0) 1442 230442.