Posted By Essang MSA is a recognized name as far as manufacturing of Safety Helmet is concerned. In their website:www.MSAnet.com, under question and answers for care and use of V- Guard Helmet, it states: "There is a date code on the brim of my V-Gard helmet – is this when the service life starts? A helmet’s service life starts when it is placed in service. This date should be recorded in the helmet, either on the ANSI label or the date of service labels, which are available from MSA customer service. Please note that the “date code” on the brim of your MSA helmet is the date of manufacture, not the starting date for useful service". My question is, how do we understand the expression 'placed in Service'? Ephraim -CNL

Posted By Essang Thanks MT. The company MSA also stated that Helmets should be replaced after no more than 5 years. The other part of my question is: when do we start counting date of 'placement in service'? could be at the point the helmets leave MSA's warehouse or date of first issuance by purchsing company or date it is first placed on the head of the user irrespective of date it was first issued? It has really generated a lot of discussions/opinions/'counter-opinions' in my company.I am the HSE Rep in the company with over 300 in the Dept. Fellow profesionals, your input will be highly valued. Thank you.

Posted By Pete48 I would judge it to be the from the time that it is taken from store and issued for use. I would use the term "shelf life" for the total life of any component which in this case appears to be the five years you quote. This makes sense on the basis that the supplier cannot know the exact conditions of service that the helmet will be exposed to. The "in service" life will depend on a number of factors specific to your use of the helmets. This is why you need to know and record the date the kit entered service so that you can ensure that they are neither out of date for "shelf life" or "in service". Helmet marked as 07/2004 could still be issued for use in 08/2008 but would need to be replaced no later than 07/2009. Shelf life only valid if the kit is stored in accordance with the manufacturers standards.