Helmet requirements

[zookie]

I'm going to attend a school (and probably some additional races) with a F600 and I'm working on my equipment requirements list and I already have the following Bell Sport helmet from my HPDE days:
http://www.saferacer.com/bell-sport-...-racing-helmet

It is pre-drilled for HANS devices (which I'm also buying) but it is not FIA8858 certified. The question is whether this helmet is sufficient or if a tech inspector is going to have an issue with it. I haven't seen specific requirements posted but figured I would ask everyone here.

I was looking at the Bell GP.2 Carbon helmet (which is FIA8858 certified) but since the new 2015 Snell ratings come out in October, 2015, it would make more sense to wait if my current helmet will be sufficient for school and races this season. That said, I don't want to risk failing a tech inspection or a neck injury just to save money so I appreciate the advice.

[BLS]

SA2010 is fine.

[BeerBudgetRacing]

FIA8858 is about the preinstalled threaded Hans back plates.

[zookie]

Great, thanks! I incorrectly thought that a head and neck restraint was mandatory (it is in my book) and therefore was wondering if my helmet needed to be FIA8858 certified. I just revisited the the FAQ (on this site so I hope its up-to-date) and see it is not required, just recommended.

Since my Bell Sport is pre-drilled I will just get the hardware for it to work with my HANS device. Come October I'll buy a better helmet. Thanks everyone. You saved me the upside of a grand!

[TimH]

Come October I'll buy a better helmet.

There's really nothing wrong with your helmet. You can spend more, cut the weight a bit, but you've already decided to wear a HANS and that's more important.

[BLS]

I incorrectly thought that a head and neck restraint was mandatory

No, you thought correctly. An approved head and neck device is mandatory in SCCA.

[zookie]

Ok, then wait, I'm confused. I know you singled out just my comment about the HANS but will my Snell Sport SA2010 (but not FIA8858) be sufficient or no?

The GCR below lists helmets that are SA2005 or later. In the same section it also lists head and neck restraints certified to FIA8858 are required. But what it doesn't say is if my helmet must also be FIA8858 to match the head and neck restraint FIA8858 certification.

Based on the letters of the word, my SA2010 helmet seems like it should pass even though it is not FIA8858. My HANS, on the other hand, does have to be (and is) FIA8858 certified.

Guess I could make this real easy and just buy a helmet but I hate to do that if I don't need to.

Appreciate any clarification as I'm a little confused.

GCR (page 92):

C. Required Equipment

The following required equipment shall be in good condition and free of
defects, holes, cracks, frays, etc.

1. Driving suits that effectively cover the body from the neck
to the ankles and wrists. One piece suits are highly recommended.
All suits shall bear an SFI 3.2A/1 or higher certification
label or FIA 1986 Standard or FIA Standard 8856-2000
homologation label. Underwear of fire resistant material shall
be used, but is optional with suits carrying an FIA Standard
1986 Standard or FIA Standard 8856-2000 label or SFI 3-2A/5
or higher (e.g., /10, /15, /20) certification label.

2 Crash helmets approved by the Snell Foundation with
Snell sticker 2005 or later Special Application (SA2005) or
SAH2010, or by the SFI with a SFI Sticker SFI 31.1, or by the
FIA standard 8860-2004 or later, or British Standards Institute
BS6658-85 type A/FR. Each driver’s helmet shall be labeled
with a minimum of the driver’s name. Effective 1/1/12 the use
of a head and neck restraint system that has been certified in
accordance with SFI 38.1, FIA 8858-2002 or 8858-2010 is
required; an SFI 38.1 or FIA 8858-2002 or 8858-2010 label
must be properly affixed to the device. Accident damaged
helmets should be sent by the driver or his or her representative
to the Snell Memorial Foundation, 3628 Madison Ave.,
North Highland, CA. 95660 (ph) 916-331-5073 (attn. Edward
B. Becker). Details of the accident should be included. Freon
based total loss helmet cooling systems are not allowed.

3. Gloves made of leather and/or accepted fire resistant material
containing no holes.

4. Socks made of accepted fire resistant material.

5. Face coverings (balaclavas) of accepted fire resistant material
for drivers with beards or mustaches. Hair protruding from
beneath a driver’s helmet shall be completely covered by fire
resistant material. As an alternative to balaclavas, a full helmet
skirt of accepted fire resistant material may be used. Doublelayer
balaclavas are recommended. If balaclavas are used
voluntarily, they shall be of accepted fire resistant material.

6. Goggles or face shields, preferably made of new impact resistant materials, for drivers of open cars.

7. A driver’s restraint system meeting SCCA standards (See
Section 9.3.19.) shall be used at all times while on the track.

8. Shoes, with uppers of leather and/or nonflammable material
that at a minimum cover the instep.

[DanW]

Your SA2010 helmet is fine until Dec 2020.

You must wear a Head and Neck restraint per SFI 38.1, FIA 8858-2002 or 8858-2010. an SFI 38.1 or FIA 8858-2002 or 8858-2010 label must be properly affixed to the device.

[BLS]

What DanW said.

You're helmet is fine as is any SA2010 helmet. You need an approved H&N device. That's it.

[BeerBudgetRacing]

Effective 1/1/12 the use
of a head and neck restraint system that has been certified in
accordance with SFI 38.1, FIA 8858-2002 or 8858-2010 is
required; an SFI 38.1 or FIA 8858-2002 or 8858-2010 label
must be properly affixed to the device.

That part applies to the HANS device NOT the helmet....