Interpretation ID: aiam1974

Mr. Robert L. Asbury, President, Premier Seat and Accessory Co., 2350 Pleasant Avenue, Hamilton, OH 45015; Mr. Robert L. Asbury
President
Premier Seat and Accessory Co.
2350 Pleasant Avenue
Hamilton
OH 45015;

Dear Mr. Asbury: This is in response to your letter dated March 25, 1975, requesting a opinion as to whether safety helmets for firemen are covered by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, *Motorcycle Helmets*.; The answer to your question is no. Firemen's helmets are not designe primarily to protect their wearers in the event of a motor vehicle accident, but are intended to provide protection from falling debris and sparks while firefighting. Consequently, different design criteria apply and the designs commonly used differ rather greatly in appearance and performance from most motorcycle helmets.; Sincerely, James C. Schultz, Chief Counsel