Question about Refueler Attire in Endurance Racing

[kudo43]

8.5. Refueler attire

Refuelers must wear safety equipment equivalent to the driver as per the CCR (i.e. Nomex suit, gloves, shoes, and helmet) during refueling. There is no limit to the number of refuelers provided that each is donning the proper attire. All over-the-wall crewmembers in contact with any fueling device or catch pan will be considered another refueler and subject to proper attire. All refuelers with open faced helmets must wear a balaclava (head sock) while refueling whether they have any facial hair or not.

 

8.5.1 Exception to the refueler’s helmet requirement: Refuelers may, utilize a Snell SA90, or SA95, or SA2000 rated helmet, for refueling providing that it is clearly and permanently marked with the word(s) “FUEL,” in bright orange, in a manner so as to make the helmet easily identifiable from both sides and the back. Tape is NOT considered “permanent” within the scope of these rules. All other helmet rules apply.

 

8.6. Illegal safety equipment

All helmets found in the pitlane at anytime must meet the requirements listed for racing drivers listed in the CCR (exception- see rule 8.5.1 of this publication). All participants are reminded of the CCR rule that states (in part) “If, at any time, illegal, non-conforming, or outdated safety equipment is found, the equipment (in its entirety) will become the property of NASA.” This rule will be strictly enforced on every piece of equipment and helmet that is found in the pitlane whether it was intended for use or not. The helmet rule applies to the refueler as well (exceptions- see rules 7.11 and 8.5.1 of this publication).

 

 

Hey all, my question revolves around the refueler’s helmet rule above. According to this rule crew specific helmets (helmets designed for crew and track personel) are illegal because they are not rated by Snell (or if they were, they certainly are not labeled as such on these pages).

 

Example 1:

http://www.saferacer.com/simpson-2012-pit-warrior-crew-helmet.html?productid=2491

 

Example 2:

http://www.racingdirect.com/Racing-Helmets/c0/p73/G-Force---Pro-Crew-Helmet/product_info.html?utm_source=Google-Product-Search&utm_medium=organic&origin=pla&kw

 

Example 3:

http://www.racingdirect.com/Racing-Helmets/c0/p133/Impact---X-Lite-OTW-Crew-Helmet/product_info.html?utm_source=Google-Product-Search&utm_medium=organic&origin=pla&kw

 

 

Now my question is pretty simple – why can’t we use these types of helmets if also wearing a full face balaclava and fire-proof/resistant goggles? I understand safety is the top priority here, but wouldn’t any crew designed helmet work? I own a full face helmet and I have the second helmet from when I used to volunteer – and I would much prefer to use a crew helmet, balaclava and goggles.

 

Would someone mind explaining the rationale here (and/or discuss the possibility of allowing these helmets into the rules?). Thanks all.