Which statement is NOT part of the Safety Helmet inspection criteria?

• A. No torn / cracked suspension system
• B. Undamaged shells
• C. No loss of gloss, flaking, etc.
• D. Always replace helmet if it sustains an impact

Answer: (D)

Safety helmet inspections focus on the helmet’s current condition: the suspension should be intact without tears or cracks, the shell should be undamaged, and the surface finish should not show signs of gloss loss or flaking. These checks verify that the helmet can still provide protection as it is worn today.

The statement about always replacing a helmet after it sustains an impact is a policy guideline about what to do after an event, not a feature you evaluate during the inspection itself. The inspection criteria are about observable conditions present at the time of inspection, whereas the replacement rule is a broader safety practice that depends on the severity of the impact and company or regulatory policy. So, that policy idea isn’t part of the inspection criteria, even though it’s important safety guidance.