Non-Sparking Helmets - Additional Information

A recent blog from Adrian Blake posed the question about the many stories that have arisen about the use of non-metal helmets in ordnance factories during the second world war. Below is a letter from August 1940 detailing there was "...a proposal to supply women in munition factories with bakelite helmets."

Unfortunately, we don't have any of the previous or follow-up letters about this. We don't know, for example, if a specific request had been made for non-metal helmets due to the risks of sparking accidents. However, it does highlight that non-metal helmets were being requested within ordnance factories.

Other documents also mention the use of non-metal helmets being issued to war workers to wear during an air raid alert. They could wear a helmet whilst continuing to work until sent to the shelters. I imagine wearing a lighter helmet was a more comfortable option.

This doesn't put to bed the myth of non-sparking helmets but it certainly adds more detail and opens further research opportunities.

Thanks go to Chris Ransted for the image.

Letter regarding Bakelite helmet use in munition factories