What the NFPA 1950 Transition Means for Cairns Rescue Helmets
Jun 30th 2026
NFPA 1950 Transition: What It Means for Cairns Rescue Helmets
The fire service industry is preparing for an important standards update. On July 9, 2026, NFPA 1951 will officially transition to NFPA 1950, a new standard governing personal protective equipment (PPE) used for technical rescue, emergency medical operations (EMS), and wildland/urban interface (WUI) firefighting.
As manufacturers adapt to the new requirements, MSA has released guidance regarding the future of its Cairns rescue helmet lineup. Here's what departments need to know.
What Is NFPA 1950?
NFPA 1950 consolidates several previously separate standards into a single document. The new standard combines requirements that were previously covered under:
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- NFPA 1951 (Technical Rescue)
- NFPA 1977 (Wildland Firefighting)
- NFPA 1999 (EMS PPE)
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The goal is to create a more comprehensive standard for PPE used across a variety of rescue and emergency response applications.
The updated standard also introduces new testing and performance requirements, including changes to helmet stability testing and additional protection criteria for certain applications.
What Happens on July 9, 2026?
July 9, 2026 marks the NFPA 1951 stop-label date. After this date, manufacturers can no longer produce helmets certified to NFPA 1951.
As a result, existing products that were certified under NFPA 1951 may be affected as manufacturers evaluate and pursue compliance with the new NFPA 1950 requirements.
Cairns XR2 Certification Status
The Cairns XR2 will remain NFPA 1951-certified through July 9, 2026.
After that date, the XR2 will no longer carry NFPA certification and will no longer be offered as a certified technical rescue helmet.
According to MSA, the company continues to evaluate potential pathways to achieve NFPA 1950 certification for the XR2. Additional updates are expected as those efforts progress.
For departments currently using or considering the XR2, this means the helmet remains certified through the transition date, but its certification status will change afterward.
Alternative Technical Rescue Helmet Option
Beginning July 9, 2026, MSA will offer the Gallet F2XR as an alternative technical rescue helmet solution.
While the Gallet F2XR is designed for technical rescue and wildland firefighting applications, it is important to note that the helmet is not NFPA certified.
Departments evaluating future helmet purchases should carefully review certification requirements and operational needs when considering available options.
Other Cairns Helmet Updates
MSA has also provided updates on several other helmets within the Cairns lineup.
The Cairns 360S, 660C, and 664 helmets will continue to be offered as NFPA 1970-certified structural firefighting helmets and will not be certified to NFPA 1950.
Similarly, the Cairns XF1 will continue to be offered as an NFPA 1970-certified structural firefighting helmet and is not expected to receive NFPA 1950 certification by the July 2026 transition date.
The Cairns 1836 remains an NFPA 1970-certified structural firefighting helmet and is not planned for NFPA 1950 certification.
What Departments Should Do Next
With the NFPA 1950 transition approaching, departments should take time to review their current helmet inventory, purchasing plans, and certification requirements.
Organizations relying on technical rescue helmets should stay informed as manufacturers continue to evaluate products under the new standard and communicate future certification updates.
TheFireStore will continue to monitor developments from MSA and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Questions about helmet certifications, product availability, or available helmet options? Contact the team at 800-852-6088.