SFI & FIA FRONTAL HEAD RESTRAINT (FHR) GUIDE

Also known as a HANS or a Head and Neck Restraint (SFI.)

“Fatal craniovertebral junction (CVJ) injuries were the most common cause of death in high-speed motor sports prior to 2001……Since the rule requiring the HANS device in professional auto racing series was put in place, there has not been a single reported case of a fatal CVJ injury.”

ENOUGH SAID?

Frontal Head Restraints (FHR) are now mandated for all pro and amateur racing series. In addition most motorsport event organizations mandate the driver MUST wear a FHR if their vehicle sports a bucket racing seat (halo or non-halo.)

FHRs connect the driver to the vehicle’s ‘safety cell’ - the roll cage (half or full.) The head and neck is prevented from freely moving forward. “Head and Neck Restraint: An active Head and Neck Restraint System is a protection ensemble providing an alternative load path which decreases both neck stress and head excursion during a vehicle impact without reliance on helmet impact into structures or nets. SFI FOUNDATION.”

Note, to save your neck, all FHR devices must be used with a 5-8 pt. harness. The only exception is when the device is worn with a 8 Pt. harness, then the FHR is sandwiched between the the double shoulder belts.

FHRs have to be worn correctly to function. The device is connected to your helmet via a tether and helmet anchor kit. Your harness sits over the device, anchoring it to your body.

SUMMARY OF CONTENT

• FIA 8859-2010, plus tags and recertification

• SFI SPEC 38.1, plus tags and recertification

• The Angle - what degree do I choose

• The Tether explained & best fitment practice

• Helmet Anchor Kits - you have options

• The Simpson Hybrid & Hybrid S are different

• FIA & SFI Designs & Testing

THE FIA 8858-2010 FRONTAL HEAD RESTRAINT (FHR)

FIA 8858-2010 FHR is the current FIA homologation. For authentication the device must sport a FIA compliant tag, which will display its date of manufacture, and be accompanied with a hologram that is unique to that product. The post anchors, and tethers will each have a separate FIA 8858-2010 tag.

The FIA uses a benchmark testing platform, for two types of FHR devices - the ‘HANS’ and the ‘HYBRID.’ New devices have to match, and preferably surpass, the testing demands of these platforms.

Do not damage your tags, they cannot be replaced. The FIA 8860 gold tags marks a more stringent homologation for top professional racing.

FIA FHR devices can (and do) achieve SFI 38.1 certification, but not the other way around.

FIA Frontal Head Restraints do not have an expiration date. However, the tethers do. We strongly recommend you follow these expiration dates - tethers stretch. We also strongly recommend you return the device to the manufacturer for recertification, following any severe incident.

A LITTLE HISTORY When the FIA first agreed to homologate the ‘HANS’ (Head And Neck restraint) device they allowed three different manufacturers to produce the ‘HANS' - Stand 21, Schroth & HANS/Simpson (now owned by Holley.) Until February 2019, a US patent prevented Stand 21 & Schroth from selling their FIA models in the US. The devices are now sold here with a FIA, and/or SFI certification.

SFI SPEC 38.1

To obtain the SFI 38.1 certification manufacturers must pass the SFI’s minimum testing criteria. This includes material strength, G-forces, fire resistance, comfort, 30 degree impact, and more - BUT, unlike the FIA, there are no design limitations. Consequently, the devices do not look alike, even though they have all passed the same, stringent tests. However, there are commonalities, such as double sliding tethers, harness retaining wings, and no high backs.

A SFI certified head and neck restraint will be tagged with a sticker that marks the year and month of manufacture. The certification lasts for five years, and usually sanctioning bodies allows the certification go to December 31 of that 5th year. The device should be returned to the manufacturer for recertification. That takes about 2-3 weeks with minimal costs. The manufacturer will check, even X-Ray for defects, and more than likely replace the tethers. After any severe track/racing incident we strongly advise you to return your SFI to the manufacturer for recertification

Do not damage your tags, they cannot be replaced.

SUMMARY

All FIA & SFI tagged FHR devices pass the tests and work! However, models do vary in angles, style, shape, weight, materials and features which naturally affect the pricing.

The Simpson Hybrid S is the only duel functioning device. It is FIA homologated when worn with FIA harnesses, yet years of collected data displays it is effective with the standard 3 pt. seat belt. Great for HPDE instructors who are tasked with instructing while sitting in a variety of passenger seats.

COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE SIMSPON HYBRID S

THE ANGLE or recline degree

10 degrees: For an upright seating position, such as drag racing

20 degrees: For regular saloon race and rally cars, or for most competitors in a typical saloon car seating position

30 degrees: For a more laid back seating position, such as a formula car, or for large chested drivers who need more space

40 degrees: For an almost lying down seating position, normally only used in F1

THE TETHER and fitment guide

For fitment -“The driver shall be seated in the car in the normal driving position, wearing the HANS® and helmet and with the safety harness fastened; - the driver should lean his/her body and head forward as far as possible - in this position the length must be measured from the leading edge of the HANS collar to the point of connection to the outside of the helmet.” - FIA

If you feel your tether is too long or too short, please first perform this above test before requesting a different tether. Note, this test requires you to push your straight head forward and not down towards your chin. Your head can safely move up to 5.9 inches (+/- 0.98 inches) forward for the device to still do its job. If you remain uncomfortable with the fit - contact or visit us, and we can help you further.

FHRs are now supplied with ‘sliding tethers’ which allows you to turn your head to each side - up to 30 degrees left or right.

HELMET ANCHOR KITS for FRONTAL HEAD & NECK RESTRAINTS

The post anchor kits attach your FHR to the helmet. You must have a anchor kit that matches your FHR device choice. (Usually, if the design is unique to the Brand, the anchor will be included.)

ALL SFI, Snell & FIA auto helmets are pre-installed with a standard M6 screw insert. Since SA2015 ALL auto helmets are pre-installed with an anchor backing plate. (If your helmet is older than SA2010 contact us for help.) Although the anchor’s attachment to the helmet uses the same thread, the actual engineering inside the anchor and the method of attachment between this and the FHR device can be different.

The FIA basically has two attachment designs - Post Anchor and Quick Release, and both will work on every FIA or Snell helmet. SFI only FHR manufacturers anchor kits can be unique to the brand (for example NecksGen.)

FIA FHR manufacturers often place their brand’s name on their helmet post anchor kits. (Stilo, Stand 21, HANS, Bell) However, since the anchor kits are FIA homologated and uses the same M6 thread for attachment these helmet anchors can be interchanged.

When buying a frontal head restraint, you should specify that you need the helmet anchor kit (they are often not included in the purchase price) - and ask if there is an attachment option.

NOT IDENTICAL

All FIA & SFI tagged FHR devices pass the tests and work! However, models do vary in angles, style, shape, weight, materials and features which naturally affect the pricing.