Safety Equipment

2.2.1 — Personal Safety Equipment

1) All competitors shall wear at all times during an event, a one-piece driving suit conforming to one of the following standards:

• FIA 8856-2018 or FIA 8856-2000
• FIA 1986 Standard
• SFI 3.2A/5 Specification or SFI 3.4/5 Specification
• SFI 3.2A/1 Specification with approved fire-resistant underwear (FIA 8856-2000 or SFI 3.3 Specification)
• Suits that have their homologation withdrawn may NOT be worn.

2.2.2

Two-piece suits are not permitted. Suits must cover from the neck to the ankles and to the wrists. The suits must not have any holes, rips or tears, nor be worn thin. Suits must also be free from any petroleum-based contaminants. Ultra4 highly recommends that each fire suit be labeled on the upper right chest with the wearer's full name, blood type, allergies and any other important medical information.

2.2.3

Helmets must be approved by, and bear the label of, one of the following:

• Snell SA2015 or EA 2016 or SA2020 or SA2025
• FIA Standard 8860-2010 or 8859-2015 or 8860-2015 or 8860-2018 or 8860-2024
• SA2015 helmets will no longer be valid after 12/31/2026.

2.2.4

Primary helmet fastening must be by means of straps using D-ring buckle. No snaps or Velcro will be permitted as the primary means of securing the helmet. Snaps or Velcro may be present as a means of securing the loose ends of the helmet's straps. The interior and exterior of the helmet must be free from defects (i.e., the padding must be in good condition and the exterior of the helmet must not be damaged).

2.2.5

All competitors shall utilize a Head and Neck Restraint System in accordance with one of the following specifications:

• SFI 38.1 specifications.
• FIA standards 8858-2002 or FIA 8858-2010.
• Competitors who violate Rule 2.2.5 will not be allowed to proceed on the racecourse until the issue is resolved.
• Donuts and neck collars are not allowed.

2.2.6

Shatter-resistant eye protection is required for all competitors in an Ultra4 event.

2.2.7

All occupants shall utilize gloves meeting one of the following specifications:

• SFI 3.3
• FIA 8856-2000 or 8856-2018

2.2.8

All competitors must wear shoes and socks during competition. The shoes must cover the entire foot and ankle and be of leather or approved fireproof material. Socks may not be manufactured of synthetic fiber, except for Nomex or similar fire-resistant material.

2.2.9 — Driver Restraint Systems

1) All vehicles must have a five-way, six-way or seven-way H-style driver restraint system for each occupant. Occupant restraint systems must use a latch-and-link or camlock style quick-release buckle (push button buckles are not permitted). Driver restraints must incorporate a lap belt, anti-submarine strap(s) and shoulder straps.

2) Safety harnesses shall meet one of the following standards:

• FIA Standard 8853/98 or 8853/2016 and currently appear as valid on the current FIA technical list at FIA.com.
• SFI 16.1 Specification and display a manufacturer name appearing on the current list of 16.1 manufacturers at sfifoundation.com.
• SFI 16.5 Specification and display a manufacturer name appearing on the current list of 16.5 manufacturers at sfifoundation.com.

3) Parts of seat belts may not be mixed or matched. Only complete sets may be used.

4) Belt/strap material shall be nylon or Dacron polyester. Driver restraint systems must be in new or perfect condition with no cuts, frayed layers, chemical stains or excessive dirt and must remain flexible.

5) Occupant restraint systems may not be used after their expiration date. On harnesses with dual SFI/FIA certification, the FIA expiration date takes precedence. SFI-labeled belts with a manufacture date only are not valid after two years from the date of manufacture. Ultra4 highly recommends replacing all driver restraint systems after one year from the date of manufacture.

6) No portion of the driver restraint system may be altered from the manufacturer's standard design. This includes welding couplers or alternate sewing of belts.

7) No surplus driver restraint systems are permitted.

8) All driver restraint systems must be properly mounted in accordance with the manufacturer's directions and recommendations. Bolt-in, wrap-around and snap-in mounting styles are permitted, except lap belts may not be mounted using the wrap-around method.

9) In addition to conforming to the manufacturer's directions, occupant restraint system installations must also conform to the following requirements:

10) The occupant restraint system must be mounted to structural members capable of withstanding crash loads without rupturing or failing.

11) Occupant restraints must be matched to a properly constructed, fitted and installed seat that is firmly mounted to the frame, chassis or roll cage.

12) Occupant restraint systems must be used with seats having the proper number and location of belt slots. Seats must not be modified to create belt slots.

13) All belts should be as short as possible to minimize belt stretch.

14) Belt routing must allow the webbing to pull in a straight line against the anchor point. Mounting brackets must be at an angle compatible with the direction of pull on the webbing.

15) The preferred anchor mount is a double-shear bracket.

16) Occupant restraint systems must be mounted using high-quality hardware appropriate for the installation. 1/2-inch (13 mm) or 7/16-inch (12 mm) fine-thread Grade 8 (10.9) bolts and Grade 8 (10.9) deformed-thread locknuts (or better) are recommended.

17) Belts must not rub against any surface that could cause them to fray.

18) Bar slides must be located as close as possible to the anchor plate or, for wrap-around style belts, to the bar around which they wrap.

19) Belts using non-sewn anchor plates must be wrapped back a fourth time through the three-bar slide.

20) Wrap-around style mounting should be limited to shoulder belt installation and must include a method to prevent lateral movement of the belts.

21) Lap belt tilt-lock adjusters must not be positioned in, or too close to, the seat slots.

22) Restraint systems must be worn properly tightened by all occupants whenever the vehicle is in motion.

2.2.10 — Safety Nets

1) Ultra4-approved safety nets are mandatory on all vehicles and must cover the complete open area of the cockpit on both sides of the vehicle so that no limb or body part of any properly restrained occupant can protrude outside the vehicle.

2) Wind wing areas located behind the A-pillar must be filled by safety net material if there is any possibility that an occupant's limb or body part could protrude from the vehicle. Lexan is not permitted.

3) Nets must be installed on the inside of the roll cage to prevent damage or detachment during a rollover or side impact.

4) Nets attached to door frames are permitted.

5) Nets must be installed so occupants can release them unassisted and exit the vehicle regardless of the vehicle's position.

6) For vehicles using factory or factory-style doors, Lexan side windows may be substituted for nets provided positive secondary latching devices are used. Lexan side windows must allow quick removal if the door cannot be opened.

7) Net borders and attachments must be at least as strong as the net itself. Attachments must be spaced no more than six inches (150 mm) apart. Acceptable attachment methods include steel hose clamps, snaps, Lift-a-Dot fasteners, metal hooks and steel rods. Nets must be tight enough that a 50-pound (23 kg) force causes no more than four inches of deflection.

8) Window nets shall meet or exceed SFI 27.1 or FIA J253.11 specifications for all classes.

2.2.11 — Seating

1) All seats must be manufactured by a recognized manufacturer that specializes in seats for racing applications and be of a type suitable for the event.

2) Stock (OEM) production seats are prohibited.

3) All seats must be securely mounted to the frame of the vehicle. Seat mounts must be properly reinforced to prevent movement in relation to the frame.

4) Adjustable track-type seat mounts must be securely mounted to the frame of the vehicle and allow no lateral or vertical movement between the seat, mounting track and frame.

5) Headrests constructed of at least two inches (50 mm) of resilient padding and approximately 36 square inches (233 cm²) in area are required.

6) Seats must have appropriate slots to properly accommodate the driver restraint system.

2.2.12 — Fire Extinguishers

1) Each vehicle must carry a portable UL-approved 2.5 lb. or greater ABC-class dry chemical or equivalent Halon, AFFF, 4Fire or Novec fire extinguisher that is easily accessible by all occupants inside the vehicle.

2) An additional five-pound equivalent (one 5 lb. or two 2.5 lb.) or greater ABC-class dry chemical or equivalent Halon, AFFF, 4Fire or Novec fire extinguisher(s) must be mounted where it is easily located and accessed from outside the vehicle.

3) Integrated onboard fire extinguishing or suppression systems are highly recommended in addition to the portable extinguishers. Vehicles equipped with onboard systems must still comply with all other requirements of Rule 2.2.12.

4) Fire extinguishers must have a gauge and be fully charged. All extinguishers must be mounted so they can be removed and used without tools. Extinguishers over one year old must have a current fire marshal's seal and attached label. Fire suppression systems must be current per the manufacturer's specifications.

5) An Element E50 fire extinguisher may be substituted for one of the three required 2.5 lb. extinguishers. The remaining extinguisher(s) must still meet the requirements of Rule 2.2.12. The Element E50 may be mounted in any location permitted under this section.

2.2.13 — Horns

1) All vehicles must have a loud horn that is clearly audible from 100 feet in front of the vehicle. Sirens are permitted, in addition to a horn, during on-course competition.

2) Disposable air horns are not an acceptable method of meeting this requirement.

2.2.14 — Reflectors

1) All vehicles must have either two 2-inch × 8-inch red reflective tapes or two 2-inch diameter round red reflectors attached to the rearmost portion of the vehicle at each corner. DOT tail light lenses satisfy this requirement.

2) The reflective tape or reflectors must be clearly visible from the rear.

2.2.15 — Breakdown Safety Devices

1) Two battery-operated red flashing beacons or two red reflective devices must be carried in the vehicle as breakdown safety devices. Reflective devices must be at least 12 inches (305 mm) high and 12 inches (305 mm) long and be free-standing (similar to trucker's breakdown triangles). Flares are not permitted.

2) Breakdown safety devices shall be readily accessible and not require vehicle disassembly for use.

2.2.16 — First Aid Kit

1) A weatherproof first aid kit must be carried in each vehicle at all times and must contain at least basic first aid items.

2) The first aid kit must be easily accessible within the occupant area without removing body panels or equipment.

3) Occupants with special medical needs should make those needs known in an obvious location on their fire suit or helmet.

2.2.17 — Survival Supplies

1) All vehicles must carry water, food, any medications and any other supplies required for the vehicle occupants to safely survive unassisted for a period of not less than 24 hours. At a minimum, at least one quart (1 L) of water per occupant must be carried. It is highly recommended that additional water be carried for each occupant during hotter weather. Ultra4 recommends entrants carry sunscreen.