When subjected to any life-threatening situation, the most important organ one needs to save is one’s head. Here safety helmets pose as a savior. It safeguards the head from several head injuries in high-risk environments such as construction sites, mining operations, and road accidents.

Safety Helmets Composition and Functioning

The safety helmets consist of an outer hard shell and an inner foam layer as a built-in suspension system. This powerful combination effectively saves the head from various blows and allows airflow, effectively making it ideal personal protective equipment (PPE). Midas, Karam, and Udyogi are three leading brands manufacturing value-added safety helmets in India.

Types of Safety Helmets

Generally, safety helmets are of two types, i.e., Type 1 and Type 2.

 Type 1 Safety Helmets: These are the most common form of safety helmets that save the head from the force and impact caused by a blow to the top of the head. Karam PN501UA_Nape, PN521UA_Shelmet, and Udyogi Helmet Refill Fusion come under this category. 

 Type 2 safety helmets: These are advanced levels of safety helmets. They are designed to save the head from a blow coming from any direction and its impact. Udyogi 6000 LRX series, Udyogi 5000 LRX series safety helmets, Midas Valpro Commander Plus helmet, and Midas Valpro Ranger Helmet come under this category.

Based on Electric Hazard Exposure

Class E Helmets: These helmets are called electrical helmets. They are designed to reduce the threat associated when a person contacts higher-voltage conductors. These helmets are tested at 20,000 volts. Karam ES71 with attached welding, Udyogi 6PAU helmet with attached welding, and Karam PN521UA are some of the value-added safety helmets in this category.

 Class G Helmets: Known as general helmets, these safety helmets are built to reduce the impact when an individual comes in contact with low-voltage conductors. The PPEs are tested at 2200 volts. Midas Valpro series, Karam PN521UA, and Udyogi 6000 LRX provide qualitative safety helmets in this category. 

Class C Helmets: Renowned as conductive helmets, these PPEs do not provide protection against electrical hazards.

Essential Criteria to Choose a Safety Helmet

Safety Standard Compliance

The safety helmets should match the relevant safety standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Safety helmets should be IS 2925: 1984 or IS 4180: 2014 compliant, which states the safety requirements and testing procedures applied for helmets in various industries. All safety helmets manufactured by Midas, Udyogi, and Karam companies comply with the BIS safety standard.

Construction Material and Quality 

The materials in which the safety helmet has been built determine its durability and protective capabilities. In India, helmets are commonly made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or fiberglass. The safety helmet range provided by Midas is made from HDPE, while the safety helmets of the Karam brand are made of polyethylene. 

Fitting and Comfort

In India, where working conditions vary widely and work hours can be long and extended, it is essential to pick a perfectly fitting safety helmet. The helmet should offer adjustable straps, non-irritant padding, and a customizable fit mechanism. While Midas safety helmets feature nylon straps and LDPE harnesses, Karam helmets feature nape straps or multiple slots for perfect fitting as well as ventilation. 

Pricing Per Quality, 

Midas Valpro safety helmets range from ₹98 to ₹159 depending on the weight, built quality, and speciality. A set of 10 safety helmets costs between ₹981 and ₹1593. Udyogi safety helmet series designed specifically for electric resistance costs from ₹159 to ₹331 as per models, while Karam safety helmets cost around ₹228.

Safety helmets are essential for everyone. An individual should choose a safety helmet ideal for his or her requirements considering the factors of built purpose, electrical hazards, safety mechanisms, regulatory standards, material built, and comfort.