A safety helmet is a personal protective equipment used to protect the head, widely used in industries such as construction, electricity, mining, and chemical engineering. Choosing the right safety helmet is crucial for ensuring the safety of workers. In this article, we will introduce how to choose the right safety helmet from the aspects of the material, usage scenarios, performance, adjustment methods, style, certification standards, chin straps, and customization.
1. Material:
The materials used for safety helmets include plastic, ABS, PE, FRP（Fiber Reinforce Plastic）, etc. Among them, ABS material provides good protective performance, strong load-bearing capacity, and excellent properties such as impact resistance, puncture resistance, and fire resistance. It is one of the most popular materials for safety helmets on the market.
FRP material helmets are lighter and more comfortable, suitable for long-term wearing. Different industries have different usage scenarios, so it is important to choose the appropriate material based on actual needs.
2. Usage Scenarios：
In addition to materials, the usage scenario of the safety helmet is also an important factor to consider. In industries such as construction and electricity, workers often need to wear headphones for communication or to receive instructions. In such cases, it is important to choose a safety helmet that can accommodate headphones.
In outdoor work environments, sun protection is also a consideration, so choosing a safety helmet that can be equipped with sun protection can effectively protect the head and facial skin. For industries that require work in dark environments, a safety helmet with a flashlight attachment is also a practical choice, it’s also suitable with a face shield.
3. Performance：
When choosing a safety helmet, performance is also an important factor to consider. In addition to basic functions such as collision and puncture resistance, special properties such as
Insulation
UV protection
Anti-static
these properties should also be considered to ensure safety in a unique environment. If the work involves electrical hazards, then a helmet made of non-conductive materials, such as fiberglass, is necessary. On the other hand, if the work involves welding, a helmet with a heat-resistant shell is required.
4. Adjustment Methods：
There are two types of adjustment methods for safety helmets: ratchet adjustment and button adjustment. Ratchet adjustment is generally suitable for situations where the hat size does not need to be frequently adjusted, while button adjustment is more suitable for situations where the size needs to be adjusted frequently. Choosing the appropriate adjustment method based on actual needs can improve comfort and safety.
5. Safety Helmet Cushion Inner Liner：
- Shock absorption: The inner liner is designed to absorb the shock of an impact by compressing and distributing the force of the blow across a larger area. This helps to reduce the force of the impact that reaches the wearer’s head, which in turn can prevent or minimize head injuries.
- Comfort: The cushion inner liner provides a comfortable fit for the wearer by conforming to the shape of their head and distributing pressure evenly. This can help reduce discomfort or pressure points, which can be especially important for workers who need to wear helmets for long periods of time.
- Moisture management: The inner liner can also help manage moisture and sweat buildup inside the helmet, which can reduce discomfort and improve the overall hygiene of the helmet.
6. Style：
The style of the safety helmet is also a factor to consider when purchasing. There are many different styles of safety helmets on the market, such as half-shell, full-shell, and cliff-style helmets. Each style has different applicable scenarios and advantages and disadvantages.
Half-shell helmets are generally suitable for construction sites and other building engineering locations, while full-shell helmets are suitable for industries such as electricity, chemical engineering, and steel. Cliff-style helmets are suitable for high-altitude operation sites.
When choosing a style, one should consider their own work environment and needs.
7. Certification Standards：
In addition to the above factors, attention should also be paid to the certification standards of safety helmets when choosing. Qualified safety helmets should meet relevant national or industry standards, such as GB2811-2007 (China), ANSI Z89.1 (USA), EN397 (EU), etc. When purchasing, one should check the certification and ensure that the helmet is qualified for use in the industry.
8. Chin Strap：
The chin strap of a safety helmet is also an important part. The function of the chin strap is to secure the safety helmet and prevent it from falling off during work. Generally, the chin strap should be comfortable and secure, but not compress the neck and chin.
If the chin strap is too tight, it may cause discomfort and suffocation.
If the chin strap is too loose, it may cause the safety helmet to be unstable. When choosing a safety helmet, a comfortable and suitable chin strap should be selected.
9. Hi vis reflective stripe
The reflective strip on a safety cap serves as a visual warning to others that the person wearing the cap is present, especially in low-light conditions or in areas with poor visibility. The strip reflects light from a source, such as headlights or other light sources, making the person wearing the cap more visible and helping to prevent accidents.
Reflective strips are commonly found on safety caps worn by workers in industries such as construction, road work, and mining, where workers are often required to work in areas where visibility is poor. In addition to enhancing visibility, reflective strips on safety caps may also be required by safety regulations or industry standards. It is important to follow these regulations and standards to ensure the safety of workers and prevent accidents in the workplace.
10. Customization and Printing：
In addition to the above factors, safety helmets can also be customized and printed. Customization can be designed according to individual needs, creating safety helmets that meet personalized needs. Custom logos and slogans can increase the company’s brand awareness and employees’ awareness and importance of safety.
Companies can also print information such as phone numbers on safety helmets, which can help employees easily identify ownership, thereby reducing misuse or loss. In addition, companies can customize safety helmets that meet their own requirements according to different working environments and needs, improving employees’ work efficiency and safety.
Finally, it should be reminded that as a type of protective equipment, safety helmets need to be maintained and serviced during use. Regularly check and replace the components of the safety helmet to ensure that its protective performance meets the requirements. Additionally, using expired or damaged safety helmets is very dangerous and must be replaced promptly.
