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IS 2925 safety helmets: what the ISI mark means, how to check it

The tests IS 2925 sets for an industrial safety helmet, how to verify an ISI mark’s licence in the BIS Care app, and when a helmet should be replaced.

Post · · Figures reviewed

The MM CH01 vented safety helmet in yellow
The CH01 vented helmet. MM’s photograph, refined for the catalogue.

In India an industrial safety helmet is specified to IS 2925:1984, the Bureau of Indian Standards’ specification for industrial safety helmets. A helmet sold with the ISI mark is covered by a BIS licence for that standard. MM’s CH01 and CH02 helmets carry the ISI mark, as stated by MM. This post explains what the standard tests and how anyone can check a mark.

What IS 2925 tests

  • Conditioning first: samples are kept hot at 50 °C, cold at −10 °C, or under running water for 4 hours, then tested.
  • Shock absorption: a 3 kg striker falls 1.5 m onto the shell, and no more than 5 kN may reach the head.
  • Penetration: a 500 g steel cone dropped point-first from 3 m may not touch the headform.
  • Flame: after 10 seconds in a flame, the shell stops burning within 5 seconds.
  • Electrical: 2,000 V applied for one minute, with no more than 3 mA leaking through.
  • Heat: 93 °C for 15 minutes with no distortion or softening.
  • Water absorption: no more than 5% of the shell’s mass. And the helmet’s mass is limited: MM lists the CH01 at about 345 g, against the standard’s 400 g.
A yellow MM safety helmet on the anvil of a drop-test rig
Penetration and drop test. MM’s photograph, enhanced for clarity.
A yellow MM safety helmet on a stand beside a burner in the flame hood tester
Flame hood test. MM’s photograph, enhanced for clarity.
A yellow MM safety helmet inside an open salt spray test cabinet
Voltage and salt spray test. MM’s photograph, enhanced for clarity.

IS 2925 sets no colour code: helmet colours are a site convention, and the helmet colour code post sets out the scheme MM’s brochure suggests.

How do you check an ISI mark?

  • Find the licence number beside the mark: CM/L- followed by digits, with the standard’s number, IS 2925.
  • Install BIS Care, the Bureau of Indian Standards’ free app, open Verify Licence Details, and enter the CM/L number.
  • The app shows the licence holder, whether the licence is in operation and until when, and the products and brands it covers.
  • A mark with no licence number, or a number the app does not recognise, should be treated as suspect.

MM gives the licence details for its helmets with a quote.

When should a helmet be replaced?

  • After any heavy blow, even with no visible mark: the shell has done its job once.
  • When the shell is cracked, dented, or faded and chalky from the sun.
  • When the harness or headband is worn, cracked or will not hold its setting.
  • As the helmet’s own instructions direct.

MM’s helmets side by side

Both MM helmets come with a ratchet or a nape headband; the headband post compares the two.

Figures from MM’s product listing.
ModelWeightHead sizeElectrical class
MM Safety Helmet With Ventilation CH01345 g approx.53 to 63 cmClass 0, 2000 V a.c.
MM Safety Helmet With Ventilation CH02300 g approx.53 to 63 cmClass 0, 2000 V a.c.
MM Safety Helmet Without Ventilation CH01345 g approx.53 to 63 cmClass 0, 2000 V a.c.
MM Safety Helmet Without Ventilation CH02300 g approx.53 to 63 cmClass 0, 2000 V a.c.

The test figures are IS 2925’s requirements, as shown on what the approvals demand; they are not MM test results. The ISI mark on MM helmets is as stated by MM. Request a quote with colours and quantities.

Request a quote for the CH01View Head Protection & PPE
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