Experimental Investigations to Promote Better Adaptability of Safety Helmets Using Jute Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composites– A Waste Utilization Approach

Abstract

Injuries and accidents that occur in the workplace are also due to improper usage of Personal Protective Equipment’s (PPE). This research made an attempt to investigate the behavior and attitude of the worker toward PPE. Risk associated with the non-usage of PPE is quantified using the likelihood and severity values of the hazards and it is found that safety helmets have higher risk value of 28. A qualitative approach say face-to-face interviews done to know the underlying reasons for avoiding the use of safety helmets and it is identified that discomfort is the major reason behind the negligence of safety helmets. In order to address this issue jute reinforced polyester composite helmet is fabricated with 44% of jute fiber and the remaining percentage of polyester resin using hand lay-up technique. Shock absorption test in the composites (44% of fiber and 56% of polyester) exhibited cracks on the top layer of the shell, so in order to further enhance the strength of composites bio char of 5% and 10% is added as filler and it is noted that the biochar-based helmet shows improved strength. The results satisfy the requirements as mentioned in Indian standards and helps in environmental sustainability.

Keywords

• jute
• bio char
• polyester
• helmets
• safety
• sustainability