BIS Organises 'Manak Manthan' to Promote Road Safety and ISI-Certified Helmets

The BIS Ghaziabad branch hosted Manak Manthan to discuss IS 4151:2015 on protective helmets for two-wheeler riders. The programme highlighted the importance of ISI-marked helmets, standard testing procedures, and consumer safety, featuring expert panels and open discussions on road safety and helmet quality.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), through its Ghaziabad Branch Office and Central Laboratory, organised a 'Manak Manthan' programme focused on IS 4151:2015 - Protective Helmets for Two Wheeler Riders - Specification. The initiative aimed to promote the use of BIS-certified (ISI-marked) helmets, raise awareness about road safety, and encourage discussions on Indian standards governing helmet quality and safety.

The programme began with registration and the Manak Geet. G. Bhavani, Scientist-F, Senior Director and Head of the BIS Ghaziabad Branch Office, welcomed the dignitaries and participants while outlining the objectives of the event.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Nitin R. Gokarn, Chairman of the National Road Safety Board (NRSB), Government of India, stressed that the use of high-quality, BIS-certified helmets is crucial for reducing fatalities and serious injuries in road accidents. He urged citizens to always wear ISI-marked helmets and strictly adhere to traffic regulations.

Importance of Standards for Consumer Safety

Snehalata, Scientist-G and Deputy Director General, BIS Central Region, highlighted the significance of Indian Standards, quality culture, and BIS's role in safeguarding consumer interests. She noted that adherence to standards not only improves product quality but also plays a vital role in protecting human life. The Guest of Honour, Shailendra, Traffic Inspector, Head Office, Noida, spoke about road safety, compliance with traffic rules, and the necessity of wearing standard protective helmets while riding two-wheelers.

Technical Session on Helmet Standards

During the programme, winners of various Standards Club activities were felicitated. This was followed by technical presentations by Prashant Yadav, Scientist-C and Deputy Director, BIS Ghaziabad, and Mukund Madhav Mishra, Scientist-C, BIS Central Laboratory. The experts explained the technical requirements, testing procedures, and key provisions of IS 4151:2015, providing participants with insights into helmet certification and quality assurance.

Experts Discuss Road Safety Challenges

A panel discussion featured leading experts, including Rajni Gandhi, Founder and Secretary of TRAX; Raghvendra Kumar, popularly known as the Helmet Man of India; Shailendra, Traffic Inspector, Noida; Rajeev Kapoor, President of the Helmet Manufacturers Association; Dr. Virendra Singh Rathore, Deputy Transport Commissioner, Rajasthan; and Prof. Piyush Ranjan from AIIMS, New Delhi, who joined virtually.

The panel deliberated on road safety challenges, the importance of standard helmets, public awareness, and effective implementation of Indian Standards.

Interactive Open House Session

The discussion was followed by an interactive Open House Session, where participants engaged with experts and sought clarification on helmet quality, testing procedures, certification, and various road safety issues. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Rajendra Kumar Palasia, Scientist-C and Deputy Director, BIS Ghaziabad Branch Office. The event ended with the National Anthem, followed by lunch and a networking session.

BIS Reaffirms Commitment to Road Safety

Through the initiative, the Bureau of Indian Standards reaffirmed its commitment to promoting quality, consumer safety, and road safety awareness. BIS encouraged citizens to use ISI-marked BIS-certified helmets and follow traffic rules to help build a safer road environment across the country.