SAFETY “For developing the right yarn for
the right application, we had to fi nd a good balance between cut protection and dexterity,” Marnach stresses. “The Kevlar material off ers a high level of protection, coupled with a coating that provides great grip, while simultaneously protecting against electric and thermal hazards.”
COMFORT OVER STYLE When the commute is miles below the surface and workers are down there for hours on end, they must have PPE with the right balance of functionality, comfort, and protection. It should be comfortable and fi t
properly to ensure its eff ectiveness and usability. If the PPE is too tight or too loose, it may cause discomfort, irritation,
or injury to the miners. Meanwhile, if it’s too bulky, it may reduce the mobility, agility, or endurance of the worker. Therefore, the PPE must be adjustable, adaptable and cater to the personal preferences of each worker. “Our local sales teams work closely
with the mining industry to fi nd the right product for the right application,” Marnach explains. “Given our large product portfolio, we often already have something that works, but sometimes we don’t, and this is an opportunity for us to develop a new product.” DuPont has done extensive research
on the hazards that come with the job, and as a result, is more aware of how medically dangerous it is. For example, research has shown that exposure to acids and alkalis caused by exploration drilling could lead to miners developing severe skin burns. To reduce such injuries, teams at
DuPont have ventured out to sites and developed risk assessments for the diff erent tasks carried out across the mining process. The PPE department at DuPont has used this on-site research to further develop innovations that cater to such requirements. “There must be a connection
Certifi ed according to Regulation (EU) 2016/425
Antistatic treatment (EN 1149-5) on the inside
Low inward leakage thanks to optimised design
between all the PPE used, and by connected, I mean everything from the safety glasses to the coveralls must work together. So, if an accident were to happen, the matching PPE would better protect the wearer,” Marnach concludes.
One size does not fi t all: PPE for women
Historically, mining has been a male-dominated industry. But over the years, more women have joined the workforce. And while it’s a progressive move, the increase in women on-site has raised several challenges, one of which is adequate PPE provisions. A June 2023 survey of women working in construction, mining and quarrying revealed that 80% of respondents had received ill-fi tting PPE at work. The study canvassed 130 women from the Bold as Brass LinkedIn group,
a network for women working across the sectors. It found 32% had felt unsafe because of ill-fi tting PPE and 28% had even been on sites where there was no PPE provision at all. Fortunately, PPE specifi cally designed for women does now exist and many manufacturers cater to the proportions of the female body. For example, Canada-based company Moxie Trades off ers women better- fi tting boots, while Australian- made Apto PPE produces fi t-for-purpose female industrial
clothing, including a maternity range. DuPont is also developing PPE for a changing workforce. Last year, the company announced a partnership with Heriot- Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design. Here, it is collaborating with BSc Fashion Technology students on design projects to develop innovative PPE design solutions. DuPont recently selected three concepts by the students that it will implement into existing and new product designs.
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