PPE
OFF-SHORE DEFENSE
Andrzej Palka, EMEA Marketing Manager for DuPont Personal Protection, explains how PPE manufacturers can help HSE managers in the oil and gas industry to identify the optimum combination of PPE to protect their workforce.
The selection process for personal protective equipment (PPE) can be long and complex, particularly in applications where multiple hazards are present. For example, in the oil and gas sector workers may be at risk from potential flammable substances, mechanical hazards – such as exposure to slick, oily surfaces, sharp edges, punctures and heat contact – and a wide range of hazardous chemicals, dusts and solvents. In addition, workers are often performing high-risk tasks in extreme weather conditions and in remote locations.
A wide selection of PPE solutions has been developed to address these different hazards, including garments for flash fire hazards; protection against fine particle hazards and low-level liquid splashes; protection against concentrated chemicals under pressure; and gloves for cut and multi-hazard protection. Advanced materials also enable some garments to do double duty, providing protection against both chemical and heat, for example.
Providing comprehensive protection for workers in the oil and gas sector generally involves the use of different types of PPE garment. All the different elements – gowns, coveralls, gloves and masks – must afford the appropriate level of protection. Otherwise, the total ensemble is only as good as the item offering the lowest form of protection. The COVID crisis is adding a new imperative to matching garment performance levels, with HSE managers also needing to focus on barrier properties for bacteria and viruses. As a practical example, in circumstances where there is a flash fire hazard, the facecovering should be flame- resistant as well.
But with so many different PPE solutions available, how can busy HSE managers identify the optimum combination of PPE for the risks they have identified?
INFORMED DECISIONS HSE managers cannot be expected to retain every
detail about every type of PPE, but a basic grasp of the terminology can lead to much more informed
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conversations with manufacturers and suppliers, who can advise on technical specifications.
For example, do you understand the difference between ‘inherent’ and ‘treated’ flame-resistant (FR) technologies? ‘Inherent’ means that FR properties are a natural part of the fibers used in the fabric. The flame resistance is intrinsic, permanent and cannot be washed away or worn out. ‘Treated’ fabrics use chemical additives to make them flame resistant. The FR properties may be diminished or removed altogether depending on how they are laundered and/ or which chemicals they are exposed to in the work environment. The decision to use one or the other can therefore impact on cleaning regimes and the frequency that the PPE should be checked or replaced.
Don’t be afraid to involve PPE manufacturers early in the process. They have the in-depth knowledge, expertise and resources to help guide your research. Ask them for resources and information that can help simplify the process of matching PPE to the hazards your workers face.
PPE manufacturers can also assist with the complexities of global regulations. Ensuring compliance may be simple enough if your company operates within one country, but if you are responsible for selecting PPE centrally for an oil and gas company with global operations, particularly where these are situated offshore, you need to check that the PPE holds the relevant certification to meet both regional and international regulations.
On top of regulatory compliance and addressing hazards, we must remember that PPE is only truly effective if it is used properly. Employee acceptance is essential, so consider what training support is available to ensure that everyone knows how to don and doff garments properly. Last but not least, ensure that your chosen PPE is comfortable to wear, and does not impede workers in performing their job.
www.dupont.com/
personal-protective-equipment.html
www.tomorrowshs.com
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