Construction |


Specialised workwear for hydro workers


Nick Warrick from All Seasons Uniforms in the US explains why it is important to choose the most effective Personal Protective Equipment to keep hydro workers safe


Above: Nick Warrick


INDUSTRIAL WORKERS FACE ALL kinds of hazards during their day-to-day work. They come into contact with chemical, radiological, electrical, and mechanical dangers on a regular basis. Making the right choices for their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can make the difference between a successful workday and serious injury – or worse. Hydro workers involved in water power and dam construction are critical in harnessing the enormous potential of hydropower resources. Their domain is harsh, with raging torrents and towering constructions necessitating unflinching focus and thorough planning.


One crucial aspect that allows them to work safely in these environments is the specialised hydro-workwear. Most of this workwear is a kind of PPE specially designed to shield hydro workers from the physical challenges presented by the harsh environment of their work. This article delves into the evolution of hydro PPE,


Below: Workers at the Boulder Dam site in 1934. They are high scalers drilling on canyon walls above the Colorado River in the US. Hydro PPE has evolved with dam and powerhouse construction, always adapting to match industrial demands


procedures in selecting appropriate equipment, and the particular problems encountered during this process. But before we go into that we need to understand the vital role of specialized hydro PPE.


Why specialised workwear matters Hydro work is not for the faint of heart. It’s a delicate


balance of precision and adaptability, where workers grapple with dynamic water forces, hazardous inclines, and erratic weather conditions. Therefore,


it’s critical to gain a full understanding of the role personal protective equipment plays in keeping hydro workers safe. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, PPEs


protect the head, eyes, ears, skin, and other areas from a variety of potential catastrophes, lowering the death toll by up to 18% every year. Here’s how hydro workwear anticipates and mitigates dangers, allowing employees to confidently focus on their work.


Environmental protection Hydro workers are subjected to a wide range of environmental extremes, from searing heat to freezing cold. This remphasises the necessity of including breathable textiles into hydro PPE to counteract heat stress and reduce sweat build-up, ultimately protecting the well-being of workers in hazardous environments.


Physical safety Hydro workers are often threatened by rugged terrain and powerful machinery. Hydro PPE padding must meet particular impact-resistant criteria to provide effective protection. Impact resistance is a significant factor, according to EN 388 standards, and compliance with these criteria is required to protect critical joints and reduce the risk of accidents. Slip-and-fall accidents in construction are common,


according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics data. This risk emphasises the need to include slip-resistant elements in hydro workplace boots, which reduces the likelihood of accidents on slippery surfaces typical in hydro facilities.


Ergonomic comfort Confined areas, difficult postures, and heavy lifting are all part of the job for hydro workers. A study published in the National Library of Medicine found a link between ergonomic PPE features and fewer musculoskeletal diseases among construction workers. Thus underlining the need for PPE that moves with the worker, providing improved flexibility and range of motion to prevent long-term health difficulties.


Rescue and visibility


Specialised PPE might mean the difference between life and death in an emergency. According to National Park Service statistics, integrated buoyancy aids have the potential to save lives. The employment of flotation devices greatly increases the survival probability of those immersed in cold water, emphasizing the relevance of this aspect in hydro workwear. A case study from a hydro project points out the importance of high-visibility workwear even more. High-visibility accents were critical in discovering and


16 | February 2024 | www.waterpowermagazine.com


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