Tag: FR Safety Wear in the Oil & Gas Industry

The oil and gas industry is a risky environment, where safety and comfort should be top priorities for every employee. One of the most important pieces of gear to ensure this goal is achieved is FR Safety Wear. Flame-resistant safety apparel is an essential part of any company’s (working in the oil & gas industry) worker protection program. FR clothing provides superior protection against flash fires and heat exposure from radiant energy sources, including welding, brazing, or cutting torches. However, choosing the right Flame-resistant safety wear for your employees in the Oil & Gas Industry is not an easy task. There are various factors that need to be considered before you make a final decision. Below we have compiled a list of critical factors that you must consider while choosing FR safety wear.

The important factors that you must consider while choosing flame-resistant clothing in the oil & gas industry are:

Protection Level

It is important to understand that flame-resistant clothing does not have a fixed protection level, as it can range from just meeting NFPA 2112 requirements all the way up to providing full and complete protection against LPG fires without rupturing. So be sure you know what the level of protection you need is before purchasing FR clothing.

Number of Layers

The number of garments worn in FR clothing depends on several factors like the type of activity/work you’re involved in, the time span for which protection is needed, type of work environment (chemical sensitivities), among other things. As general guidelines, workers should consider wearing three layers when working in an area where there’s exposure to gasoline vapors; two daily use/casual daywear items plus one protective overgarment while working in an area with no gasoline exposure but there’s a chance of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or ammonia vapors; and one daily use/casual daywear item plus two protective overgarments while working in an area where there is a potential for LPG, ammonia or chlorine exposures.

Design

Flame retardant clothing should be self-extinguishing and have a wide range of options for different levels of protection, from just meeting the NFPA 2112 requirements all the way up to providing full and complete protection against LPG fires without rupturing.

Safety Certification

Flame-resistant clothing is tested for its ability to resist the spread of flames and heat. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates compliance with these standards in most countries. Thus, it is important that the safety wear that you are using has been certified. You must be able to identify what standards they have met, and more importantly, their certification number so that you can verify it with them if required.

Comfort Features

It is important not only that your clothing provides adequate protection against fire but also ensures it fits well, so you don’t even notice them while working in harsh conditions. Also, the materials should be breathable, i.e., it should allow air and moisture to pass through protective garments. And since these garments often cover most of your body’s surface area, comfort features such as durability when wet and elasticity to reduce chaffing are also important to consider.

Durability

Flame-resistant clothes need to last a long time because they tend to have a higher upfront cost than other types of clothing and are worn out more quickly. They should be able to stand up against constant use in the oil & gas industry, where there’s always an increased risk of danger due to machinery or equipment being close by.

Ending Note

The oil and gas industry is a high-risk sector, where there are constant threats of explosion. With FR clothing being one of the key components of keeping workers safe from harmful chemicals and fumes, it is important to choose the right one. Thus keeping all the above-mentioned critical factors in mind will help you make the right decision for your needs and safety!