Evolution of (PPE)
Importance of PPE
It is no secret that in our field of oil and gas, health and safety guidelines are crucial! Safety is a huge issue for laborers in risky industries and each year accidents frequently occur and mostly it’s due the absence of PPE. Even if risks are assessed and safe systems are installed into the workplace some hazards still remain and this is were PPE comes into play. PPE insures that employees have an extra layer of protection after all the necessary instructions, procedures, training and supervision provided. It’s the last line of defense between the wearer and the hazards they face. Employers providing PPE is pivotal for workers safety, not only can it protect against corrosives, flammable chemicals and harsh conditions, it can prevent injuries and save lives in the oil and gas industry.
History of PPE
Let us take you back a bit to the earliest known protective clothing. In the Fourth Century, Japanese soldiers used to protect themselves during combat by strapping iron plates to their bodies. Protective wear was also commonly used by blacksmiths as they were known to wear a form of protective gear on a daily basis as a barrier from the molten metals they worked with. These practices led to and inspired the PPE we know today.
From military applications to the workplace
It is said that in the Sixteenth Century, Leonardo Da Vinci invented the first respirators and these were then developed further and used for WW1 as protection from toxic gases. Nowadays, respirators and breathing apparatus are still used to protect workers from inhaling any harmful gases. Beyond military applications, protective headgear was inspired from ship building yards in the 1800s. Back then workers would put their hats under the sun after covering them in tar in order for them to cure and harden. This would later protect them from objects that could drop and cause serious injuries like hammers and wrenches.
Types of PPE
From steel helmets to lightweight safety helmets
The “Hard boiled Hat” was inspired by the son of a mining equipment company owner. After the son returned from war wearing a steel helmet, the father saw an opportunity to develop something similar in hopes of improving industrial safety. However, nowadays the newer hard hat is far more comfortable and lightweight as it has been developed to be made of plastics and synthetic fibers.
From basic to innovative protective eyewear
However, the true development has been in eye protection. An African American inventor by the name of Powell Johnson patented “eye protectors” in 1880. She helped many people in various hazardous industries like welders and construction workers to protect their eyesight. As demand increased in the 20th century for high-quality protection, innovative designs were created that were more fashionable and highly functional. These helped workers tremendously in making their job easier and more comfortable. Fun fact, prescription goggles and glasses exist in compliance with safety standards and can be bought easily!
From gardening to insulated protective gloves
By now you must be wondering about gloves! Here’s the surprise, the origins of gloves go back to the eighth century. Ancient poet Homer describes Laertes using gloves to protect his hands from thorns while working in the garden. But gloves have since seen much change as they are not just used as protection but also as a fashion statement. Even though the general design of a glove hasn’t changed drastically, gloves now come with lexi-options, fleece (for insulation) and water- resistant materials for improved function in wet environments.
From steel to stylish safety footwear
Ready to put your best foot forward? Until the late 1800s
footwear PPE didn’t exist. However, it was then introduced and made with stiff leather and reinforced with steel. Currently, safety boots are made to better protect the wearer with many added features such as: waterproof/water resistant
materials steel toe caps and puncture resistant soles and weatherproof designs with various levels of insulation. And you cannot talk about protective footwear without mentioning Red Wing! Red Wing provides head to toe protection and excel in innovative solutions when it comes to footwear PPE on a global scale. The latest innovations of Red Wing include the cool Tech athletics footwear, with all the safety features of a safety shoe, yet gives the lightweight feel and look of a sports sneaker. It is also worth mentioning that at Tam, we provide easy access and reach to Red Wing safety shoes in Egypt and the Middle East, if you are located in the duty free zone and in need for PPE, from safety goggles, helmets to footwear, do not hesitate to reach out to us.
PPE in Egypt & the Middle East
All in all, the evolution and innovation in PPE design has greatly benefited various industries and thus the entire trade industry globally. As PPE continue to be developed and more innovations occur, employees in hazardous professions will experience better safety and convenience. While PPE play a huge role in protecting employees, at Tam Oilfield Services we take health and safety measures extremely seriously for every stakeholder’s benefit. Don’t forget to head to our LinkedIn page to know more about us and our PPE partners Red Wing and Garsport for PPE wear in Egypt and the Middle East.
Offering Technical Services to the Oil/Gas Industry, Refineries & Petrochemicals