OFFSHORE DRILLING PROTECTION FABRIC
The OFFSHORE INDUSTRY requires multi-protective fabrics that adapt to the weather conditions of each season.
RISKS AND STANDARDS THAT MUST BE MET BY PROTECTIVE FABRICS FOR OIL PLATFORMS
Workers on oil platforms carry out several tasks. Therefore, their personal protection equipment (PPE) must be made out of multi-protective fabrics that cover their protection needs depending on the type of work, temperature and time of year.
Out of all the work areas within the petrochemical sector, we find ourselves working with the so-called ATEX zones (highly explosive areas or atmospheres), which may generate electric arc and where the use of fireproof and anti-static fabrics is critical. These fabrics must be impermeable, treated with chemical repellency.
There are also monochrome and vehicular traffic zones. This requires workers to use high-visibility fabrics and fluorescent bands.
Drag to see all of the information
Flash fires pose a significant risk in environments where flammable materials—such as gases, vapors, or combustible dust—can ignite rapidly. These fires are short-lived but extremely intense, typically lasting only a few seconds. During this brief time, temperatures can rise over 1,8000 ºF, creating an immediate danger of severe burns and injuries.
To mitigate this risk, protective clothing must be flame-resistant (FR) and designed to self-extinguish, preventing the fabric from continuing to burn once the ignition source is removed. This limits burn injuries by minimizing heat transfer to the skin and providing valuable escape time for the wearer. The value of protection is assessed based on the fabric’s ability to resist ignition, minimize flame spread, and reduce the amount of thermal energy reaching the skin. The main standards covering protection against flash fires include:
Arc flash is a plasma explosion that originates when voltage drops in a non-conductive element, such as air.
When electric arc occurs, the temperature at any given zone may exceed 20.000 ºC within less than half a second. This, together with small molten metal projectiles (coming from the pieces of the facilities) and a shockwave.
The value of protection is measured in calories per square centimeter, indicates the energy threshold at which the fabric provides adequate thermal protection to prevent second-degree burns, with a probability of no more than 50% according to the Stoll Curve. The main standards to cover against this hazard are:
When a chemical splash occurs, the clothing must act as a barrier to prevent harmful substances from penetrating through to the skin. The fabric must have the ability to repel different types of liquid chemicals, such as acids, bases, organic solvents, and hydrocarburs.
The level of protection ensures that, even if the garment is exposed to light splashes, the wearer remains shielded from direct chemical contact. However, it is not suitable for heavy spray or pressurized liquid exposure, as it prioritizes comfort and flexibility while providing sufficient defense against minor chemical hazards. The primary standards addressing chemical risks is:
When working in hazardous environments near moving vehicles or machinery, low visibility is a significant risk factor. High-visibility garments ensure that the wearer can be easily detected from a distance, reducing the risk of accidents.
The level of visibility is determined by the amount and placement of the fluorescent and retroreflective materials on the garment. Factors such as color contrast, distance, and movement play a role in ensuring workers stand out in their environment. The performance of these garments are covered under the standards:
Workers exposed to environmental risks such as cold, rain, or UV radiation need proper protective clothing to prevent health issues like hypothermia, moisture buildup, or skin damage.
In cold environments, garments must provide thermal insulation to retain body heat while remaining breathable to avoid internal moisture. For wet or rainy conditions, clothing needs to be waterproof and windproof while allowing sweat to evaporate, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable. In sunny conditions, UV-protective fabrics block harmful ultraviolet rays, reducing the risk of burns and long-term skin damage. The main standards covering these protections are:
HOW WE PROTECT YOU
Inherently flame-resistant fabric, designed from a state-of-the-art blend of advanced fibers, engineered to provide exceptional protection and performance. This innovative composition not only provides dual hazard protection but also prioritizes wearer comfort and durability.
Highly comfortable, multi-layered, fireproof fabric to protect workers from enviromental elements as low temperatures, wind and rain.