PPE Clothing for Surface Mining: How to Stay Protected

In 2022, there were over 2.8 million recorded workplace injuries. Many of these were the result of improper protective equipment usage. While not every workplace has the same level of risk, it's imperative to follow your industry's safety guidelines. This is especially true regarding surface mining.

Wearing the right PPE clothing goes a long way toward staying as safe as possible on the job. However, not everybody understands what type of personal protective equipment is necessary. Let's explore the key information you should know before moving forward.

Hard Hats

As you might expect, this is one of the most common types of protective equipment to wear while surface mining. There's always an opportunity for hard objects to fall and strike someone in the head.

This isn't limited to environmental hazards, though. Tools are some of the most common items that fall from elevated places.

Eye Protection

Goggles, face shields, and safety glasses should be worn around hazards at all times. For example, grinding wheels are prone to emitting dust and debris that can be harmful to the eyes. Even a single incident can cause major injuries, and some scenarios can even lead to blindness.

Hearing Protection

Many people overlook the importance of hearing protection at surface mining sites. Extremely loud noises aren't the only concern, either. Hearing damage is cumulative, and spending large amounts of time in environments that cause minor hearing damage can add up over time.

Earplugs and earmuffs are essential, but it's imperative to use equipment that has the appropriate level of protection. Surface miners should utilize this form of protection whenever appropriate to ensure they avoid problems that would have otherwise arisen.

Hand Protection

It should come as no surprise that this is one of the most important forms of surface mining PPE. Mining inherently involves many procedures and tools that can damage your hands.

Not only should the gloves protect against impact, but they should also have a sufficient level of heat protection. This is the only way to guarantee that users stay as safe as possible under every circumstance.

High Visibility Clothing

Never overlook this form of protective clothing. Some mining sites operate in areas with low visibility. This is especially true for projects that occur at night.

There are different grades of visibility to choose from, and the best choice will depend on your project. For example, your mining operation might be in a remote location with little natural light. Even if workers wear visibility gear, it may not be sufficient enough.

Your mining conditions may also come with certain regulations that require the use of specific visibility grades. Research these requirements beforehand so you can make the best decision for your needs.

Life Jackets and Belts

If there's a danger of falling into the water, it's imperative to wear life jackets and belts. The risk of drowning at surface mining sites is substantially higher than in conventional settings.

Imagine a situation where someone fell into a pit and got knocked unconscious on the way down. Without protective gear, their risk of death or serious injury is exponentially higher. Be sure to inspect your life jackets and belts regularly and train your team to use them correctly.

Safety Belts and Lines

It's essential to wear safety belts and lines at all times if there's a danger of falling. This is fairly common with mining sites, as there will be large gaps in height between uneven surfaces.

This type of equipment also requires a second person to tend the lifelines when a worker enters a dangerous area of the site. This extra layer of protection could mean the difference between whether you avert disaster.

Protective Footwear

Similar to hard hats and gloves, protective footwear should be worn at all times. It only takes a single errant action to severely injure workers at a site.

Protective footwear comes in different grades, and some are more suitable than others. Do your research to ensure you choose the footwear that has the appropriate protective rating. Failure to do so could give workers a false sense of security that they're protected when they aren't.

Flashlights and Headlamps

These are necessary for navigating dark portions of worksites. This is true above ground, as well. However, this type of equipment is unique in that it must adhere to certain specifications to prevent explosion hazards.

To clarify, the heated filament of a bulb could cause issues in volatile environments. Mixtures of methane and air in the atmosphere are common and should be discerned immediately.

Headlamps and flashlights should have a protective covering that prevents exposure of the bulb. This allows workers to avoid problems if the bulb breaks, as it will be contained within the device.

These devices must pass impact tests governed by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The same can be said about thermal shock tests and temperature tests. If they don't pass the tests, it's essential to use different equipment.

First Aid Material

No matter how many precautions you take, there's always a chance that accidents will occur. Without the right first aid material on hand, minor injuries could quickly evolve into something much more serious.

However, it's also essential to be properly trained on how to use first aid materials. This will help you handle emergencies as soon as possible while minimizing the chance that situations escalate. Perform routine inventory checks to help ensure you always have sufficient first-aid materials on hand.

Never Neglect PPE Clothing

Without the right PPE clothing, safety risks at your job site will exponentially increase. This will unnecessarily put your workers in harm's way, and it also carries the risk of legal complications. The tips in this guide will help ensure you get started on the right track and avoid complications you may have encountered.

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