Downstream Oil & Gas Industry Safety

Reliable PPE to keep downstream oil and gas workers safe, designed to protect against chemical exposure, fires, heat stress and mechanical hazards in refining, storage and distribution environments.

Keeping Workers in the Downstream Oil & Gas Industry Safe

In the downstream oil and gas sector, worker safety is paramount, given the complex and hazardous nature of the environment. Workers in refineries, processing plants and storage facilities are exposed to numerous risks, including chemical exposure, flammable materials, heat stress and mechanical hazards. Read more »

Chemical-resistant gloves, flame-resistant clothing and respirators are essential in safeguarding against exposure to hazardous chemicals and fires. Hearing protection is necessary in loud environments, and slip-resistant footwear helps prevent falls on slippery surfaces. Heat stress, a common concern in high-temperature environments, can be mitigated through proper hydration and cooling vests. Additionally, PPE like protective eyewear and face shields safeguard workers from sparks, flying debris and other mechanical risks.

By equipping workers with the right personal protective equipment, companies can ensure their safety while minimizing risks associated with common hazards. Maintaining a focus on continuous safety improvements and adherence to safety standards allows companies to foster a safer work environment and improve operational efficiency.

Looking for a complete safety solution for your team?

Check out our picks for a complete head-to-toe safety outfit in Downstream Oil & Gas or contact Nick Reaves to have a conversation about putting together a custom solution for your facility.

Hand Protection

G-Tek® Paradox™

Seamless Knit PolyKor® Blended Glove with Foam Nitrile Coated Grip on Palm & Fingers - 21 Gauge - Touchscreen

16-351

Head Protection

Fibre-Metal® E1

Type I, Full Brim Smooth Dome Hard Hat with Thermoplastic Shell, 8-Point Suspension and Wheel Ratchet Adjustment

E1RW

Hearing Protection

Howard Leight™ TrustFit® Plus

Reusable Soft Polyurethane Corded Foam Ear Plugs - NRR 31

TF-PLUS-30

Safety Eyewear

UVEX® Tirade™

Rimless Safety Glasses with Foam Padding, Clear Lens and Anti-Fog Coating

S4040PLUS

Workwear Top

Bisley® Performance

Dual-Certified AR/FR Women's Ripstop Long Sleeve Button Down - Industrial Wash Durable

385WFRHS

Workwear Pants

Bisley® Performance

Dual-Certified AR/FR Women's Ripstop Industrial Taped Cargo Pant - Industrial Wash Durable

385WFRCS

Respiratory Protection

North® RU8500 Series

Blue Half Mask with Speech Diaphragm and Industrial Exhalation Cover

RU85001

Respiratory Protection Accessories

North® Defender™

Multi-Gas Vapor Cartridge

75SCL

Safety Footwear

PUMA® Safety

Conquest Black Womens CTX HIGH Composite Toe Impact Resistant Toe Cap, COA.TEX-Membrane, Electrical Hazard protection, Slip Resistant, Water Proof, Safety Boots

630675-200

First Aid

Fendall® Pure Flow 1000®

Emergency Eyewash Station - Station Only

32-001000-0000

ASK THE EXPERT image of expert Nick Reaves

ASK THE EXPERT Nick Reaves - Business Development Manager, Mining, Oil & Gas

Nick has 30+ years in Industrial Work Wear distribution, manufacturing, sourcing, and strategy across sectors including Oil & Gas, Aerospace, Automotive, Cold Storage, Mining and Manufacturing. He helps develop new products based on user needs and trains users on PPE best practices. Nick aims to collaborate with PPE specifiers and wearers to optimize efficiencies and build partnerships.

As one of 200 PIP safety experts, Nick helps standardize PPE to reduce costs, prevent injuries, and boost productivity.

Downstream Oil and Gas Hazards
- Chemical Exposure - Workers are at risk of exposure to harmful chemicals such as solvents, acids, and gases during refining and processing. Prolonged exposure can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, or more severe health problems
- Fires and Explosions - The refining and processing of oil and gas involves highly flammable substances, which pose significant fire and explosion risks. Improper handling, equipment failure, or leaks can trigger dangerous incidents
- Heat Stress - Workers may experience heat-related illnesses due to exposure to high temperatures, especially in refinery or plant environments with high operational heat levels
- Slips, Trips, and Falls - Slippery surfaces, uneven flooring, and wet areas in processing plants and storage areas increase the risk of workers falling and sustaining injuries
- Confined Space Risks - Workers who enter tanks, reactors, and pipelines for maintenance or inspection face risks of asphyxiation, toxic gas exposure and physical entrapment in confined spaces
- Noise Hazards - High noise levels in refineries, plants, and equipment areas can lead to hearing loss or other auditory problems if adequate hearing protection is not used
- Mechanical and Electrical Hazards - Working with complex machinery and electrical systems can expose workers to mechanical hazards, electrocution and burns from electrical equipment
- Material Handling - Handling heavy materials, including chemicals and large equipment, increases the risk of injury from lifting, carrying, or dropping objects
Industry Standards
General Standards
- OSHA 1910: Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations outline general PPE requirements, including hazard assessments, PPE selection, and worker training
- API RP 99: American Petroleum Institute's Recommended Practice for Flash Fire Risk Assessment provides guidance on hazard identification and PPE selection
Flame Resistant Clothing (FRC)
- NFPA 2112: Specifies minimum performance requirements for flame-resistant garments to protect against flash fires
- NFPA 2113: Provides guidelines for the selection, care, and use of flame-resistant clothing in hazardous environments
- ASTM F1506: Sets requirements for flame-resistant clothing used in areas with electrical arc flash and thermal exposure risks
Head Protection
- ANSI/ISEA Z89.1: US standards for head protection, including impact resistance, penetration protection, and electrical insulation
Eye and Face Protection
- ANSI/ISEA Z87.1: Ensures safety eyewear protects against impacts, splashes, and optical radiation
Respiratory Protection
- OSHA 1910.134: Requirements for respiratory protection programs, including respirator selection, use, fit testing, and training
- 42 CFR Part 84 - Approval of Respiratory Protective Devices (approved under NIOSH): Certification and performance requirements for respiratory protective equipment to ensure reliable protection
Hand Protection
- EN 388: European standard for protective gloves, focusing on resistance to mechanical risks such as abrasion, cuts, tears, and punctures
- ANSI/ISEA 105: US standard for glove performance, specifying classifications for cut, puncture, and abrasion resistance
- ANSI/ISEA 138: US standard for glove performance for impact-resistant gloves, setting classification levels for back-of-hand impact protection
Foot Protection
- ASTM F2413: US standards for safety footwear, including impact resistance, puncture protection, and electrical hazard mitigation
Hearing Protection
- OSHA 1910.95: Occupational noise exposure limits and hearing conservation program requirements

View Products

PIP® Traverse™

Industrial Climbing Helmet with Mips® Brain Protection System for Industrial Safety Helmets, ABS Shell, EPS Foam Impact Liner, HDPE Suspension, Wheel Ratchet Adjustment and 4-Point Chin Strap

280-HP1491RM