“Blue 42! Blue 42! Set!” The Evolution of PPE in the Drilling Industry

Friday night lights… tailgating Saturdays… and of course, armchair quarterbacking Sundays. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Now, imagine if your favorite football team had to play a championship game with the same gear they used a century ago. The game would be drastically different—less safe, less efficient, and much more dangerous. Similarly, the evolution of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the drilling industry has transformed its safety and effectiveness over the years. Just as football gear has advanced from simple leather helmets to sophisticated, high-tech armor, PPE has undergone significant changes to better protect our most valuable asset: our people.

In the high-stakes game of drilling operations, PPE can be considered our “prevent defense” against various risks and exposures. From the protective helmets that guard against falling objects to the flame-resistant clothing that shields workers from intense heat, each piece of PPE plays a crucial role in minimizing injuries and helping ensure that every worker can stay in the game and make it home safely to their families. So, let’s suit up, lace up your cleats (or steel-toed boots in our case) and get ready to dive into the history and game-changing advancements in PPE that are making a significant impact on safety in the drilling industry.

Hard Hats: From Canvas to Polyethylene

The story of hard hats begins with the Hard-Boiled Hat from Bullard, crafted from steamed canvas, glue, leather, and black paint. This early version, named from its steam-based manufacturing process, was a rudimentary precursor to the hard hats we have today. Over the decades, hard hat compositions have changed, manufactured from aluminum, fiberglass, thermoplastics, and currently polyethylene plastics, which are both durable and lightweight.                   

Eye Protection: From Glass to Polycarbonate

In the mid-20th century, eye protection primarily consisted of glass or hard resin lenses, which, while protective, were quite brittle, presenting a secondary hazard. The rigid design of early eyewear was heavy, and not particularly comfortable or aesthetically pleasing. A turning point came in 1979 when the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) revised its standards, allowing for more varied designs, as long as they passed impact tests. Around the same time, polycarbonate – a lightweight, highly impact-resistant material – was introduced. From the 1980s up to present day, polycarbonate lenses became the standard, offering superior protection without the added weight. Continued innovations and improvements in durability, comfort, and design have significantly reduced the risk of eye injuries, transforming eye protection from cumbersome to cutting-edge.

Gloves: From Leather to Impact Resistant

Working in the field requires hand use nearly constantly, and the evolution of gloves reflects the diverse hazards of the modern workplace. The first patented work glove dates back to 1896, with early designs primarily featuring leather for basic protection. As workplace hazards became more varied, gloves evolved to include materials and designs tailored to specific risks. Chemical-resistant gloves are used to protect workers from hazardous chemicals. Heat-resistant gloves are used to protect workers from high temperatures and open flames, and electrician gloves are designed to protect workers from electric shock. Advances in materials have led to impact, cut, and puncture-resistant gloves that greatly reduce the severity of injuries. Modern gloves not only protect but also provide improved dexterity and comfort for extended use.

Fall Protection: From Belts to Harnesses

As working at heights became more common in the oilfield, fall protection equipment became necessary. The introduction of fall protection began with body belts and lanyards in the 1970s and 80s.

Read out the full HSE News here: https://www.helmerichpayne.com/blue-42blue-42-setthe-evolution-of-ppe-in-the-drilling-industry.

Download the article of the same from here: https://www.helmerichpayne.com/media/product-highlights/Evolution-of-PPE_082124-5.pdf.

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