PPE for MINING
Work in the mining industry takes place in hazardous environments both underground and above ground. Deeper mines, larger machinery, higher production rates and increased mining traffic create new risks. Protective clothing may need to meet requirements for high visibility according to EN ISO 20471, as well as protection against heat and flame according to EN ISO 11612.
Common risks in mining include dust, gases, chemicals, falls, limited visibility, traffic and fire, as well as risks associated with blasting and water hazards. Much of the work takes place in open-pit and underground mines where these risks need to be managed.
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RISK ASSESSMENT – mining
- The most common risks and hazards when working in the mining industry.
- How the right choice of protective clothing can help reduce the risk of danger when working in a mining environment.
- How to apply the right standard for the right working environment when choosing protective clothing.
RISKS WHEN WORKING IN MINES
Work in mines involves several different risks, which makes safety one of the most important aspects of the industry. One of the greatest dangers is collapse and rockfall, where parts of the rock can come loose and fall. Despite the fact that modern mines use advanced technology to reinforce tunnels and monitor rock stability, there is always a certain residual risk. Another serious risk is dust and particles in the air, which can cause lung diseases with long‑term exposure if the correct protective equipment is not used.
Mining work often takes place deep underground, which means limited access to fresh air and natural light. Ventilation systems are therefore crucial, but if they do not function properly, dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide can accumulate and create life‑threatening situations. In addition, there are risks linked to machines and vehicles, as heavy and powerful machinery is used on a daily basis. Accidents can occur due to incorrect handling or technical problems, which places high demands on training and accuracy.
When risks cannot be avoided, it is important to use the right personal protective equipment. Protective clothing certified according to EN ISO 20471 contributes to high visibility when working near the large vehicles used in the mining environment. Work in mines may also require other important certifications for protective clothing, depending on the work performed, for example EN 1149-5, EN ISO 11612 and EN ISO 11611.
When working in open pits or mines, clothing certified according to EN ISO 20471 is needed to ensure high visibility to the large vehicles in use. These enormous vehicles have large blind spots and therefore high‑visibility garments can be crucial when working in the mining environment. In ATEX environments where the wearer handles explosives or works in mine passages where there may be natural gas such as methane, Tranemo recommends garments certified according to EN 1149-5 in combination with EN ISO 11612. Antistatic garments have properties that minimise the risk of spark formation (an ignition source) that can cause an explosion. The majority of Tranemo’s flame‑retardant garments are EN 1149-5 certified. Antistatic garments have antistatic fibres in the fabric and concealed metal accessories according to the design requirements. Tranemo also has a wide selection of completely metal‑free garments.
In mining operations, most people work with maintenance and infrastructure, and for electricians there is a risk of arc flash. With the right solution of protective clothing certified to EN 61482-2, the effects of these risks can be minimised. Tranemo recommends a Tranemo Skinsafe™ system with an outer layer that fulfils PPE 2 with an ELIM above 8 cal/cm².
For occasional welding, the fabric must comply with EN ISO 11611, otherwise the regular protective clothing should be supplemented with welding‑adapted accessories.
RISK ASSESSMENT
Common risks when working in mines or open pits
TRAFFIC
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Collision accidents
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Crush injuries
It is very important to be clearly visible when working close to traffic, or in environments with moving processes such as overhead cranes or forklifts. In environments like these, high-visibility protective clothing certified according to EN ISO 20471 is often a requirement. The fluorescent fabric of the garments ensures that you are clearly visible during the day, while the reflective tape makes you visible when darkness falls. Since collision accidents are among the most common workplace accidents, high visibility is included in most of Tranemo’s outer garments.
EXPLOSION / ATEX ENVIRONMENT
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Risk of explosion
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Flame and heat
When working in ATEX-classified environments, a thorough risk assessment is crucial to prevent explosions. Static electricity and sparks can act as sources of ignition in environments with gas, vapour or explosive dust. Therefore, flame retardant and antistatic workwear certified according to EN 1149-5 and EN ISO 11612 is required. The right protective clothing and correct use minimise the risk and create a safer working environment in, for example, the petrochemical and gas industries.
In ATEX environments where the user handles explosives or works in mine tunnels where there may be natural gas such as methane, Tranemo recommends garments certified according to the EN 1149-5 standard in combination with EN ISO 11612. Antistatic garments have properties that minimise the risk of spark formation (a source of ignition) that can cause an explosion, with antistatic fibres in the fabric and concealed metal accessories in accordance with the design requirements. The majority of Tranemo’s flame retardant garments are antistatic and certified according to EN 1149-5. Antistatic garments marked EN 1149-5 are intended for use in ATEX zones 1, 2, 20, 21 and 22. In environments with elevated oxygen levels or in zone 0, the protective clothing must not be used without first being approved by the responsible safety engineer, since the use and wear of the garment can affect the protection. It is also of the utmost importance that the protective clothing is worn correctly in ATEX environments.
Flame and heat
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Flame spread
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Convective heat
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Radiant heat
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Contact heat
For work where there is a risk that garments may come into contact with heat and flame, flame retardant workwear is required. Protection against flame and heat is the basic protection in all Tranemo flame retardant garments. In a complete protection system, the protective clothing must cover the neck, torso, arms and legs; either with a full-covering garment such as an overall, or a two-piece system with, for example, jacket and trousers, with the same certification.
ELECTRIC Arc flash
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Radiant heat
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Convective heat
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Electric shock
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Shock wave
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Loud noise
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Optical radiation
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Toxic gas
Working with electricity is risky and means that the worker is constantly exposed to different types of hazards. A short circuit or other problems can cause a powerful arc flash which often has devastating consequences if the correct protective clothing is not used. The arc flash challenges the flame retardant garments with, for example, radiant heat, metal splashes and optical radiation, which also requires the user to wear protective clothing from top to toe and from the inside out.
An arc flash can be very powerful and affects the worker and the protective clothing in different ways. By using a Tranemo Skinsafe™ system where the outer layer has PPE 2 with ELIM above 8 cal/cm², the effects of these hazards are minimised. All Tranemo’s arc flash certified garments have the Arc Rating value indicated on the outside of the garments to make it easy to choose the right protection.
WELDING
- Welding sparks
- UV radiation
- Flame and heat
- Heat stress
During welding work, the worker is exposed to welding sparks, intense heat and harmful UV radiation. To reduce the risk of burns and heat stress, the correct welding clothing must be used, certified and adapted to both the welding technique and the working environment. Work with heavy welding in tough environments requires the use of flame retardant clothing certified according to EN ISO 11612 in combination with welding protection EN ISO 11611 class 2. The welding standard partly governs how the welding clothing is designed, since welding sparks must not stick to the clothes or in open pockets.
During welding, a lot of UV and heat radiation is generated. To increase the user’s comfort and avoid heat stress, Tranemo has therefore added ventilation openings to collections suitable for welding. To insulate against the heat radiation and to increase protection, a Tranemo Skinsafe™ system in two or three layers is recommended.
FIND THE RIGHT PROTECTIVE CLOTHING FOR mining work
OUR STRENGTHS in MINING
Tranemo is an experienced partner for the mining industry and offers flame‑retardant workwear developed for extreme and demanding environments above and below ground. With in‑depth knowledge of risks such as heat, flame, welding, static electricity and limited visibility, we deliver certified garments that combine the highest level of protection with durability, comfort and freedom of movement.
Through close cooperation with mining companies and contractors, we develop workwear that is adapted to the harsh reality of mining operations – and that contributes to safer working days for professionals in one of the industry’s most exposed & high‑risk environments.
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