Never judge a glove by its cover

Impacts to the hand and wrist are not an uncommon occurrence in the Australian oil and gas industry, resulting in injuries, lost work time and stress on injured parties’ families. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the last line of defence - not the first - against many industry hazards and is most effective when applied correctly to the hierarchy of controls and strategies implemented by workplaces to protect their workers.

With the oil and gas industry currently experiencing a boom in some states in Australia, it is imperative in this time of prosperity that both employees and employers remember the importance of the role that PPE plays - especially gloves - as hands are important tools that don’t come with spare parts.

“It is a common misconception that all personal safety items, including gloves, are subject to and must meet all the mandatory standards that are in place in Australia,” said Richard Donarski, SAI Global’s Team Leader - Health & Safety, Product Services - Assurance Services.

“But the reality is, as many standards aren’t legislated, some manufacturers choose not to apply certification to their manufacturing processes. The consequence being that the very products designed keep you safe may not necessarily do their job as expected.”

Elliotts has worked tirelessly over the past two years with Richard Donarski and the SAI Global team to have all of its oil and gas-specific, impact-protective gloves from the Mec-Flex range independently certified to the AS/NZS2161.3:2005 standard.

Designed specifically to protect the wearer against impact injuries, bruises and pinched fingers in the oil and gas and mining industries, the Mec-Flex Oiler series provides good top-of-hand and finger protection with a palm design offering grip, high tear and abrasion resistance.

The range includes: Mec-Flex Oiler, which is designed as the ‘all-rounder’ glove for the oil and gas and mining industries; Mec-Flex Oiler Pro, which provides the highest levels of abrasion, cut (level 5) and tear resistance; and Mec-Flex Oiler XTR, which has excellent grip and top-of-hand protection.