As the global oil and gas industry evolves, companies needing personal protection equipment (PPE) continue to become more efficient by minimizing the number of suppliers they do business with and by consolidating their product purchases globally.

Industry trends indicate a growing demand for one-source PPE solutions that increase supplier efficiency and value, and it is easy to see why. According to a recent oil and gas industry report, 35% of buyers want to engage in partnerships that optimize working capital and reduce costs. The importance of close cooperation between suppliers and buyers becomes even more critical in times of market uncertainty.

Companies that are operating around the globe need a PPE supplier that can consistently meet local standards. (Images courtesy of Red Wing Shoe Co.)

Critical factors that contribute to the need for a one-source PPE solution for oil and gas companies looking to reduce costs and control spending include the buyer’s desire for consistent offerings, fewer transactions, and global continuity.

Flexibility is key

Inconsistent regulations and standards from one country to another result in diverse product specifications (i.e., EN, ASTM, ANSI, NFPA, etc.). These varying specifications are a challenge not only to companies operating around the world but to PPE providers. There is a critical need for suppliers to offer flexible and unique solutions while conforming to global specifications.

A global supplier with regional operations and head-to-toe PPE solutions is uniquely qualified to deliver such capabilities. By partnering with PPE companies that have facilities throughout the world, customers receive specialized product, sales, and distribution support that conforms to local standards, climate variables, customs, and duties. It is important to find a supplier that has experience navigating these complicated issues.

Answering global needs

Understanding national and regional footwear and PPE standards is critical when supplying equipment for oil and gas companies that have extensive operations in many climatically varied areas

of the world. Some of these standards include ASTM used in the US, CSA used in Canada, and EN used in Europe.

Additional PPE standards (for hard hats, safety glasses, eyewear, and hearing protection) can also differ within countries based on local standards. Providers of PPE have to stay abreast of standards for each country to be able to reliably deliver appropriate equipment when and where it is needed. And staying abreast of changing needs is also critically important.

For example, when discussing and labeling FRC garments, the oil and gas industry is trending toward referring to FRC as “flash resistant” rather than “flame retardant.” The difference is that the expectation is for workers to be able to perform their duties not only when exposed to flames, but while exposed to a flash fire that lasts three to four seconds. Protective clothing that is flash-resistant has to protect against a three- to four-second flash and against third-degree burns and heat stroke.

In high-heat and high-humidity climates like South America and Latin America, comfortable and breathable fabric is as important as flash resistance in preventing heat stroke.

The oil and gas industry continues to face difficult issues related to the need for an international standard to eliminate confusion about FRC requirements. In addition to geographic and climate differences, some FRC garments that meet EN standards do not meet NFPA standards due to char length (the number of inches before the fabric self-extinguishes).

In addition, a rig hand that works in one location and transfers to another in a different climate would most likely need new FRC garments if the standards are being strictly enforced. Although garments used in both areas would be designed to meet local FRC requirements, the garments might fail to meet the standard in the new area.

FRC fabric or garments are tested by EN, CSA, and NFPA according to standards set by their individual committees. The test is typically conducted for flame spread, conductive heat, TPP, molten splash, and radiant heat. The fabric cannot continue to burn, form holes, melt, or drip after the mannequin burn testing procedure. The testing also includes tensile strength and char length (before self extinguishing).

Common FRC fabrics include:

• 100% cotton treated fabrics, some of which are treated topically with chemicals. Others are treated by bonding the chemicals to each fiber to ensure protection for the life of the garment.

• Cotton-blended fabrics that are composed of 88% cotton and 12% high-tenacity nylon, a man-made fiber that is inherently fire-retardant.

• 100% man-made high-tenacity nylons, which are inherently fire-retardant.

Finding, ensuring PPE supply

In today’s marketplace, it is critical for oil and gas companies to partner with a PPE supplier that provides global reach and an infrastructure to provide the desired level of service and support regionally.

More and more companies are using supply chain managers taking the place of “buyers” to coordinate global purchasing. When one company can provide those managers the appropriate services, it can save hundreds of thousands of dollars in time and expense researching standards, dealing with customs, and paying VAT and duties.

Another plus for global suppliers is that they have the ability to inventory, finish, and customize PPE equipment regionally. This capability results in shorter lead times and faster delivery. Furthermore, finishing products regionally assures consistency and deliverability. A company that has established these types of global resources can provide oil and gas companies the convenience, reliability, and cost-effectiveness they need in a PPE program. These benefits result from clear communication between suppliers and end-users who can better estimate product demand based on historical consumption.

Competition and clutter within the marketplace is set to increase. With 42% of oil and gas companies expected to increase their procurement over the next 12 months and a further 14% expected to maintain existing spend levels, many supply chain managers are re-evaluating existing supplier contracts. The goal, as always, is to cut expense without cutting corners with safety. That means that the selected supplier has to have a sound reputation and must be able to deliver quality products that meet regional requirements in a timely manner. And the supplier has to be able to do so with every delivery.

Successful companies find partners with a proven track record of providing product distribution and manufacturing capabilities that meet the company’s specific needs. Particularly in financially difficult times, it is important to find partners with the financial strength to support a global program.

Finally, companies must look closely at customer service practices to select the strongest PPE suppliers — those that extend reasonable terms, make outstanding products, and offer speedy and accurate delivery.