Aluminised PPE: when and why wear them? - Coval Safety

PPE is not all the same, in fact we can make a distinction between that which is necessary during the whole working day, and that which is necessary to add in order to improve protection during a specific riskier activity.
In the case of specific risks, in the presence of heat sources, aluminised clothing becomes indispensable.

Aluminised clothing as an outer protective layer

Aluminised clothing serves to protect the worker from two types of risks that occur in foundry work and in the metal industry:

• Molten metal splashes: burn injuries
• Radiant heat: thermal stress injuriesThey are designed to be worn by the operator in the case of very hazardous operations, in addition to normal work clothing (intermediate protective layer). This is why their function is that of an absolutely necessary outer shell to ensure maximum protection from heat.

Protection from molten metal

Consider that the temperature of molten iron is around 1500°C, while other metals may have a lower melting temperature, e.g. around 800°C for molten aluminium.

Finding aluminised clothing that offers protection from molten aluminium splashes is complicated, even though the melting temperature is lower than for other metals (800°C). Molten aluminium is in fact very viscous and splashes easily cling to materials, causing severe burns if it is the skin that comes into contact, even accidentally.

It is highly recommended that workers are adequately protected with aluminised clothing that can allow molten metal to slide off, preventing it from clinging and increasing the risk of burns.

Radiant heat protection

In addition to the possibility of burns, molten metal and furnaces emit intense radiant heat, which can affect the worker even though he or she is at a distance.
Continuous exposure to high levels of radiant heat can lead to heat stress injuries, sometimes without the worker being aware of it.

Aluminised clothing reflects more than 90% of radiant heat, providing the worker with a high degree of safety.

What aluminised garments are indispensable

Foundries and metal processing industries require heat-resistant clothing capable of repelling molten metal splashes and reflecting radiant heat.

An appropriate set of aluminised clothing should include:

• body protection: aluminised coat, aluminised coveralls, or aluminised jacket and trousers
• heat-resistant gloves
• aluminised hood with ultraviolet and infrared eye protection
• foot protection: aluminised gaiters or boots

All in accordance with international standard ISO 11612:2015.