Tychem® for oil & gas

Frontline professionals in the oil and gas industry face a vast number of chemical hazards on a daily basis.

In the oil and gas industry, PPE is worn across the board but varies site-by-site according to the hazards encountered. Danger lurks in a variety of activities, from building well foundations and erecting lease tanks, to chemically treating or hydraulically fracturing wells.

In off-shore drilling, the dangers range from blow-outs, hydrogen sulfide gas during drilling, heavy metals and benzene present in crude, to asbestos, formaldehyde, hydrochloric acid and normally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs).

Even regular refining activities – process sampling, inspection, handling or recharging catalyst – can pose high chemical risks. Sulfuric acid and caustic chemicals are used at most sites as part of the refining process. Many sites also use a variety of solvents, including benzene, xylene and toluene. Risk is also higher during regularly scheduled maintenance and repair shutdowns. Finally, workers may be exposed to flames, fires and the potential for explosions.

Workers need strong protection against all of these potential perils so they can perform their best and return home safely.

Tyvek^® and Tychem^®

DuPont^™ Tyvek^® and DuPont^™ Tychem^® garments can help offer much needed protection against chemicals and particulates.

Tyvek® 400 coveralls help offer inherent protection against hazardous dry particles, aerosols and non-hazardous light liquid splash. They are well-suited for a broad range of tasks and dirty jobs that require keeping clean from dirt, grease, and grime.

DuPont offers a wide range of chemical protective clothing, from low to high protection, that addresses a variety of worker needs. Tychem^® garments are typically used in areas as diverse as petroleum refining, natural gas supply, factory decommissioning, land decontamination, industrial tank cleaning and spill clean-up. Tychem^® 2000 garments are flexible, durable, and lightweight and provide at least 30 minutes of protection against >40 chemical challenges. They may be suitable for jobs that require protection from light concentrations of chemicals in oil-based drilling muds. Tychem^® 4000 garments provide effective protection against a range of chemical challenges and may be suitable for caustic chemical and sulfuric acid protection. Finally, Tychem^® 5000 and 6000 are strong and durable for rigorous activities and rugged situations involving liquid splash. They provide a barrier against a broad range of chemicals, including solvents like benzene, xylene, and toluene.  

Please visit safespec.dupont.com to determine the most appropriate DuPont protective garments for your chemical hazard.