Industrial Safety in Vision 2030
As Saudi Arabia expands its industrial base under Vision 2030, workplace safety has become a national priority. The Kingdom's industrial sector—spanning oil & gas, petrochemicals, manufacturing, and construction—employs millions of workers who depend on proper safety workwear to protect them from serious hazards.
Saudi Industrial Safety Statistics
Saudi & International Standards
Saudi Arabia has adopted international safety standards through SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization), with additional requirements from major operators like Saudi Aramco:
| Standard | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| SASO GSO ISO 11612 | Protective clothing against heat and flame | Oil & gas, petrochemical, welding |
| SASO GSO ISO 20471 | High-visibility warning clothing | Construction, roadwork, logistics |
| SASO GSO IEC 61482 | Protection against electric arc hazards | Electrical work, power stations |
| SASO GSO ISO 13688 | General requirements for protective clothing | All industrial sectors |
| ARAMCO Engineering Standards | Additional requirements for oil sector | Saudi Aramco operations |
Hazard-Specific Protection
Flash Fire & Flame
Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Welding
Risks:
- Burns
- Fatal injuries
- Long-term scarring
Protection:
- Flame-resistant (FR) fabrics
- Self-extinguishing materials
- No synthetic melting risk
- Full body coverage
Electric Arc Flash
Power Generation, Electrical, Utilities
Risks:
- Severe burns
- Electric shock
- Cardiac arrest
Protection:
- Arc-rated (AR) fabrics
- Appropriate ATPV rating
- No conductive elements
- FR undergarments
Chemical Exposure
Petrochemical, Pharmaceutical, Agriculture
Risks:
- Skin burns
- Respiratory issues
- Long-term illness
Protection:
- Chemical-resistant barriers
- Appropriate permeation resistance
- Sealed seams where needed
- Compatible gloves and boots
Heat Stress
All outdoor/hot environment work
Risks:
- Heat exhaustion
- Reduced alertness
- Accidents
Protection:
- Breathable FR fabrics
- Moisture-wicking technology
- Lightweight construction
- Cooling accessories
Low Visibility
Construction, Logistics, Roadwork
Risks:
- Vehicle strikes
- Equipment collision
- Falls
Protection:
- High-visibility colors
- Retroreflective tape
- Class 2/3 compliance
- 360° visibility
Mechanical Hazards
Manufacturing, Construction, Maintenance
Risks:
- Cuts
- Abrasions
- Punctures
Protection:
- Reinforced construction
- Cut-resistant materials
- Padded impact zones
- Secure closures
Industry-Specific Requirements
Oil & Gas
Saudi Arabia's largest industrial sector with the most stringent safety requirements
Mandatory Items:
- FR coveralls (ATPV 8+ cal/cm²)
- FR hard hat liner
- Safety boots (steel toe, static dissipative)
- FR gloves for specific tasks
- Safety glasses/goggles
- H2S detection equipment (where required)
Special Considerations:
- Saudi Aramco approval required for contractor uniforms
- Daily uniform inspection protocols
- No personal clothing under FR wear
- Specific color coding by contractor/role
Petrochemical
Complex chemical processing requiring multi-hazard protection
Mandatory Items:
- Chemical-resistant FR coveralls
- Chemical splash goggles
- Nitrile/chemical gloves
- Chemical-resistant boots
- Respiratory protection (task-specific)
- Emergency escape equipment
Special Considerations:
- Chemical compatibility assessment required
- Breakthrough time documentation
- Decontamination procedures
- Medical surveillance programs
Construction
Dynamic environments with multiple hazard types
Mandatory Items:
- High-visibility vest/shirt (Class 2+)
- Hard hat with chin strap
- Safety boots (steel toe)
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- Fall protection (height work)
Special Considerations:
- Heat stress management in summer
- Dust protection in desert conditions
- Night work visibility requirements
- Multiple contractor coordination
Manufacturing
Varied hazards depending on production type
Mandatory Items:
- Industry-appropriate coveralls
- Safety footwear
- Hearing protection
- Eye protection
- Machine-specific guards
- ESD protection (electronics)
Special Considerations:
- Machine entanglement prevention
- Noise level assessments
- Ergonomic considerations
- Quality/safety color coding
Electrical & Utilities
Arc flash and electrical shock protection critical
Mandatory Items:
- Arc-rated clothing (appropriate ATPV)
- Insulated gloves (voltage rated)
- Dielectric footwear
- Arc-rated face shield
- Insulated tools
- Grounding equipment
Special Considerations:
- Arc flash hazard analysis required
- Approach boundary definitions
- Daily PPE inspection
- Electrical work permits
Safety Fabric Technologies
Inherent FR Fabrics
Garment lifetimeFlame resistance built into the fiber structure
Treated FR Fabrics
50-100 wash cycles (industrial laundering)Chemical treatments applied to base fabrics
Moisture Management
Garment lifetimeIntegrated wicking for comfort in Saudi heat
Arc-Rated Technology
Per manufacturer specificationsSpecific protection against electrical arc flash
High-Visibility Integration
50+ wash cycles for reflectivityRetroreflective materials in FR garments
Compliance & Certification
Documentation
- Certificates of conformity for all PPE
- Test reports from accredited laboratories
- SASO registration documentation
- Manufacturer warranties and specifications
- Training records for PPE users
Selection Process
- Hazard assessment documentation
- Risk evaluation for each job role
- PPE selection justification
- Compatibility assessment (multiple hazards)
- Comfort and usability evaluation
Maintenance Program
- Inspection schedules and checklists
- Laundering protocols (FR certification)
- Repair vs. replacement criteria
- Storage requirements
- Retirement schedules
Training Requirements
- Proper donning and doffing procedures
- Inspection before each use
- Limitations of protection
- Care and maintenance responsibilities
- Emergency procedures
Ensure Your Workforce is Protected
UNEOM is Saudi Arabia's trusted industrial safety workwear provider, serving major oil & gas, petrochemical, and manufacturing companies with certified, compliant safety solutions.