Mine sites and quarries are strict about what you wear. Each operation publishes its own PPE requirements, and contractors must meet them before they reach the gate. A uniform that passes at one site can fail the induction at the next.
Read the induction pack first
The site induction pack or contractor management documents are your best guide. Requirements vary between operators, and between surface and underground work. Items worth checking:
- Hi-vis type and colour, and whether a set reflective tape pattern is required
- Long sleeves buttoned at the cuff, and long pants
- Whether garments must be flame-resistant or anti-static in some areas
- Rules on logos, including whether the host site's branding must appear
- Footwear, eye, hearing and respiratory protection
Send us the relevant pages. We will match garments to them and tell you if anything on the list is outside what we can supply. Your site or employer has the final say, so confirm anything you are unsure about with them.
Contracting on someone else's site
If your business sends crews to several operations, each may have different rules. One approach is a base uniform that meets the strictest site you work on, so one shirt goes everywhere. Where that is not practical, we can keep a separate record of each site's kit so reorders stay correct.
Dust, heat and long shifts
Long shifts in heat and dust are hard on people and clothes. Lighter cotton drill with vented panels breathes better in summer. Heavier drill lasts longer where abrasion is the main problem. Bisley and Portwest both make hi-vis drill shirts and pants in a range of weights. Compare options in our hi-vis and workwear ranges.
Fit matters more over a long shift. Women's fits are available across most ranges. Getting each worker into the right cut keeps loose sleeves away from moving parts and stops pants riding up when someone kneels.
Washing out mine dirt
Coal dust and red dirt do not come out in a quick rinse. Find out how your crew washes their gear, or whether the site offers a laundry service. That helps you pick a fabric weight and colour that still looks presentable after months of washing.
Embroidery is the usual choice for chest and sleeve logos on mining workwear, because stitching handles heavy washing well. Keep the logo modest so it does not cover hi-vis fabric.
PPE that gets used up
Safety glasses, earplugs, gloves and dust masks are used up fast on a mine site. We supply PPE from Paramount Safety and PIP, so you can restock with the uniform order. Make sure any respiratory protection suits the hazards on your site, and that any fit testing your site requires has been done.
Getting gear to site
We are based in Unanderra and supply Australia-wide, so FIFO and DIDO crews can have uniforms sent where they need them. Most orders are completed within 10 business days. Plan around roster changes and allow extra time for freight to remote areas.
Contact us or call 02 4228 3508 with your site requirements and crew sizes.