RBG Middle East, a provider of fabric maintenance and construction support to the global energy industry, has developed a modified blast hood and cape to improve the safety and effectiveness of rope access abrasive blasting.
A first for the oil and gas industry, according the company, the improved version of the Apollo 600 blast hood respiratory protection equipment (RPE) has been developed by RBG, in conjunction with Hodge Clemco, a supplier and manufacturer of abrasive blast cleaning and surface treatment equipment.
The improved blast hood has an area on the cape that allows entry to the rope access movement equipment. It also has internal linings that restrict the movement of the hood to avoid reducing visibility when ascending, descending and during abrasive blasting operations.
The new model has been successfully trialed and will be rolled out to all of RBG’s rope access blasting personnel, the company said in a press release today.
Robert Grainger, RBG technical manager, said: “Modifying the Apollo 600 blast hood is a direct result of feedback from abrasive blasting operatives regarding the compatibility of RPE and rope access equipment. The modified blast hood and cape will not only enhance the safety of rope access technicians but will significantly improve visibility and movement during rope access abrasive blasting.”
Neil Scragg, Hodge Clemco industrial sales manager, said: “We have worked in conjunction with RBG to develop the most suitable product for the market. We believe that the rope access cape used with the Apollo helmet and flame retardant blast suit offers the highest level of protection for wet and dry blasting in addition to rope access work.
“Hodge Clemco has designed the new internal hood liners and rope access cape to be supplied as a retrofit or a manufacturer built item. As with the traditional APH600CE helmet, the hood can be separated from the cape within seconds by releasing the unique ratchet clamp, which greatly improves access in the event of an emergency”
