Through the Wringer: How Industrial Launderable Workwear Stands Up to Mining and Oil & Gas

BLOG ARTICLES

In 2025, the mining and oil & gas industries continue to play a critical role in global energy production and resource extraction. With increasing demand for raw materials and energy, companies are pushing operations into more extreme and remote environments, from arid deserts and deep-sea drilling rigs to frozen tundra and underground mines. These locations expose workers to some of the harshest conditions on Earth, making high-performance protective workwear essential.

Workers in these industries face daily exposure to extreme heat, open flames, high-pressure chemicals and heavy machinery. Tasks such as drilling, welding and material transport introduce hazards like flash fires, arc flashes, chemical splashes and abrasive surfaces. Without the right protective gear, these risks can lead to severe injuries, long-term health issues or even fatalities.

Protective workwear must do more than just meet safety standards, it needs to provide all-day comfort, durability and the ability to withstand the rigors of extreme conditions without compromising its protective properties. This is where industrial laundering proves its value, ensuring workers stay protected shift after shift, no matter the conditions.

What is Industrial Laundering?

Industrial laundering is a specialized cleaning process designed to extend the lifespan of workwear while maintaining its protective properties. Unlike home laundering, industrial laundering involves high-temperature washing, specialized detergents and rigorous quality control to remove hazardous contaminants such as oil, grease and chemicals.

Industrial Laundering in Mining: Benefits vs. Challenges

Here is a side-by-side look at the key benefits and challenges of industrial laundering for safety managers in mining, making it easier to weigh the impact on compliance, cost and crew safety.

 

Benefits

 

Challenges

Compliance & Safety Assurance

  • Ensures PPE meets ANSI/OSHA standards
  • Catches early signs of wear or chemical damage
  • Some services auto-tag gear for repair/replacement

Play with solid fill

PPE Degradation Over Time

  • Repeated washing can weaken fabric or reduce protection
  • AR/FR gear may lose effectiveness
  • Requires ongoing testing and vendor trust

Contamination Control

  • Professional laundering removes hazardous residues
  • Prevents re-exposure to silica, oils, heavy metals
  • Ensures compliance with hazmat protocols

Play with solid fill

Contamination Management

  • Improper handling may leave gear hazardous
  • Cross-contamination is a risk
  • Requires certified laundering partners

Documentation, Tracking & Accountability

  • RFID/barcoding enables PPE tracking and audit-ready logs
  • Helps prove cleaning, repairs or retirements

Play with solid fill

Compliance Risks & Documentation Gaps

  • Without tracking, it’s hard to verify garment status
  • Missing records can be a liability in audits
  • Lack of visibility into PPE history

Operational Efficiency

  • Saves time for supervisors and workers
  • Removes burdens of in-house PPE cleaning
  • Cleaned gear returned sorted and ready

Play with solid fill

Logistics & Turnaround Time

  • Delays in returns can halt work, which is especially problematic in remote environments
  • Risk of non-compliance due to missing PPE

Worker Comfort & PPE Compliance

  • Clean, properly maintained gear is more wearable
  • Custom cycles reduce shrinkage, improve fit
  • Workers more likely to wear PPE consistently

Play with solid fill

Worker Acceptance & Compliance

  • Workers may prefer personal laundering
  • Returned items may be returned damaged or mislabeled
  • Lost gear affects morale and trust

Budget Predictability & Cost Control

  • Flat-rate pricing = predictable budgets
  • Extends PPE life, reduces replacements costs
  • Shrinkage and loss minimized

Play with solid fill

Cost vs Value Perception

  • Can seem pricier than disposable or lower-quality PPE upfront
  • ROI may be hard to prove without injury data
  • Must communicate long-term value

Sustainability & Environmental Responsibility

  • Uses energy and water-efficient processes
  • Proper disposal of contaminated water/residues
  • Helps meet ESG goals and avoid citations

Play with solid fill

Sustainability Oversight

 

  • Not all laundries meet environmental benchmarks
  • Need to vet vendors for eco-compliance
  • Missed opportunity if data isn’t captured/reportable

Specialized Cleaning for Specialized Gear

  • Capable of handling AR, FR, hi-vis and cut resistant PPE
  • Maintains critical protective properties
  • Essential in high-risk mining environments

Play with solid fill

Specialized PPE Needs Special Handling

  • Not all laundries can handle advanced PPE
  • May require multiple vendors
  • Increases complexity of vendor management

 

Built to Withstand the Toughest Jobs

While the benefits of industrial laundering are clear – improved compliance, cost control and worker satisfaction – those advantages can only be realized when the garments themselves are built to handle the process. To overcome laundering-related challenges like PPE degradation, contamination risks and worker resistance, mining operations need workwear that’s not only compliant, but rugged, reliable and purpose-built for repeated industrial wash cycles.

That’s where Bisley® Performance Workwear comes in. This workwear is engineered for the harshest mining and oil & gas environments. Designed for durability, comfort and long-lasting protection, these garments are built to endure extreme conditions while maintaining their protective properties even after multiple industrial wash cycles. Available in styles tailored for both men and women, this collection of AR/FR inherent and lightweight vented work shirts, pants and coveralls ensures all workers can feel confident and capable. 

Dual-Certified AR/FR Inherent Workwear Range

  • Designed for environments requiring flame-resistant protection.
  • Meets NFPA 2112 and NFPA 70E standards for arc flash, flash fire and heat-related hazards.
  • Inherent FR properties remain intact, wash after wash.
  • Durable, industrial-launderable fabrics ensure lasting performance and safety.
  • OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification ensures the fabric is free from harmful substances, prioritizing safety and environmental responsibility.

Lightweight Vented Workwear Range

  • Ideal for work environments where hi-visibility is needed, and FR protection is not required.
  • Made from a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric and vented in high heat-stress areas to promote airflow and heat dissipation.
  • Industrial-launderable for extended use and cost efficiency.
  • Complies with ANSI/ISEA 107 standards for high-visibility safety apparel.

Bisley-Lightweight-Vented-Industrial-Workwear

Bisley: The Clear Choice for Lasting Protection and Compliance

Choosing the right industrial laundering partner is only half the equation—equipping workers with garments engineered to withstand that process is the other. Durable, industrial-launderable workwear plays a pivotal role in ensuring long-term safety, comfort, and compliance in mining and oil & gas environments. When PPE can endure repeated wash cycles without sacrificing performance, crews stay protected, operations run smoothly, and compliance becomes more manageable. For mining and oil & gas companies seeking workwear that stands up to the challenge, without compromising protection or comfort, Bisley Performance Workwear delivers. Contact us today to learn more about our industrial launderable workwear solutions and how they can benefit your workforce.

MORE ARTICLES

Choosing the Right Gloves for Automotive Manufacturing and Aftermarket Environments

In the fast-paced world of automotive manufacturing and aftermarket services, hands are the most valuable tools. Whether assembling intricate vehicle components on production lines, performing maintenanc…

READ MORE

Disaster Relief PPE – Essential Protection for Rescue and Recovery Teams

When disaster strikes, rescue and recovery teams, alongside civilian volunteers, are the first to step in, often putting themselves in harm’s way to save lives and restore order. Whether facing the…

READ MORE

Barrier Solutions for Clean and Efficient EV Battery Production

The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has been increasing. With EV battery costs projected to decrease by almost 50% by 2026, the global shift toward sustainable transportation is gaining momentum. Howeve…

READ MORE
Compare ()
Clear All Compare
Okay, Got it.