{"id":40719,"date":"2026-10-15T13:12:24","date_gmt":"2026-10-15T11:12:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mip.no\/?p=40719"},"modified":"2026-10-15T13:12:24","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T11:12:24","slug":"new-protective-equipment-makes-the-working-day-safer-at-elkem-rana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mip.no\/en\/new-protective-equipment-makes-the-working-day-safer-at-elkem-rana\/","title":{"rendered":"New Protective Equipment Makes the Working Day Safer at Elkem Rana"},"content":{"rendered":"

Better protection against dust, gas and molten metal splashes, easier communication and a more comfortable working environment. Elkem Rana has invested in new protective equipment for its production operators, and the experience so far has been very positive.<\/strong><\/p>\n

At Elkem Rana, production employees work close to demanding processes involving high temperatures, dust, gas and molten metal. Although technical barriers and shielding are designed to minimise exposure, good personal protective equipment is essential when operators need to work close to the process.<\/p>\n

Elkem Rana has now introduced a new solution that combines several of the most important protective functions into one system.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe feel very safe,\u201d says operator Selma R\u00f8ssvoll as she explains how the Versaflo system works.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

Several Functions in One Solution<\/h3>\n

The equipment includes a helmet and face protection with a filtered air supply. The system creates positive pressure inside the mask, helping to keep out dust, particles, gas and unpleasant odours. At the same time, it protects the face, throat and neck from hazards including sparks and molten metal splashes.<\/p>\n

For operators, this means that several different types of protective equipment can be replaced by one integrated solution.<\/p>\n

\u201cPreviously, you often had to put on several different pieces of equipment before entering the production area. Now you put on one unit, and you\u2019re pretty much \u2018good to go\u2019,\u201d says R\u00f8ssvoll.<\/p>\n

The benefits are also noticeable when working in hot environments. The airflow inside the mask provides circulation and a certain cooling effect.<\/p>\n

Process Manager Kristian Bjerkli points out that filtration is particularly important during operations where significant amounts of dust and gas may occur.<\/p>\n

\u201cInstead of using a traditional mask with large filters, operators receive filtered air directly into the mask. Because the system is sealed and maintains positive pressure, it helps keep particles and contaminated air out,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n

Fewer Problems with Dust in the Eyes<\/h3>\n

An important reason for the investment has been the risk posed by dust and molten metal splashes. Traditional safety glasses combined with masks and other protective equipment could result in poor fit and fogging.<\/p>\n

According to Bjerkli, the new equipment has resulted in a clear improvement.<\/p>\n

\u201cSince we introduced this solution, we have almost eliminated the problem of dust getting into operators\u2019 eyes. This used to be a recurring challenge, so it is very positive that the new solution provides such effective protection,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

Protection against molten metal splashes is also essential, particularly during tapping and other operations where employees may be working close to molten metal.<\/p>\n

Communication Is an Important Part of Safety<\/h3>\n

One of the features operators particularly appreciate is the integrated communication system. A microphone and radio system allow colleagues to communicate without removing their protective equipment.<\/p>\n

Previously, communicating through masks and hearing protection could be difficult. In a noisy industrial environment, this can be both impractical and a potential safety risk.<\/p>\n

\u201cCommunication is perhaps one of the best things about the entire solution. Now we no longer have to stand there shouting through our masks,\u201d says R\u00f8ssvoll.<\/p>\n

The system also makes it possible to communicate across different functions and departments. For example, a mechanic entering the tapping area can connect to the appropriate channel and communicate directly with the operators.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt makes it easier to ask for help and to handle situations safely. Good communication is an important part of safety,\u201d Bjerkli emphasises.<\/p>\n

Tested by Operators Before the Investment<\/h3>\n

Elkem Rana chose to test the solution thoroughly before rolling it out on a larger scale.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe started with a trial involving 20 sets distributed among operators across our five shifts. We wanted to make sure that this was a solution that would actually work well in everyday operations and be well received by the people who would be using it,\u201d says Rita Helen Be\u00f8y, HSE Manager at Elkem Rana.<\/p>\n

The feedback was positive. Following the trial period, the company decided to purchase an additional 45 sets to meet production needs, as well as equipment for contractors and a number of spare sets.<\/p>\n

The equipment is mainly supplied by TESS, while the communication solution is provided by Wave Telecom.<\/p>\n

Personal Protective Equipment Is the Final Barrier<\/h3>\n

Although the new equipment represents a significant improvement in health and safety, Be\u00f8y emphasises that personal protective equipment is not the primary safety barrier.<\/p>\n

\u201cPersonal protective equipment is the final barrier. Before we reach that point, we have several measures and protective systems in place to minimise operators\u2019 exposure to hazards such as sparks and molten metal splashes,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Alongside the introduction of the new protective equipment, Elkem Rana is therefore continuing to work on technical measures, shielding, remote operation and automation.<\/p>\n

The long-term ambition is for operators to carry out as much of their work as possible at a safe distance from the highest-risk parts of the production process.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat we want is to move operators away from areas where they could come into contact with molten metal. We are not completely there yet, but we are moving in that direction through measures such as remotely operated equipment and increased automation. Until we get there, we need to ensure that we have good solutions and safe working processes,\u201d says Be\u00f8y.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt Should Be Safe to Be at Work\u201d<\/h3>\n

The investment is therefore part of Elkem Rana\u2019s broader and continuous health and safety efforts.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe goal is simple: it should be safe to work here. We are constantly working to improve, and this is one of the steps along the way. It is about finding solutions that actually work for operators in their everyday working environment,\u201d says Be\u00f8y.<\/p>\n

For R\u00f8ssvoll, the difference is already clear. She particularly highlights the combination of protection, air supply and communication.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou get a helmet, face protection, filtered air, hearing protection and communication in one solution. You put on one piece of equipment, and you\u2019re protected. It makes the working day both easier and safer,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Better protection against dust, gas and molten metal splashes, easier communication and a more comfortable working environment. Elkem Rana has invested in new protective equipment for its production operators, and the experience so far has been very positive. At Elkem Rana, production employees work close to demanding processes involving high temperatures, dust, gas and molten […]","protected":false},"author":136,"featured_media":40685,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2445,2444],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-40719","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-frontpage_en","category-industriparknytt_en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mip.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40719","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mip.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mip.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mip.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/136"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mip.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40719"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.mip.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40719\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40720,"href":"https:\/\/www.mip.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40719\/revisions\/40720"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mip.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40685"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mip.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40719"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mip.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40719"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mip.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40719"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}