---

In July 2007, Miguel Rios Design office wins 1st prize in the Design Competition for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), sponsored by the Technology Center CITEVE with the project Protect Urban Pro. This PPE is designed for urban waste removal professionals, having as design’s premise not only the physical protection of the individual, but also the transformation of the social image of the profession. Protect Urban Pro is in final testing and it is expected to be available to the public in 2010.

The aim of this project is to propose new solutions, and establish new foundations for future developments on this kind of uniforms, currently existing in Portugal. We propose to achieve these goals through design, and considering the human and technical objectives that we established and based on the specific study about the profession, which included an extensive survey of context, ergonomic studies and surveys with the professionals. This project includes the development of two outer parts - jacket and trousers, as well as a body protection device, in an attempt to meet the needs presented by these professionals.

Through the development of these three parts, we aim to change the image and the condition of trash removers, approaching the concept of Public Health Officials in order to elevate the activity, and to eradicate the current image that persists among the population in urban areas, that considers this job as " garbage men and women." This point, together with the protection of their physical and psychological integrity, which we deem to be fundamental and innovative in designing this type of PPE, will always be associated with the compliance of specific standards and CE marking.

On one hand, we focus on the parameters directly related to the activity of garbage collecting and cleaning - safety, security and comfort of the worker, which were solved with technical solutions for the manufacture and application of specially selected materials: anti-bacterial thermal, anti-perspiration, resistant to cutting and drilling, and anti-impact. On the other hand, by the analysis of responses to surveys, it appears that one of the factors that most concerns this class of professionals is the security issue. As a result, we took a lot of attention on this issue by proposing a vest for physical protection, in order to address a very relevant concern of these professionals.

Jacket and Pants

Protective vest PROTECT URBAN PRO
The Protective vest is the body protection device, par excellence, of the project PROTECT URBAN PRO for the garbage removers professional category, and its function is a greater safety for professionals.
Assuming that in a confrontational situation this piece is crucial, and from the analysis of survey results concerning personal and collective security, the Protective vest URBAN PRO stems from the need to protect this professional against physical aggression (at impact), and at the limit, from an aggression with a piercing tool. The developed Protective vest is based on standards applied in similar high level of risk pieces, such as ballistic vests, but it is not the intention of this project to strictly apply those standards or materials involved, once the profession of garbage removers does not require it. There are no regulations for the type of vest proposed in PROTECT URBAN PRO.

Protective Vest and Pants

Jacket and pants PROTECT URBAN PRO
The jacket and pants that compose the proposed equipment follow the same reasoning that was in the basis for the development of the Protective vest.
These two pieces of clothing are based on sets normally manufactured for this type of functions, with the addition of capacities that distinguish it from similar products.

Considering the remarks of PPE users, there was a concern to present versatile solutions for both parts; the jacket, for example, can be used in two versions, according to the different types of work. That is, a lighter version when used by professionals in street washing and sweep, and a more complete version when in the course of garbage removal, which requires greater protection for shoulders and arms. This protection can be gained by placing an on-sleeve. Concerning the pants, in any of the three situations the professional can choose to work with a pocket belt or without it, according to their needs.
Two different base textile materials are used, on equilibrium with others which follow the standards, so that the final result is a piece of the balance between functionality, security, ergonomics, design and visibility.