Becoming a professional electrician can be a rewarding career. This in-demand profession offers job security along with opportunities for growth and progression, and you get to work on a wide variety of projects. But electrical work is also dangerous, making personal protective equipment (PPE) a must. The right electrical safety equipment can protect you from electrical shocks, arc flashes, and arc blasts.
Learn more about essential items for your electrical PPE kit, including what they are and why you need them.
Types of Electrical PPE
The following types of PPE are commonly used by electricians to provide protection from electrical hazards.
Flame-Resistant (FR) Rated Clothing
Fires are a common hazard when working with electricity. FR-rated clothing made of natural or synthetic materials such as Nomex, Kevlar, wool, or treated cotton can protect you in high-risk environments by reducing the type of injuries associated with an arc flash event when working on or around energized equipment. An arc flash suit is a flame-resistant outfit that may include a jacket, pants, coveralls, and hood that can help protect you during an arc flash event. You can also get FR-rated aprons and smocks for added protection.
Insulated Gloves
Insulated gloves are a must to protect from electrical shock hazards, so you’ll want a pair that is easy to work with. Thankfully, there are many options available for increased dexterity.
Hard Hats and Face Shields
Safety helmets and face shields can protect you from arc flashes and any construction debris you might encounter. Look for Class E rated (electrical rated) hard hats that are non-conductive and face shields that provide protection from flying debris, intense heat, and potential burns from an arc flash event.
Safety Boots
The right footwear is essential on any jobsite. As an electrician, working around energized conductors and equipment is dangerous, so you’ll need footwear that won’t conduct electricity if you take a wrong step. Rubber or sturdy leather work boots with rubber soles will keep you from slipping and protect you from electrical hazards. If you need additional toe protection, make sure you select a work boot with a non-conductive composite toe.
Eye Protection
Eye protection should be ANSI-rated, impact-resistant, and non-conductive. Look for arc-rated gear that fits comfortably with other gear, which may include FR rated hoods or face shields.
Hearing Protection
Since you’re often working on a site with heavy machinery, you’ll need to protect your hearing. Dielectric earmuffs made of nonconductive materials or earplugs can protect your hearing.
Respiratory Protection
Cutting into walls, ceilings, and other materials launches small, often toxic particles into the air. Breathing them in can irritate your lungs. Wear an appropriate dust mask to keep them out of your body.
Common Electrical Hazards
On any jobsite, you risk running into one of these hazards:
- Shock hazards: From live parts, faulty equipment, improper grounding, damaged insulation, and other factors.
- Arc flashes and blasts: From accidental contact with a live wire, improper installation, or equipment failure. They generate intense light and heat and even explosions.
- Fire hazards: From faulty wiring or overloaded electrical circuits. Fires happen when sparks from short circuits or overheating from faulty wiring occurs next to flammable materials.
- Burns and explosion risks: From arc flash/blast, fires, and other common electrical hazards. PPE is designed to reduce the type of burns that can occur in these instances.
Requirements for PPE
According to OSHA standards, you are required to wear rubber-insulated equipment, including gloves, boots, and any other gear that covers your entire body. OSHA requires your employer to provide the right category of PPE based on identified risks at each jobsite. Additional requirements for an employer include regular testing of PPE to include proper care and upkeep.
Other agencies, including the American National Standards Institute, set standards for equipment. Industry-specific agencies also guide electrical work in specific settings, such as maritime and general industry.
Choosing the Right Electrical PPE
The right PPE for each job protects you from injuries and even death. It also protects your employer from legal consequences and fines for noncompliance. Start choosing PPE by assessing your worksite. If you’re working indoors, in tight spaces, with outdated wiring, or with complex commercial systems, look for higher-rated PPE. If you’re working outdoors or on sites without power or at a distance from arc flash hazards, you can wear fewer layers of PPE. Use the NFPA 70E standards to determine what level of PPE you need based on the voltage on your site.
Get familiar with the arc flash protection ratings listed in the NFPA 70E. They will tell you how much incident energy you’re exposed to before getting a second-degree burn. For example, if you are working near an arc flash of 600 volts with an energy output of 3.7 cal/cm2, Category 2 PPE would help to keep you safe.
5 Electrical Safety Tips for Every Electrician
Safety for electricians is improved by making your PPE more effective with these tips:
- Regularly inspect your PPE for damage such as cracks, tears, burns, and contamination from jobsite chemicals. Keep your PPE clean and make sure it fits.
- Get proper training on how to use your PPE. Attend refresher courses, including those offered by Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC).
- Follow safety precautions and risk control on each site. Before working, assess each site for energized conductors and equipment, flammable surface materials, and other risks. Keep your distance from overhead utility lines.
- Replace your PPE If you notice cracks or substantial wear and tear, get new PPE. Check manufacturer recommendations regarding equipment lifespan. Follow a five-year replacement cycle for arc flash equipment.
- Attend workplace training or join industry organizations to stay updated on new industry standards and regulations.
Protect Yourself and Your Team With Proper Electrical PPE
Electrical work can be personally and financially rewarding, but it’s also risky, so you’ll want to protect yourself with the right PPE. IEC offers helpful PPE resources and connects you with other professionals. Become a member today.