Electrical Engineering PPE

Electrical Engineering PPE ( Electrical PPE ) is Electrical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The Electrical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) program provides requirements to ensure electrical workers are protected from electrical hazards while working on electrical equipment. Employees who work with electrical equipment shall be provided with appropriate electrical PPE and be knowledgeable in the selection, use, limitations, inspection, donning, doffing, and maintenance of PPE.

Introduction

This electrical personal protective equipment procedure provides guidelines for determining when electrical PPE is required and how to select, use and maintain Electrical Engineering PPE ( Electrical PPE ). This procedure describes Electrical Engineering PPE ( Electrical PPE ) hazards, including electrical shock and burns, arc flash burns, arc-blast impacts, and other potential electrical safety hazards. Refer to NFPA 70E for additional guidance.

Electrical Engineering PPE ( Electrical PPE ) Terms

Arc Flash Risk Assessment

Arc Flash Suit

Arc Hazard

Arc Rating

Boundary

Boundary, Arc Flash

Boundary, Shock Protection

Boundary, Limited Approach

Boundary, Restricted Approach

De-energized

Electrically Safe Work Condition

Energized

Exposed

Hazard

Hazardous

Incident Energy

Live Parts

Maintenance

PPE

Shock Hazard

Qualified Person

Unqualified Person

Working Distance

Working Near

Working On

Responsibilities

• Supervisors, Departments, and Managers
  1. Ensure that hazards of tasks are evaluated to determine what protective equipment is required by using a documented PPE Hazard Assessment Form.
  2. Ensure that employees are provided with and use electrical personal protective equipment.
  3. Ensure employees receive training in the selection, use, limitations, inspection, donning, doffing, and maintenance of PPE and maintain documentation of such training.
  4. Understand the proper use of the precautionary techniques, applicable electrical policies and procedures, PPE, insulating and shielding materials, and insulated tools and test equipment.
• Employees
  1. Follow safe work practices described in this procedure.
  2. Attend all training required relative to this program.
  3. Use electrical PPE as required.
  4. Report any concerns related to electrical safety personal protective equipment to their supervisor.

Electrical Hazards

• Electrical Engineering PPE ( Electrical PPE ) workers are exposed to electrical hazards when working on or near electrical equipment that may be energized at or above 50 volts AC or DC. Working near electrical equipment means placing any body part within the limited approach, restricted approach, or arc flash boundaries.
• Electrical Engineering PPE ( Electrical PPE ) hazards include shock hazards and arc flash hazards.
• Shock Hazard:
  1. The level of shock hazard is determined by the voltage to which the employee may be exposed. PPE is selected based on the level of shock hazard.
  2. Mandatory Appendix B specifies the shock protective PPE and other shock protective equipment required.
  3. Shock protective PPE is required for parts of the body potentially exposed to the shock hazard.
• Arc Flash Hazard:
  1. Arc flash hazards are determined by the incident energy in the electrical equipment and must be determined by calculation or using appropriate NFPA 70E tables. Arc rated PPE must provide protection at or above the rated incident energy level or PPE category level.
  2. Typically, arc rated PPE incudes apparel that protects all body parts.
• Approach Boundaries
  1. Limited and restricted approach boundaries for shock protection are described in Mandatory Appendix C for AC and DC Systems. Electrical PPE is required when working on or near equipment within the limited or restricted approach boundary.
  2. The arc flash boundary is identified in Mandatory Appendix D for AC systems and Mandatory Appendix E for DC systems. Arc rated PPE is required for working on or near equipment within the arc flash boundary

Other Hazards:

• Electrical Engineering PPE ( Electrical PPE )Working on or near electrical equipment may expose employees to other hazards including falls from elevation, slips, trips, or falls, lacerations from sharp edges or tools, pinch and nip points and rotating equipment from electrical driven gears and motors, heat, cold, or burns, and atmospheric hazards when working in confined or enclosed spaces.
• These hazards must also be considered when selecting PPE for electrical hazards.

General Requirements for Electrical PPE

• NC State will provide electrical PPE required by this program. Qualified employees shall use appropriately rated shock and arc rated PPE for the specific body part to be protected, as specified by the manufacturer.
• Electrical Engineering PPE ( Electrical PPE ) shall be tested and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Employees are responsible for providing compliant under layers of clothing made from natural fibers.
• Exposed body parts shall be protected with nonconductive materials.
• Protective equipment and clothing intended for protection from an arc flash must be rated by the manufacturer for use in the environment where the energized equipment is located.
• Arc rated clothing is tested and rated as an assembly.
  1. Qualified employee shall always use all components of the assembly required by the manufacturer.
  2. Qualified employees shall not mix components from other arc rated manufacturers unless permitted to by the manufacturer. Specific under layers, undergarments, safety glasses, and hearing protection devices are typically not specified by the manufacturers of arc rated outer wear.

PPE Hazard Assessments

• General Requirements
  1. PPE hazard assessments shall be performed, using the PPE Hazard Assessment Form, to determine if hazards are present or are likely to be present which require the use of personal protective equipment per 29CFR1910, Subpart I, 29CFR1926, Subpart E, and NFPA 70E.
  2. For each task, determine the electrical hazards and potential electrical hazards to all parts of the body and determine what PPE provides appropriate protection.
  3. For arc flash protection, Mandatory Appendix F describes specific tasks for which arc rated PPE is or is not required.
• Body Protection Information

Appendix G Body Part Information provides information on the selection of PPE to protect the body from injury.  Determine PPE requirements for specific body parts, as listed below.

1. Head and Face protection:
   • Nonconductive hardhats shall be worn when whenever there is a danger of head injury from electric shock or burns due to contact with live parts or from flying objects resulting from an electrical arc flash explosion.
   • Arc rated hoods protect the entire head.
   • Balaclavas fit over the head to cover the forehead, cheeks and chin. This protection extends down to shield the neck over a full 360 degrees. In addition the front of the balaclava can be pulled up over the mouth to provide additional protection for the face. The protective mask does not cover the eyes
2. Eye protection:

1. Employees shall wear PPE for the eyes and face whenever there is a danger of injury from electric arcs, flashes, or from flying objects resulting from an electrical explosion.

• Face shields with the appropriate arc flash rating (in cal/cm²) shall be used for electrical work. Safety glasses or goggles must always be worn underneath face shields.
• Nonconductive safety glasses or goggles are to be worn.
• Eye protection may be tinted to protect from flash injury. If necessary, use additional illumination when using tinted face shields during electrical work.

1. Torso and Limb protection:
   1. Employees shall wear nonconductive protection for the torso and limb whenever there is danger of injury from exposure to electric arcs, flashes, or from flying objects resulting from an electrical arc flash explosion.

• Electrical workers shall wear arc rated natural fiber apparel such as long sleeve shirts, long pants, jackets, coats, bib overalls, or coveralls to protect the torso and limbs from arc flash hazards.
• Electrical Engineering PPE ( Electrical PPE ) must be arc rated at or above the incident energy or category level of the equipment being worked on.

1. Hearing protection :

Hearing protection is required when working in the arc flash boundary. Hearing protective inserts are used to protect the employee in the event of an arc blast. The sound pressure level of an arc flash incident could exceed 140 decibels.

1. Hand protection:
   1. Employees shall wear rubber-insulating gloves and properly sized leather protectors where there is a danger of hand or arm injury due to contact with live parts or possible exposure to arc flash burn.
   2. Rubber gloves are used for shock protection. Rubber gloves must be tested after each use if not worn with leather protectors.

• Rubber and leather protective sleeves shall be worn together in combination

1. Foot protection:

Electrical workers shall wear leather EH-rated footwear. Shoes should be clean and free of oil and debris.

1. Under Garments:
   • Employees are responsible for providing compliant under layers of clothing that must be made from natural fibers.
   • Non-melting flammable garments (i.e. cotton, wool, rayon, silk, or blends of these materials) may be used as under layers beneath AR apparel.
   • Conductive items should not be worn underneath protective clothing. Examples include jewelry, metal belt buckles, rings, bracelets
   • Meltable fibers such as acetate, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or spandex shall not be permitted in fabric undergarments next to the skin. An incidental amount of elastic used on non-melting fabric underwear or socks is allowed.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Selection and Use

• Shock and Arc Rated Electrical Engineering PPE ( Electrical PPE )
  1. Shock protective equipment selection must be determined based on the voltage. Mandatory Appendix B describes shock protective PPE and other shock protective equipment.
  2. Arc rated PPE selection can be determined by incident energy level or by category method. The incident energy method (IE) is the preferred method.
     1. Incident Energy Method: Arc Rated PPE is based on Incident Energy levels of the equipment to be worked on. Labels on equipment may indicate the incident energy level which can then be used to select PPE. See Appendix H for sample labels.

• Arc Rated PPE is required for incident energy levels above 1.2 cal/cm².
• For each piece of equipment, determine the incident energy by calculation.
• Label equipment to indicate the calculated IE level.
• IE level may also be indicated on the single line diagrams.
• Select PPE rated for the calculated IE level or higher.
  1. Category Method (also called the “Table Method”)
• PPE determination using the Category Method (Table Method) may only be done by a Qualified Person.
• The planned work must exactly match the equipment and conditions specified in the applicable appendix. If any equipment conditions or parameters are not specified in the appendix, the category method cannot be used.
• Mandatory Appendix D identifies the PPE Category required for working on the specified equipment and operating parameters for AC systems. Appendix D also specifies the arc flash boundary distance.
• Mandatory Appendix E identifies the PPE Category required for working on the specified equipment and operating parameters for DC systems. Appendix E also specifies the arc flash boundary distance.
• Mandatory Appendix I specifies the required PPE assembly for each category.

• • All components of the assembly are required.
  • Clothing and undergarments worn under arc rated PPE must be natural fiber.
  • Leather footwear must be EH rated.

• Electrical PPE Selection and Use
  1. PPE hazard Assessment – Use Mandatory PPE Hazard Assessment Form.
     • Determine the task to be performed.
     • Identify Required PPE.
  2. Inspect PPE for deficiencies before use. Inspection Guidance can be found in Mandatory Appendix J
  3. Don PPE
     • Undergarments must be made of natural fibers or non-melting flammable garments
     • Exposed body parts must be protected from the electrical hazard
     • Use PPE according to manufacturers’ requirements
     • Use ALL required PPE
  4. Perform Task wearing required PPE
  5. Properly maintain and store PPE according to Appendix J

Care and Maintenance, Mandatory Appendix J

PPE must be maintained in a safe, reliable condition and shall be inspected or tested as required by the manufacturer and OSHA 29CFR1910.137(c). Specific requirements can be found in Mandatory Appendix J. Protective items that may be contaminated with grease, oil, flammable liquids or combustible liquids shall not be used. Manufacturer’s apparel instructions shall be followed.

Training

• Employees who are exposed to an electrical hazard, and their supervisors, are required to know the following:
  1. When PPE is necessary
  2. What PPE is necessary
  3. How to properly, don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE
  4. The limitations of the PPE
  5. The proper inspection, care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE.
• Re-training is required when:
  1. Changes in the workplace require additional or new types of PPE
  2. Changes in the types of PPE to be used require new information be provided

Use of PPE indicate that the employee lack understandi

Electrical Works – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

To protect the employee’s body from injury Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be used.

Basic PPE consists of:

Cotton protective clothing with long sleeves

Helmet or hard hat

Goggles for eye protection

Gloves (leather or rubber)

Hearing protectors

Safety footwear

Figure 1 shows examples of PPE.

Examples of Electrical Engineering PPE ( Electrical PPE )

Figure 1 – Examples of PPE

Also Read: Emergency Planning for Safety & Protection in Industries & Installations

Helmets normally need be worn only when working on outdoor switchgear, where they serve to protect against falling objects and collisions with solid objects at head height. Outdoor substations should always be considered ‘safety helmet’ areas and helmet wear made compulsory.

Hearing protectors are only required when the in a noisy situation, that can occur during construction works.

Eye protection should be worn when working with hazardous fluids, particularly mineral oil, to prevent splashes into the eye. They should always be worn when washing down the internal parts of oil circuit breakers.

Safety footwear should be routinely worn in all working areas and the shoes or boots should incorporate steel toe-cap and non slip soles.

Specific works require specific protective equipment.

Safety harness should be worn when working at any height greater than 1.5 m above ground level and a full harness equipped with a connector is preferred. Fall arrest equipment may be necessary when working at high level. Harnesses should be chosen that are suitable for their intended application and should be of a design that will support the user in the correct position. A harness should be comfortable, allowing adequate movement of the user and the unhindered operation of other devices within the system.

Depending on the conditions of the work a sit harnesses may be necessary; sit harness has lateral and central attachment points and are designed primarily to be used for work in suspension, although they may also be used for work restraint purposes.

Respirators can also be necessary when a leakage of SF6 is suspected. Although SF6 is not toxic, it degrades under the heat of arcing to gases.

When performing energized works or switching operations insulated gloves and dielectric shoes are required.

The gloves must be tested and suitable for the working voltage. Labeling chart for insulated gloves according to ANSI/ASTM (ANSI: American National Standards Institute. ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials) Standard D120 is shown in Figure 2.

Natural rubber electrical insulating labeling chart labeling chart

Fig 2- Natural rubber electrical insulating labeling chart labeling chart

Also Read: All About Electrical Protection Systems, Devices And Units

Electrical Engineering PPE ( Electrical PPE ) for Arc Flash

When a risk of arc flash exists, the selection of PPE and its characteristics can be done as a consequence of the calculation of the incident arc energy or consulting a hazard category classification table, being one of those tables can be found at NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Standard 70E.

Protective equipment for arc flash, as shown in Figure 3 consists of:

Flame resistant protective clothing

Arc Flash protection hood

Hard hat

Safety glasses

Gloves

Arc flash protective clothing

Arc flash protective clothing

About the Author: Manuel Bolotinha

-Licentiate Degree in Electrical Engineering – Energy and Power Systems (1974 – Instituto Superior Técnico/University of Lisbon)

– Master Degree in Electrical and Computers Engineering (2017 – Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia/Nova University of Lisbon)

– Senior Consultant in Substations and Power Systems; Professional Instructor

TagsArc flash protective clothingASTM labeling chartExamples of PPEPersonal Protective EquipmentPPE

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Electrical Engineering PPE ( Electrical PPE ) – personal protection equipment

What is personal protective equipment (PPE) and why is it important? Each year, The Annual Fluke Safety Survey shows a trend toward skipping wearing proper PPE because it’s inconvenient. Yet, we know that PPE is really your last line of defense to remain safe in an arc flash or arc blast environment.

The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and NFPA create robust guidelines and regulations around jobsite safety. NFPA 70E, the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, details the requirements and the PPE required for safe work practices. While NFPA 70E standards are not required by law, they were written to help meet the requirements that OSHA does requires by law. In order to figure out what PPE is necessary in certain environments; you need to start by conducting a hazard assessment.

What are PPE requirements?

A hazard assessment not only tells you what Electrical Engineering PPE ( Electrical PPE ) is required for the jobsite, but it is also the first step toward developing a safety program. It should serve as your foundation for creating a safe work environment. You need to identify the potential hazards in the workplace, both physical and health related.

Potential health hazards are things like exposure to harmful dust, chemicals or radiation. Physical hazards can include a broad variety of workplace areas including, but not limited to:

• Moving objects
• Sharp edges
• Potential for falling objects
• Electrical connections
• Extreme temperatures

As you conduct a walkthrough of the jobsite, you’ll want to document every possible hazard. The information can be organized later, and the proper PPE determined to protect employees from each hazard. The jobsite should also be periodically reassessed to ensure any changes are considered, and the PPE levels set are enough.

Selecting proper PPE

Once the hazard assessment is completed, remove any hazards you can. Keep hierarchy of control’s in mind as you set up your plan. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) ordered these controls in order from what is most effective to what is least effective in protecting workers’ safety.

1. Eliminate the hazard
2. Substitute less hazardous equipment or materials
3. Engineer controls to reduce exposure or severity
4. Warning, signs and other communications
5. Administrative controls; including safe work practices
6. Personal protective equipment

If you’ve gone through the hierarchy and come to PPE as the final step, come up with a list of PPE for electrical work. You should follow NFPA 70E guidelines to select the minimum PPE standards for areas you noted in the assessment. Table 130.5(C), or the Table Method of NFPA 70E helps to estimate the likelihood of an occurrence of an arc flash incident in different AC and DC systems and whether PPE should be required.

The table is a minimum requirement level. It is always a good idea to not just meet the minimum safety requirements, but to exceed standards. OSHA requires many of the PPE categories meet standards developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for these three types of PPE:

• Eye and face protections,
• Head protection and
• Foot protection.

ANSI doesn’t have a standard for gloves, but OSHA recommended the selection be based upon the tasks being performed.

PPE training

As part of OSHA’s standards, employers are required to train employees who need to wear electrical PPE about what to wear when, how to wear it correctly, properly maintain it, dispose of it, and its limitations.

Understanding the limitations of PPE is an important aspect of the training because wearing the proper protective clothing should be viewed as last line of defense in case of arc flash. PPE is not fool proof. When combined with good safety practices, PPE provides the best possible outcome in the event of an arc flash or arc blast.

Including PPE training as part of your regular safety training can also help keep all employees up to date on any changes and give you a chance to review the effectiveness of your electrical PPE measures. That safety training should make sure everyone is taking the appropriate steps to prevent arc flash incidents and minimize their occurrences. Wearing and using proper PPE needs to be one of those steps. It will reduce your injuries and could save your life.

7 Important Electrical PPE: Basic Personal Protective Equipment for Safety

Welcome to Twipake limited , we will explore the crucial topic of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for electrical works. When working with electricity, it is essential to prioritize safety to prevent any accidents and protect human lives. Personal Protective Equipment plays an important role in safeguarding electrical workers from potential hazards and risks. In this guide, we will discuss different types of PPEs, their importance and usage. Let’s dive in to learn more about PPEs for electrical works.

Understanding the Importance of PPE for Electrical Works

In the world of electrical works, safety should always be the top priority. Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) plays an important role in ensuring the safety of electrical professionals. It serves as a vital safeguard, shielding workers from potential hazards and ensuring their safety on the workspace. PPE plays a pivotal role in reducing the risks of electrical shock and arc flash incidents, which could have severe consequences.

Insulated gloves, for example, acts as a barrier against electrical currents, preventing harmful contact and reducing the risk of electrocution. Similarly, face shields and flame-resistant clothing provides essential protection against arc and flashes and potential burns, offering peace of mind in high-risk environments. Helmets are important for safeguarding the head from falling objects, minimizing the risk of head injuries.

Eye and face protection, hand and arm protection, as well as foot protection, contribute to the overall safety equation, safeguarding workers against various potential hazards they may encounter. Proper utilization of PPE is important in creating a secure work environment and promoting the safety of electrical professionals.

Types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Electrical Work

1. Helmet

A helmet is an essential PPE that protects the head from falling objects and potential head injuries. It acts as a shield, providing vital protection against impact and electrical hazards. By wearing a sturdy and properly fitted helmet, electrical workers can reduce the risk of head injuries and ensure their safety on the workplace.

2. Face Shields/Safety Goggles:

Face shields and safety goggles are used for shielding the eyes and face from debris, sparks, arc flashes and chemicals. These protective devices provide a barrier against potential facial injuries. By wearing face shields or safety goggles, electrical workers can maintain clear vision and protect themselves from hazardous substances and flying particles.

3. Insulated Hand Gloves

Insulated hand gloves are a key component of electrical PPEs. These gloves are made from insulating materials such as rubber that provide a barrier against electric shock and prevent direct contact with live electrical components. Wearing properly insulated gloves is essential for electrical workers to perform tasks safely and minimize the risk of electrical shock.

4. Rubber Mat

Rubber mats are used as an insulating surface to protect workers from electric shock when working on electrical panels or equipment. Placing a rubber mat on the floor creates a safe working environment by isolating workers from the ground, which prevents the current flow through human body to the ground. It is crucial to ensure that the rubber mat is in good condition and free from any damage.

5. Safety Shoes

Safety shoes are designed to protect the feet from various hazards, including electrical shocks, falling objects, and punctures. Electrical workers often work in environments where the risk of electrical hazards is high. Safety shoes with electrical hazard protection and sturdy construction provide the necessary foot protection and ensure stability and comfort during electrical works.

6. Flame Resistant Clothes

Flame-resistant clothes are designed to protect against arc flash incidents and potential fire hazards. These specialized garments are made from materials that self-extinguish when exposed to flames, reducing the risk of severe burns. FR clothes are a vital component of electrical PPEs, providing a layer of protection against heat and flames.

7. Harnesses (for working at heights)

Harnesses are essential for working at heights and preventing fall-related injuries. When electrical workers need to work on elevated platforms or in elevated areas, using a harness and associated fall protection equipment is essential. Wearing and securing the harness properly keeps workers safe. It reduces the chances of getting injured from falls.

Inspection of PPEs on a Daily Basis:

Regular inspection of PPEs is required to ensure their effectiveness and reliability. Electrical workers must follow these steps to inspect their PPEs on a daily basis before using any PPE:

1. Visual Inspection:Examine each PPE for any signs of damage, wear, or deterioration. Check for cracks, tears, or any visible defects that may compromise its functionality.
2. Proper Functionality:Ensure that all fasteners, buckles, and straps on PPEs are in good working condition. Confirm that they can be securely fastened and adjusted as needed. Hand gloves can be checked by inflating them to make sure they are not punctured.
3. Cleanliness:Keep PPEs clean and free from dirt, chemicals, or other substances that may affect their performance. For example, cleaning face shields before use for clear visibility. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance.
4. Replacement:Any PPE found to be damaged or not functioning correctly should be immediately replaced with a new one to ensure continuous protection.

Final Words

Electrical Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) are essential tools that safeguards electrical workers from potential hazards and minimizes the risk of injuries. By wearing helmets, face shields/safety goggles, insulated hand gloves, rubber mats, safety shoes and other PPEs, electrical professionals can create a secure working environment for themselves. Daily inspection of PPEs is required to ensures their reliability and effectiveness in protection against electrical hazards. Prioritizing the use and maintenance of PPEs is an important step towards promoting safety and well-being in the field of electrical engineering.