Hand & Arm Protection

For workers operating directly on energized equipment, the hands and arms are especially vulnerable to arc flash injury. Robust protective equipment is required for these areas to insulate against electrical current and reduce the possibility of burns. Bulky protective gloves reduce dexterity, so it is important to use the correct PPE for the task at hand, balancing protection against interference with potentially delicate work. New rubber insulating gloves must be tested for efficacy before their first use and every six months thereafter.

Leather protectors must be worn over rubber insulating gloves to provide mechanical protection against damage. Leather protectors are not required provided that there are no activities performed that risk cutting or damaging the glove. Rubber insulating gloves worn without leather protectors must be electrically retested before reuse, and the voltage rating must be reduced by 50 percent for class 00 and by one who class for classes 0-4. Changes to the 2021 NFPA 70E manual disregard tag color for classification and include minimum distance requirements between the gauntlet and cuff of gloves or sleeves.

To learn more about Arc Flash Safety visit our OSHA Construction Arc Flash Safety Online Training web page.