Use of Protective Equipment

Employees working in areas where there are potential electrical hazards must be provided with, and must use, electrical protective equipment that is appropriate for the specific parts of the body to be protected and for the work to be performed.

Employers must ensure that protective equipment is maintained in a safe, reliable condition and is periodically inspected or tested, as required by 29 CFR 1910.137. Employers must provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to electrical workers within facilities with large and diverse electrical systems. Such PPE must meet minimum arc-rated clothing requirements as outlined by the NFPA.

Employers must provide insulated, protective gloves for operators of jack-hammers, bars, or other hand tools which may contact a line in work areas where the exact location of underground electric powerlines is unknown. Workers handling batteries or acids must have face shields, aprons, and rubber gloves. There must be eye wash and body wash stations within 25 feet of battery-handling areas.

Employees must wear nonconductive head protection wherever there is a danger of head injury from electrical shock or burns due to contact with exposed energized parts. Employees must wear protective equipment for the eyes or face wherever there is danger of injury to the eyes or face from electrical arcs or flashes, or from flying objects resulting from electrical explosion.

When working near exposed energized conductors or circuit parts, each employee must use insulated tools or handling equipment if the tools or handling equipment might touch such conductors or parts. If the insulating capability of insulated tools or handling equipment is subject to damage, the insulating material must be protected.

Whenever employees are working near exposed energized parts that might be accidentally contacted, or where dangerous electrical heating or arcing might occur, employees must use protective shields, protective barriers, or insulating materials to protect themselves from shocks, burns, or other electrical-related injuries. When normally enclosed live parts are exposed for maintenance or repair, they must be guarded to protect unqualified people from contact with the live parts.

To learn more about Construction Electrical Safety visit our Construction Electrical Safety Online Training web page.