Working with electricity can be extremely dangerous, and just about every industry deals with it in some shape or form. Staff in construction, installation, and maintenance positions are some of the most exposed when dealing with electrical currents and wiring. While there are some basic standards and practices that need to be followed to maintain a safe work environment, each specific job and task requires an individual risk assessment to keep workers safe.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can be used across a variety of industries and job applications. Below are some items specifically suited to use for electrical safety.
Electrical Insulating Gloves
With burns being one of the main injuries for electrical workers, gloves are an important piece of safety equipment. When burns occur, they typically affect the hands and forearms. Safety gloves can not only protect against burns, but they can also provide some cut and abrasion protection.
Electrical Insulating Gloves - Class 00 (500V working voltage), prevent electrical currents travelling through the hands and earthing. They are available in 500 volts (class 00) and 1000 volt (class 0) protection (higher working voltages are also available on request).
Outer gloves like the Goat Skin Outer Gloves are designed to prevent damage to the expensive insulating glove without compromising dexterity.
Hi-Vis Arc Flash Clothing
Arc flash and flame-resistant clothing can increase visibility and reduce struck-by hazards while also protecting against burns caused by an arc flash incident. Hi-Vis Arc Flash workwear is a must-have for electrical contractors for daily FR protection and improved visibility when working with live electricity, particularly on switchboards and in high voltage situations.
Foot Protection
Heavy duty work boots provide some electrical hazard protection, but care should be taken to ensure the safety boots you are using are suitable if working with electricity. A good example of boots for the electrical industry is the Steel Blue 827539 TORQUAY EH Lace Up Non Conductive Safety Boots, which offer secondary protection for accidental contact with live electrical currents. Another boot on the list is the 982 Zip Sided Chemical Resistant Leather Boots from Blundstone as it is resistant to electrical hazards. Another one is the Oliver 45-632 Lace Up Safety Boots W/ Composite Cap that offers Electrical Hazard (EH) Protection which reduces the danger of accidental contact with live electrical circuits in accordance with ASTM F2413-1.
Flame Resistant Workwear
Hi-Vis Flame resistant clothing protects workers from burns in areas with sparks, open flame, and other potential fire hazards. All arc flash clothing is flame-resistant but not all flame-resistant clothing is arc flash rated. Different garment types are often worn together to provide more coverage.
Southland Supply Group offers a wide range of electrical safety equipment and clothing including hi-vis and arc flash PPE which are a part of every electrical contractor’s daily workwear. Contact our customer support for more information regarding your electrical safety clothing equipment questions or reach out to a sales rep to discuss your specific needs. You may reach us at 1800 77 22 91 or webstore@southland.com.au