Electric arcs and electrical shocks are the main hazards that electricians must protect themselves against. When working on an active construction site, greater visibility protection should also be taken into consideration. Arc Flash blankets and kits are essential for higher voltage equipment. Contractors and workers in this industry must take precautions to avoid harmful exposure to these hazards and must wear electrical safety clothing to reduce injuries that could result from these incidents.
When selecting rubber gloves for voltage, choose a larger size when measuring if a hand is between two sizes. Electric arc blankets, also called arc suppression blankets, are designed for use in underground work, in confined spaces and to provide a protective barrier against irregularly shaped linear hardware. They can also be used to cover equipment that is not in use, but is located in the vicinity of places where energized equipment may be connected. Hearing protectors are only necessary in noisy situations, which may occur during construction work. Safety footwear should be used routinely in all work areas and shoes or boots should incorporate a steel toe cap and non-slip soles.
Electrical professionals use insulating helmets to protect themselves from blows to the head and falling objects. These preventive measures are certified to comply with NF EN 50365 standards. Helmets are common and are one of the basic safety equipment for electricians. Its use prevents the electrician from suffering an electrical short circuit or the fall of objects in the workplace. This can be verified from the helmet they have to wear at all times to fully protected equipment when accessing hazardous electrical installations.
Always perform an evaluation of electrical arcs before determining the type and classification of safety clothing needed for any electrical work. There are two types of personal protective equipment that electricians and contractors must use while on the site of an electrical project. If the work is carried out near a publicly accessible road, type R, class 2 or 3 high-visibility clothing is needed. Before applying preventive measures, the employer must identify the risks due to electrical current for each electrician. Therefore, electricians must wear safety shoes and shoe covers to protect themselves from parasitic tension in the floor. It is much easier to perform the electrician's tasks while maintaining an appropriate safety approach.
Type O, or off-road vehicle, can be used when not working near high-volume vehicle equipment on publicly accessible roads. This may include splicing wires where tiny parts could injure the electrician's eye or face. The ANSI 107 high-visibility safety clothing standards determine the type of color and amount of reflective material that workers need, based on their proximity to roads and certain traffic levels. For electricians, the personal protective equipment they use must protect them from the elements and another layer of protection against open electrical currents. Electrical contractors must follow the guidelines established by OSHA, from protective equipment to safety procedures in electrical projects.
Electricians must be aware of their environment and avoid coming into direct contact with electricity. These personal protective equipment for electricians are useful during lockout procedures, when the worker is carrying out installation operations or maintenance. When electricians' eyes and faces are exposed to an electric arc, it is necessary to use a face shield with UV protection to protect the eyes. The protective equipment includes rubber insulation and a hard cover that protects them from direct contact with electrical devices.
