What is electrical PPE?

Several industries require electrical PPE to protect workers from electrical hazards. These industries include:

Workers in electrical and utility services, such as electricians, power line technicians and electrical engineers, frequently handle high-voltage power lines, transformers and substations. These environments pose significant risks of electric shock, arc flash explosions, and burns.

The construction industry often involves electrical installations, wiring, and the operation of power tools on job sites. Workers often encounter exposed electrical components and temporary power systems, increasing the risk of electrical accidents.

Industrial manufacturing facilities rely on electrical machinery, automated systems, and high-power equipment. Workers maintaining or repairing machines are at risk of electrical shocks and arc flashes.

The oil and gas industry involves hazardous environments where electrical equipment operates in explosive atmospheres. This poses the risk of arc flashes, static electricity, and equipment malfunctions, which can ignite fires or explosions.

The renewable energy sector, including solar and wind power, involves working with electrical installations, power inverters and battery storage systems. Here, technicians often work at heights on wind turbines or in solar farms where electrical hazards are present.

Telecommunications technicians install and maintain electrical systems in cell towers, data centres and networking facilities. These workers frequently handle power cables and electrical panels, exposing them to electrical hazards.

Firefighter, paramedic, and other emergency response uniforms are designed for those that often encounter live electrical wires and malfunctioning electrical equipment in emergency situations.

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has introduced new electrical hazards for automotive mechanics and engineers. High-voltage battery systems in EVs, which are built and serviced by these workers, require special handling to prevent electrical shocks.

Insulated gloves and sleeves are essential for protecting workers from electric shock when handling live electrical components. These gloves are made from high-dielectric rubber and are designed to prevent electrical current from passing through the body, and are classified by voltage ratings to ensure proper protection. 

Workers must always inspect gloves for any signs of damage, such as holes or tears, before use. To enhance durability, insulated gloves should be worn with leather protectors, which prevent punctures and abrasions. 

Arc-rated clothing is specifically designed to protect workers from arc flash hazards, which generate intense heat and can cause severe burns. 

This clothing is made from flame-resistant materials that do not ignite, melt, or continue to burn when exposed to electrical arcs. Common arc-rated clothing includes FR shirts, pants, coveralls, and jackets.

Face shields and arc flash hoods provide critical protection for the face, neck and head against arc flash burns and flying debris. Standard safety face shields do not offer arc flash protection, so workers must use arc-rated ones. 

In high-risk environments, full arc flash hoods are required, offering complete coverage with a built-in face shield. These hoods are often used in conjunction with arc-rated balaclavas to provide an extra layer of protection, ensuring that workers are shielded from intense thermal energy and harmful light emissions during an arc flash incident.

Safety glasses and goggles protect the eyes from flying debris, sparks, and harmful radiation caused by electrical work. 

All workers in electrical environments need to wear impact-resistant safety glasses. In areas where there is a risk of an arc flash, workers should wear arc-rated goggles or safety glasses with side shields to prevent debris from entering the eyes.

Dielectric boots and shoes are specifically designed to prevent electrical current from passing through a worker’s body when standing on energized surfaces. 

These boots are made from insulating materials that resist electricity, reducing the risk of electrocution in high-voltage environments. Workers operating in wet or damp conditions must use dielectric footwear to avoid electrical conductivity through the ground. 

These boots also provide slip resistance and additional durability, making them essential for electrical workers in power plants, construction sites and industrial facilities.

Electrical workers are often exposed to loud noises caused by arc flashes, electrical explosions and heavy machinery. Prolonged exposure to high-decibel sounds can lead to hearing damage or permanent hearing loss. 

Hearing protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs, helps to reduce noise levels and protect workers' ears in loud environments. In areas where arc flash incidents are a risk, workers should wear hearing protection rated for high-noise environments, to mitigate potential damage from sudden electrical blasts.

Hard hats protect workers from falling objects and electrical contact, especially in industrial and construction settings. Electrical-grade hard hats are classified based on their level of insulation and protection against electrical hazards. 

These helmets are essential for workers exposed to overhead electrical lines, preventing serious head injuries caused by accidental contact with energized conductors or falling debris.

Electrical PPE should be rated for the specific voltage levels workers may encounter. Insulated gloves, tools,and dielectric boots must meet the required protection level to prevent electric shock.

Arc-rated and flame-resistant clothing are crucial for protecting against arc flash incidents. Look for PPE made from self-extinguishing materials like treated cotton, which prevent ignition and do not melt when exposed to high temperatures.

PPE such as gloves, tools, and footwear should be made from non-conductive, high-dielectric materials to prevent electricity from passing through the body. In particular, dielectric boots should be tested for electrical resistance, to ensure they effectively prevent ground conduction.

Electrical PPE clothing must be resistant to wear, punctures and abrasions to ensure long-lasting protection. 

For example, rubber insulating gloves should be paired with leather protectors to prevent cuts and extend their lifespan. Similarly, arc-rated clothing should maintain its protective qualities even after multiple washes and extended use.

Since electrical work often requires extended wear of PPE, comfort is a key factor. Lightweight, breathable materials help reduce heat stress, while ergonomic designs ensure ease of movement. Gloves should provide dexterity for precise tasks, and arc flash suits should be designed for flexibility and ventilation to improve worker comfort.

Ill-fitting PPE can compromise safety and effectiveness. Gloves should fit snugly without restricting movement, whilst electrical PPE clothing should allow for layering when necessary. Hard hats and face shields should also have adjustable headgear to provide a secure fit. 

You need to ensure that electrical PPE meets or exceeds industry safety regulations, including:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 
• The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
• Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018

Electrical and arc flash PPE also needs to meet BS EN Standards. These include: 

• BS EN 60903 - Insulating gloves for electrical work.
• BS EN 61482-1-1 and 1-2 - Arc flash protection for clothing and PPE.
• BS EN 50321-1 - Insulating footwear for electrical protection.
• BS EN 166 - Eye protection against electrical hazards.
• BS EN 397 - Industrial safety helmets, including electrical protection.
• BS EN 50110 - Operation of electrical installations, including PPE use.
• BS EN 1149 - Ensures anti-static properties to prevent ignition from static discharge.

For more information on the consequences of PPE non-compliance, refer to our guide

High-visibility PPE with reflective strips enhances worker safety in low-light conditions, such as electrical utility work. Gloves, tools and clothing should also have clear labels and markings indicating voltage ratings and compliance standards to ensure proper selection.

Electrical safety clothing must undergo regular testing and certification to ensure continued effectiveness. For example, rubber gloves should be dielectrically tested every six months, whilst arc flash clothing should be inspected for wear and tear. 

PPE should come with certification labels and testing dates to verify compliance with safety standards.

Your electrical PPE should be able to withstand harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme heat, cold, moisture, and chemicals. Waterproof dielectric boots, UV-resistant gloves, and weatherproof arc flash suits are essential for outdoor electrical work. Choosing PPE that can endure challenging work environments ensures consistent protection.