Electrical-PPE and clothing
An electrician sustained a fatal electric shock whilst carrying out work inside a low voltage switchboard. The licensed electrician had carried out some electrical tests on a compressor. The compressor had been taken to the switchboard and then directly wired to the switchboard. At the conclusion of the tests, the electrician attempted to re-attach insulating tape to the terminals he had been using within the switchboard. One of his hands came into contact with the adjacent live terminals, resulting in death.
Also known as safety gear! PPE, as it's known in the business, includes things like safety helmets, glasses, footwear, insulated gloves and mats. 'Rated' protective gloves are designed for live electrical work and are rated according to the level of voltage they are unable to insulate against
You should have all this clothing explained to you and be given training on how to use the equipment.
- safety helmets shouldn't be able to conduct electricity. They provide protection from overhead wires, structures and falling objects
- safety glasses protect you from electrical arcing and flying objects
- insulating gloves protect you from electric shock, but shouldn’t be the only thing you use The gloves need to be 'rated' according to the level of voltage they are able to insulate against and tested to see if they work effectively
- safety footwear should be boots that don't conduct electricity
- insulating mats should be used when you are working with electricity. They must never be the only means of protecting you from electric shock
What sort of clothing should you wear when working with electricity?
Your clothing should:
- cover your legs and arms
- have covered buttons
- be made from cotton or other natural fibres