One of the most important questions we ask as contractors is how do we prevent and protect against workplace injury? Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a heavily regulated industry standard that helps do just that and is an essential safeguard for anyone working in environments where electrical hazards exist. Proper PPE helps minimize exposure to dangerous conditions such as electrical shock, burns, and arc flashes. Here’s a breakdown of standard electrical PPE items, their functions, requirements, and importance.
Hard Hats
Function
Hard hats are a vital part of electrical PPE that protect against head injuries from falling objects, impact, or electrical shocks. For electrical workers, they are especially critical in environments with overhead power lines or energized equipment and for working in tight spaces where there is a higher risk of head injury.
Requirements
Hard hats for electrical work must meet the standards outlined in ANSI Z89.1, classified into three categories:
Class G (General): Protects against low-voltage exposure (up to 2,200 volts).
Class E (Electrical): Offers protection against higher voltages (up to 20,000 volts).
Class C (Conductive): Not recommended for electrical work as they lack electrical insulation.
Importance
Here at Spratlin Electric Contracting we work in environments that only require Class G hard hats, but it’s important to remember that electrical shock or head trauma from falling tools can be fatal in any environment. Wearing the right hard hat reduces these risks significantly.
OSHA Requirements
Regulated under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.135, which mandates head protection for employees working in areas where there is a risk of head injury from falling objects or electrical hazards.
Safety Glasses or Goggles
Function
Safety glasses shield the eyes from debris, sparks, or harmful UV radiation from arc flashes.
Requirements
- Must meet ANSI Z87.1 standards for impact resistance.
- For arc flash protection, glasses should feature non-conductive frames and anti-fog lenses.
Importance
Electrical work often involves cutting, drilling, or working with energized equipment that can release harmful particles or flashes. Eye protection ensures long-term vision safety.
OSHA Requirements
Outlined under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133, which specifies that appropriate eye and face protection must be provided where there is a risk of injury.
Work Boots
Function
Electrical PPE also extends to what you wear on your feet. Proper EH rated work boots provide insulation to reduce the risk of electrical shock and protect feet from heavy objects or punctures.
Requirements
- Must meet ASTM F2413 standards for safety footwear.
- Boots should feature EH-rated soles to insulate against electrical hazards up to 600 volts in dry conditions.
- Slip-resistant outsoles improve stability in unpredictable environments.
Importance
A strong footing and insulation from live currents are critical for worker safety, especially in wet or uneven conditions.
OSHA Requirements
Regulated under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.136, which requires protective footwear to guard against foot injuries in hazardous environments.
Flame-Resistant Clothing
Function
Flame-resistant (FR) clothing minimizes burns during an arc flash or other fire-related incidents.
Requirements
- Must comply with NFPA 70E standards.
- Look for an appropriate Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) or Hazard Risk Category (HRC) rating based on the worksite’s electrical hazard assessment.
Importance
Arc flash incidents can release temperatures up to 35,000°F. Proper clothing acts as a barrier against severe burns.
OSHA Requirements
Addressed in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269(l)(6), which specifies protective clothing for employees exposed to arc flash hazards.
Insulated Gloves
Function
Insulated gloves protect workers from direct contact with energized components and are a requirement in all hot work (work that must be done while a panel or other component has live power running to it that cannot be disconnected).
Requirements
- Must meet ASTM D120 standards.
- Must be tested periodically to ensure integrity.
- Use leather protectors over rubber gloves to shield against cuts and abrasions.
Importance
Electrical contact injuries can be life-threatening. Gloves provide an essential layer of protection, ensuring hands stay insulated from live currents.
OSHA Requirements
Regulated under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.137, which sets guidelines for electrical protective equipment such as gloves.
Hearing Protection
Function
While hearing protection is not specific to Electrical PPE and does not protect the user from electrical hazards, it is an industry wide requirement that is very important. Earplugs, earmuffs and regulated timing in loud spaces protect against the high-decibel sounds generated during electrical discharges or arc flashes as well as loud equipment like generators and jackhammers.
Requirements
- Earplugs or earmuffs should meet OSHA standards for noise exposure, especially in environments exceeding 85 decibels.
- All areas that pose a risk to hearing or have risk of hearing damage due to long term exposure should be carefully controlled
Importance
Prolonged exposure to loud noises can lead to hearing loss, making hearing protection critical in noisy job sites.
OSHA Requirements
Covered under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95, which outlines requirements for hearing conservation programs and protective devices.
Fall Protection Gear
Function
Protects workers from falls when working at heights, often required for overhead powerline maintenance or elevated installations.
Requirements
- Equipment must comply with OSHA 1926 standards.
- Should include harnesses, lanyards, and anchorage systems rated for the appropriate weight and application.
Importance
Falls remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries. Proper gear ensures safety in elevated workspaces..
OSHA Requirements
Outlined under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502, which establishes criteria for fall protection systems.
Arc Flash Face Shields and Hoods
Function
Arc Flash Electrical PPE is among the most critical forms of PPE in the electrical industry. This equipment protects the face and neck from burns, flying debris, and intense UV light during arc flash incidents.
Requirements
- Must comply with NFPA 70E and ASTM standards for arc flash protection.
- Should have a high ATPV rating based on the incident energy level of the worksite.
Importance
Severe facial burns and eye damage from arc flashes can be life-altering. Face shields add a critical layer of defense
OSHA Requirements
Addressed under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.335, which mandates the use of appropriate protective equipment for electrical hazards.
Why Electrical PPE Compliance Matters
The consistent use of PPE is not just about following safety protocols—it’s about ensuring every worker goes home safely at the end of the day. Electrical hazards are unforgiving, and even minor oversights can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
Investing in high-quality PPE and following established safety standards is a commitment to protecting lives. For electrical workers, wearing the right gear isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of a safe and productive work environment.
By prioritizing PPE, we empower electrical professionals to work confidently and safely in challenging conditions. At Spratlin Electric Contracting we’re dedicated to fostering safety through awareness, training, and top-tier protective equipment.