Ensure Safety in the Electrical Trade

Ensure a safe work environment by wearing the appropriate ARC Flash PPE when dealing with electrical currents, which would include appropriately rated clothing, head protection, electrical gloves, and sleeves.

Did you know that rubber insulting gloves have standard requirements and specifications? Here are a few tips to ensure your safety while working with electricity:

Understand the type of work you intend to do and identify the appropriate Glove Class by AC/DC Voltage protection:

Class 00 – Max Use Voltage 500 AC Proof Tested 2,500 / 10,000
Class 0 – Max Use Voltage 1,000 AC Proof Tested 5,000 / 20,000
Class 1 – Max Use Voltage 7,500 AC Proof Tested 10,000 / 40,000
Class 2 – Max Use Voltage 17,000 AC Proof Tested 20,000 / 50,000
Class 3 – Max Use Voltage 26,500 AC Proof Tested 30,000 / 60,000
Class 4 – Max Use Voltage 36,000 AC Proof Tested 40,000 / 70,000

To avoid shocks and serious injuries when working near high voltage electrical sources, maintenance workers need to know how much voltage they could be exposed to.

How do you properly measure your hand and choose the right size glove?

Determine the proper electrical glove size by measuring your dominant hand at its widest point and rounding up to the next inch.

Add leather protectors

These are designed to be the same size of your rubber insulating gloves
Help to prevent cuts, abrasions as well as punctures or tears
Should be worn where voltages exceed 250 volts AC or 375 volts DC

Glove inspections and testing

According to OSHA 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 137(c)(2)(viii), electrical gloves must be periodically tested.
Glove manufacturers incorporate a date code that correlates to the initial test date
Rubber gloves must be tested before first issue and every 6 months thereafter
Testing is done by an accredited lab
Petroleum-based products can cause glove swelling which is an indicator of chemical contamination

Types of weather environments you will be working in

If you are a lineman working in various elements, consider a glove that is comfortable and add a 100% cotton liner which can provide some warmth in the winter and sweat absorption in the summer.

Image courtesy of PIP / Novax

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Electrical Safety

Whatever your industry, Arbill is committed to helping your company ensure workplace safety. Our full suite of safety training and consulting options, including site assessments and audits, gap analysis, staff augmentation and industrial hygiene services are provided by highly experienced and certified EHS professionals.