Electrical Protective Equipment
Employees working directly with electricity should use the personal protective equipment required for the jobs they perform.
This equipment may include rubber insulating gloves, hoods, sleeves, matting, blankets, line hose, and industrial protective helmets that are designed to reduce electric shock hazard. All of these help to reduce the risk of electrical accidents. General safe practices include:
- Electrical protective equipment must be periodically tested in accordance with the test tables found in OSHA 1910.137, Electrical Protective Equipment.
- Insulating equipment must be inspected for damage before each day's use. Any equipment with defects that could impair its insulating properties must be taken out of service and sent for testing.
- The arc-rated protective clothing and other protective equipment generally must cover the worker's entire body, except for hands, feet, head and face, which may be protected by other PPE.
Tools
Using appropriate tools that are properly maintained is vital for protecting workers from electrical hazards. Regular maintenance is important to prevent tools from deteriorating and becoming dangerous. Each tool should be checked before use. If any defects are found, the tool must be immediately removed from service and tagged, ensuring that it is not used until it has been repaired or replaced.
When using a tool to handle energized conductors, check to make sure it is designed and constructed to withstand the voltages and stresses to which it has been exposed.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-9. Insulating equipment, such as electrical protective gloves, found defective must be _____.
You forgot to answer the question!