Essential personal protective equipment for electrical workers

The old saying “use the best tools for the job” may sound cliche, but it’s sound advice for acquiring safety equipment for virtually any industry with inherent risk. This also applies to industries that involve handling heavy equipment, and where there’s a high risk of injury from electrical equipment or electricity-related incidents.  

Construction workers, electricians, electrical engineers, and other workers who risk electricity-related injuries all need the best personal protective equipment for electrical tasks. Note that not just any sort of PPEs like face masks, safety shoes or safety gloves will do; your workforce will need personal protective equipment for electrical work or PPEs that are rated for protection against electrical hazards.  

In this article, Canadian Occupational Safety offers valuable information on PPEs to protect your staff from electrical hazards. We’ll cover important questions like what the best personal protective equipment looks like, what to look for in personal protective equipment for electrical workers, and more. You can refer to this list of PPE for electrical work whenever you need to refresh your electrical PPE inventory.  

Introduction to Electrical PPE in Canada 

Canada has many industries that drive its economy. This includes telecommunications, utilities, renewable energy, manufacturing, and construction. While these industries harness advanced technology, a lot of the work is performed by human workers.  

You may notice that all these heavy industries have one thing in common – electrical hazards. If your company is engaged in any of these industries, your workers must be properly outfitted with the best PPEs for electrical work.  

Understanding electrical hazards in the workplace 

Different types of electrical hazards can be common in worksites, and their nature differs depending on the industry. Here are some examples of industries and their probable electrical hazards:  

1. Construction sites 

Worksites are rife with electrical equipment and their inherent hazards. Here are some of the possible risks that construction workers have to contend with:  

• Contact with power lines – construction workers may come in contact with electrical wiring from underground or above-ground power lines, which can result in serious injuries or even fatalities.
   
• Exposed electrical components – Tools, wires, and switches may have bare components that emit electrical currents, heightening the risk of serious burns or shocks. In this case, personal protective equipment for electrical hazards should also have some flame-resistant qualities.
    
• Improper grounding – insufficiently grounded equipment can result in electrical shock injuries, as electrical currents find alternate routes to the ground – unpleasantly via workers’ bodies.
    
• Use of ageing or faulty equipment – old and poorly maintained equipment that has damaged cords or other parts can create dangerous scenarios where workers can accidentally come into contact with exposed live wires.  
   

2. Manufacturing worksites 

In this type of worksite, electrical hazards can come from equipment and the electrical wiring and systems that power the entire operation. Hazards like these include:  

• Arc flash hazards – this is usually the result of doing maintenance on powered equipment. There are several factors that can create an electrical arc flash in manufacturing floors that can cause serious injuries. Often, the main culprits of arc flashes are environmental factors, human error, and equipment failure.
   
• Electrical shock – faulty wiring or negligence in maintenance can make workers accidentally touch uninsulated live wiring.
    
• Circuit overloads – Using inappropriate wiring or overloading circuits can lead to overheating that causes fires.
    
• Neglected safety precautions – workers who neglect safety measures or proper maintenance procedures can be exposed to powered systems.
    

Telecommunications worksites 

Technicians at these worksites typically do tasks that are close to high-voltage power lines and electrical installations. Their work can put them at risk of these hazards:  

• Electrocution – if workers are not alert and aware enough to keep sufficient distance from power lines or live circuits, they risk getting electrocuted.
    
• Improper clearance – not giving enough space away from energized lines while working can result in electrical shock injuries.
   
• Environmental conditions – hazards can be made more likely and serious due to weather, like working in rain or during rainstorms, thunderstorms, or heavy snowfall.  
   

Renewable energy worksites 

While “clean” or renewable energy sources are less harmful to the environment, they are not without dangers. Personal protective equipment for electrical workers is still necessary at these sites due to these unique hazards:  

• Improper use of equipment – improper handling of tools or components like solar panels can result in electrical shocks or electricity-related injuries, especially if workers are unfamiliar with certain renewable technologies.
    
• High DC voltages – in the case of solar panels, these can generate powerful direct current (DC) voltages, which can cause severe arc flash or electrocution risks during maintenance or installation procedures.
    
• Falls from heights – wind and solar power installations can be at great heights or installed at high elevations to maximize power generation capabilities. This can be a double-whammy for workers who get electrocuted and fall off the renewable energy site. 
   

Utilities worksites 

Utilities and energy worksites are also rife with potential electrical hazards. Their high-voltage systems have their own set of dangers like:  

• Confined spaces – Performing maintenance tasks in small, confined spaces (ex. vaults) pose unique challenges and dangers to workers. Working on electrical wiring in these spaces limits possible escape routes if there's an arc flash and a resulting fire. Small spaces also raise the likelihood of coming into contact with live wires or energized equipment.
    
• Faulty electrical equipment – if electrical equipment or wiring is worn or poorly maintained, these can raise the risk of electrical fires or explosions.
    
• Exposure to energized equipment – utility workers typically work on or dangerously close to energized equipment or electrical systems, greatly increasing the likelihood of electrical shock. Proper personal protective equipment for electrical hazards and adherence to safety standards and protocols are an absolute must in cases like these.  
   

There are many different types of electrical hazards that call for the use of different types of personal protective equipment to specifically protect workers against them. So, what are the PPEs that your workers would need? Here’s a list of PPE for electrical work:  
 

Types of PPEs critical for electrical safety 

PPEs designed for protecting against electrical hazards consist of different categories for different parts of the body. These include:  

Head protection 

PPEs that protect the head are essential in work environments that have risks of electrical shock or impact.  

• Hard hats – these simple forms of headgear are vital to protect workers from falling objects and electric shock. To be useful in worksites that have both the risk of falling debris and electrical shock, hard hats must have insulative properties apart from impact protection.  
   

Eyes and face protection 

Arc flashes can cause blindness and burns to the face, hence the need for PPEs that shield the eyes and face from such hazards. In the case of arc flashes, there is also the risk of debris getting into the eyes, so you may want to invest in additional safety measures like eye wash stations for the worksite.  

• Face shields – these are ideal for providing additional protection from larger hazards like chemical splashes and arc flashes. To ensure maximum protection for the eyes, face shields should ideally be paired with safety glasses. If your staff work in a laboratory setting and handle dangerous chemicals or substances, you can also provide them with even more protection with one of the best safety cabinets.
   
• Safety glasses – these are essential in worksites where workers can be exposed to sparks or bright flashes. This type of PPE also offers some protection against flying debris that may result from an arch flash.   
   

Hand and arm protection 

The hands and arms of workers are also particularly vulnerable to dangers posed by handling electrical equipment or working on electrical wiring or systems. Don’t forget to procure PPEs for these essential body parts as well:  

• Insulated gloves – these are typically thick rubber gloves or thick gloves made from another similar material with insulating properties. Insulated gloves are crucial for protecting workers from getting their hands and arms injured by electrical shock.
    
• Rubber lineman gloves – these gloves offer greater protection and insulation for workers who do work on high-voltage equipment.
   
• Sleeves – insulating sleeves give added protection and coverage for workers’ arms in case they accidentally touch energized equipment or live wiring.  
   

Foot and leg protection 

Footwear also plays an important role in protecting workers from electrical shocks or other electricity-related injuries. Here’s what workers need:  

• Safety shoes – shoes with non-conductive rubber soles can help prevent electric shock and provide insulation for the feet while workers handle electrical equipment or do electrical work.
    
• Dielectric overshoes – these are insulative footwear that’s worn on top of regular footwear. These overshoes provide additional protection and insulation against electric shock.  

Torso and full-body protection 

Apart from protecting against electrical hazards, PPEs that provide bodily protection can also shield workers from accompanying fire hazards. These PPEs include:  

• Arc flash suits – suits that protect against arc flashes consist of a jacket, pants, and hoods. These are designed to protect workers from the thermal effects of arc flashes, giving them crucial protection when working on high-voltage tasks.
    
• Flame-resistant clothing – designed to protect workers from resulting flames caused by arc flashes or electrical fires, this type of PPE is typically made from a non-conductive material. 
   

Hearing protection 

Arc flashes or explosions caused by faulty electrical systems or equipment can produce deafening sounds. That’s why hearing protection like these are important:  

• Ear plugs – these are simple hearing protection devices that are inserted into the worker’s ear canal. They can protect workers from hearing loss due to excessive noise or sudden loud noises from arc flashes.
   
• Earmuffs – these ear protection devices cover the entire ear, giving significant noise cancellation and noise protection. In very loud worksites, these are often paired with ear plugs to provide maximum hearing protection.  
   

The importance of hazard assessments 

Performing hazard assessments at your worksite is critical for evaluating the electrical hazards and selecting the appropriate PPEs.  

Examining specific protective measures and equipment for roles and job functions can help your company ensure employees' safety. Hazard assessments should be conducted on a regular basis so that changes in the project or task are acknowledged and addressed promptly.  

Conducting a PPE hazard assessment involves a step-by-step process, that includes:  

1. Identifying risks associated with certain tasks.
    
2. Developing protective measures that fit the work environment.
    
3. Assigning designated safety representatives and Certified Safety Professionals (CSPs), to develop comprehensive lists of job tasks and pinpoint every possible hazard associated with each task. 
    

Regulatory standards governing electrical PPEs in Canada 

Due to the importance and varying nature and hazard levels of different industries, there are federal, territorial, and provincial jurisdictions that govern PPE standards. These standards are used to determine the hazard levels for certain industries and worksites and recommend the appropriate electrical PPEs.  

Here are the relevant rules and regulatory bodies that guide the use of electrical PPEs in Canada:  

Occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation 

The OHS and its appropriate legislation for electrical PPEs provide the framework for ensuring workers’ safety across various sectors. These can be further subdivided into:  

• Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations – this consists of federal regulations that outline employers’ responsibilities to provide a safe working environment. This includes supplying workers with the necessary PPEs and ensuring they are trained in their proper use. Canadian OHS regulations also mandate that employers make sure that the PPEs conform with safety standards and specifications to sufficiently protect workers from injuries.
   
• Provincial and Territorial OHS Acts – each province and territory can have its own OHS regulations that align with national standards while conforming to local conditions. These Acts can outline the responsibilities of employers and guide the use of electrical PPEs in various types of workplaces.  

Standards set by national organizations 

There are national standards that mandate the use, selection, and maintenance of electrical PPEs. Here are the relevant authorities and guiding regulations:  

Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standards  

The CSA plays a crucial role in setting the standards for electrical safety and the use of electrical PPEs in the workplace. The main standards set by the CSA include:  

• CSA Z462 – this standard outlines the requirements for fulfilling electrical safety in the workplace and includes guidance on PPE selection and use for workers doing electrical work.
   
• CSA Z463 – this CSA standard focuses on the proper maintenance of electrical systems and provides recommendations for the use of the appropriate electrical PPEs during maintenance tasks. These standards likewise assist employers and employees to mitigate risks of electrical hazards.
    

Industry-specific standards 

Note that certain industries in Canada may have additional requirements for electrical PPEs which are based on specific operational risks. These can include:  

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards  

Standards like the NFPA 70E provide details about electrical safety in the workplace, with an emphasis on PPEs that are made to protect against arc flashes and other electricity-related dangers.  

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 

Although not specific to Canada, the ANSI standards are often referenced by Canadian companies for the guidelines they provide for electrical properties and performance of PPEs in electrical work.  

ANSI standards governing electrical PPEs 

In companies or industries that rely extensively on heavy equipment and electrical systems, there will always be electrical hazards. It’s the duty of the employer to ensure that their workforce is suitably equipped to deal with any incidents. As you are tasked to handle the PPE procurement, make sure to supply your workers with every piece of equipment they’ll need.  

Ensuring your workers’ safety by providing the best PPEs is not only the right thing to do, but also sound business practice. There have been many companies across Canada that have committed safety violations, including neglecting to provide the appropriate PPEs to their workforce. It has gotten serious enough for at least one province to enact legislation that penalizes offending companies with fines amounting to $2million. 

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