OEL Electrical PPE: Building Your Starter Safety Kit

Arc flashes can be caused by several different factors, including accidental contact with energized conductors, buildup of conductive dust, corrosion, the person dropping tools, or unsafe work procedures. The energy that’s released during an arc flash event is immediately converted into heat and light, creating a plasma arc with virtually unlimited current-carrying capacity.

When it comes to the severity of an arc flash incident, it depends on multiple things, including the voltage level, available fault current, and duration of the arc. Even a small arc flash can cause significant damage to anyone nearby and to equipment. Larger events can be catastrophic, though, which is why it’s important to have the proper PPE on hand at all times. Understanding the potential for arc flash in all kinds of electrical systems is imperative for implementing effective safety measures.

Arc flash incidents can result in several hazardous effects:

1. Thermal burns: The intense heat generated can cause severe burns, even at a distance.
2. Pressure wave: The rapid expansion of air and vaporized metal creates a pressure wave that can throw workers across a room and cause physical trauma.
3. Sound blast: The arc flash can produce sound levels exceeding 140 dB, potentially causing hearing damage.
4. Projectiles: Vaporized and molten metal can be propelled at high velocities, becoming dangerous projectiles.
5. Toxic fumes: The vaporization of materials can release toxic fumes and gases.

To mitigate these risks, it's vital to conduct thorough arc flash hazard assessments and implement a multi-layered approach to safety that includes engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment for the entire team, organization, and company.

An arc flash standard kit bag typically includes:

1. Arc-rated clothing (shirts, pants, coveralls, or full suits)
2. Face shields and hoods 
   
3. Insulating gloves with leather protectors
4. Insulated Torque Wrenches
   

Choosing the appropriate PPE for the job is based on the results of the arc flash hazard test, which determines the energy levels at several different working distances. This helps in categorizing the level of protection that’s required for projects and locations within an electrical system.

Arc-rated (AR) clothing is the most critical component of arc flash protection for users. These garments are made from specially designed fabrics that resist ignition, self-extinguish quickly, and provide thermal insulation to protect the wearer from burn injuries. The level of protection provided by AR clothing is measured in (cal/cm²), which indicates the maximum amount of thermal energy the garment can withstand before the wearer is at risk for second-degree burns.

Face and eye protection is another vital part of staying as in arc flash scenarios. Arc-rated face shields and hoods protect against the intense light, heat, and potential projectiles generated during an arc flash event. These should be used in connection with safety glasses or goggles to provide full eye protection.

Insulating gloves may seem like a last thought, but they’re properly the most important part to make sure one is equipped to handle the arc flash event. They’re often made of rubber, protect against electrical shock, and are typically worn with leather protectors to guard against cuts, punctures, and abrasions.

• Category 1 (4 cal/cm² minimum) requires an AR long-sleeve shirt and pants or overalls, an AR face shield or hood, and optional AR outerwear. A hard hat, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection, leather footwear, and suitable gloves are also needed.
• Category 2 (8 cal/cm² minimum) calls for an AR long-sleeve shirt and pants or overalls, an AR flash suit hood or face shield with balaclava, and optional AR outerwear. Required gear includes a hard hat, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection, leather footwear, and appropriate gloves.
• Category 3 (25 cal/cm² minimum) demands an AR long-sleeve shirt, pants, overall, flash suit jacket, pants, and hood, with optional AR outerwear. A hard hat, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection, leather footwear, and suitable gloves are essential.
• Category 4 (40 cal/cm² minimum) involves an AR long-sleeve shirt, pants, overall, flash suit jacket, pants, and hood, plus optional AR outerwear. Required items include a hard hat, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection, leather footwear, and appropriate gloves.

As stated before, insulating gloves are not optional when working with live circuits. Your hands are the first connection while working on anything, and without the proper safety gloves, it could turn into a deadly scenario. Picture a commercial electrician installing a high-voltage panel or a maintenance crew testing a live motor. These gloves are a barrier, preventing electrical currents from passing through the body.

• Class 0 gloves are commonly used by electricians handling systems up to 1,000 volts in commercial buildings.
• Class 00 gloves are ideal for residential electricians working on 500-volt systems, such as when installing smart meters or repairing circuit breakers.

For an all-around package, we would recommend the  OEL IRG0011B9K Class 00 Black Rubber Insulating Glove Kit, as it includes rubber gloves, leather protectors, and a storage bag—everything needed to ensure safety and durability. Proper fit matters, too; a glove that’s too loose can reduce dexterity, while one that’s too tight can tear or degrade quickly, so make sure that the gloves you purchase are the ones for you.

Arc flash events can release temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun, causing severe burns and even fatal injuries. Professionals protecting themselves with this gear is standard as it’s not a rare event that happens. OEL coats, jackets, and bibs are essential for anyone working near energized equipment, such as linemen restoring power after storms or technicians repairing transformers.

• An 8-cal lab coat, like the  OEL AFW080-PC-L-K Protective Lab Coat, is perfect for low-energy environments like testing circuits in a manufacturing facility.
• A 40-cal arc flash suit, such as the  OEL AFW40-KJB-2XL Jacket & Bib Kit, is crucial for high-energy tasks like switchgear maintenance at substations.

Arc flash incidents can happen anywhere; they’re not always at home or during storms or extreme weather. They can happen at industrial plants, utility yards, or even on residential service calls. The head-to-toe protection that OEL offers ensures that workers can perform their jobs safely, even in the most volatile or calm conditions.

On any jobsite—whether it’s a bustling industrial facility or a remote power station—having PPE gear stored properly ensures it’s ready when you need it most.

Specific maintenance checks for different types of PPE include:

1. Arc-rated clothing: Check for tears, holes, or thinning of the fabric. Ensure all closures (zippers, buttons, etc.) are functional.

2. Face shields and hoods: Inspect for cracks, scratches, or discoloration that could impair visibility or reduce protection.

3. Insulating gloves: Perform air and water tests to check for leaks or punctures. Replace gloves at regular intervals as recommended by the manufacturer.