| From basic wiring installation to industrial control | | | | heat and intense explosions, electricians are |
| panel upgrades, an electrician's everyday duties | | | | required to wear the appropriate flame resistant |
| require frequent exposure to hazardous conditions. | | | | (FR) clothing on the job. While the FR garment's |
| While thorough training is necessary to prevent | | | | levels of arc flash protection are extremely |
| accidents from occurring on the job, electrical | | | | important in reducing the risk of injury, safety |
| workers must also rely on the clothes on their | | | | features of FR gear also include comfort, |
| back to keep them safe from injury. Below, learn | | | | moisture management and breathability. Workers |
| the importance of wearing protective gear in the | | | | must be able to move freely and comfortably in |
| electrical workplace. | | | | their clothes in order to do their job to the best |
| What is Arc Flash?: | | | | of their ability. Light-weight, moisture-wicking |
| Arc flash is an electrical explosion that can reach | | | | materials eliminate distractions caused by sweat |
| temperatures of 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This | | | | or discomfort, allowing electricians to focus on the |
| amount of intense heat that can cause severe | | | | task at hand. |
| injury through direct exposure. Electrical workers | | | | High Visibility Clothing: |
| are constantly at risk of arc flash incidents, | | | | Electricians must do their job no matter what the |
| making it crucial that the proper protective gear is | | | | lighting or weather conditions. High Visibility (Hi Vis) |
| worn to reduce the risk of burns and injury. | | | | protective gear is often required in dark or rainy |
| NFPA 70E: | | | | conditions, when vision might be blurred or |
| The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) is | | | | weakened. By wearing safety clothing that |
| responsible for developing NFPA 70E, a Standard | | | | complies with high visibility standards, such as |
| for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. NFPA 70E | | | | vests or jackets made with a certain amount of |
| works to maintain electrical safety in the electrical | | | | fluorescent and reflective fabric, workers can be |
| workplace from the dangers of arc flash by | | | | seen clearly and injury can be avoided. |
| providing suggested safety practices, methods | | | | Additional electrical protective gear includes |
| and requirements for training and protective gear. | | | | insulated gloves, durable eyewear, hoods, sleeves |
| Electrical protective clothing that complies with | | | | and helmets. Electrical workers should be |
| 70E standards ensures that workers receive the | | | | well-trained to understand the appropriate |
| protection needed for certain levels of arc flash | | | | protective gear for specific situations, as well as |
| hazards. | | | | the proper protocol to follow should an |
| Flame Resistant Gear: | | | | emergency take place. |
| Due to the increased risk of exposure to severe | | | | |