Safety Spotlight: PPE

Having the right gear matters on every jobsite — especially when it comes to personal protective equipment (PPE). More than simply a box to check, PPE protects electrical workers from a host of hazards, including shock, arc flash, falling objects, and sharp materials.

The list below is a good overview of essential PPE and why you need it — helping ensure you go home safely after every shift.

Basic Jobsite PPE

• • Hard hat — Protects against falling objects and overhead hazards.
  • Safety glasses or protective eyewear — Helps prevent injury from flying debris, dust, and sparks.
  • High-visibility vest or clothing — Improves prominence when working around vehicles, equipment, or active construction zones.
  • Work gloves — Protects hands when working with wire, conduit, or tools.
  • Steel-toe or composite-toe boots — Protects feet and provides slip resistance.
     

Electrical-Specific PPE 

• • Voltage-rated rubber insulating gloves — Protects against electrical shock when working near energized equipment.
  • Arc-rated shirts and pants — Protects against arc-flash hazards.
  • Face shield or arc-flash hood — Protects against arc-flash energy and flying debris.
  • Earplugs or earmuffs — Helps reduce exposure to loud equipment or tools.
     

Additional Safety Equipment

• • Harnesses and lanyards — Provides security when working at height. 
  • Insulated tools — Helps reduce the risk of electrical shock when working near live circuits. 
  • Lockout/tagout devices — Ensures equipment is properly shut off before maintenance and prevents accidental equipment energization during maintenance.