Utilities
Shocking Electrical Hazards
Whenever utilities employees encounter electrical hazards greater than 2 kCals or above 600 volts, OSHA requires full body flame resistant (FR) protection. This includes:
- FR Shirts & Coveralls
- FR pants
- FR Boots, Gloves, & Face Protection
Furthermore, employees working near these hazards cannot wear clothing that could melt or ignite and burn when exposed to the heat energy released in a potential arc event
Hazardous Industry, Strict Regulations
OSHA mandates that employers in the utilities industry must:
- Survey the workplace to identify possible sites of exposure to flames or electric arcs
- Estimate the heat energy of any potential electric arc hazards
- Employees exposed to these hazards must have protective clothing of commensurate arc rating
- Employees exposed to these hazards must have an outer layer of flame resistant clothing
Creating an Effective Protective Garment Program
A successful FR garment program will:
- Be able to accommodate all body sizes
- Coveralls should be fitted to ensure excess fabric cannot get caught on handles or impede movement
- All equipment must fit the wearer to ensure comfort and mobility