Chapter 4 Electrical Safety Equipment

CHAPTER 4
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
EQUIPMENT
Lessons Objectives
- Identify potentially hazardous electrical
situations and provide corrective actions for
these situations.
- Determine electrical system & electrical safety
compliance
- Review and provide corrective actions for
electrical safety work processes
Introduction
The safety aspects of any job or procedure are greatly
enhanced by the use of proper tools meters, apparel, and
other such equipment. This chapter outlines the construction
and use of a variety of electrical safety equipment. Some of
the equipment is used to actually perform work items such
as insulated tools or voltage-measuring devices fall into this
category. Other safety products are used strictly to
protect the worker, for example, flash suits and rubber
goods.
GENERAL INSPECTION AND TESTING
REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL SAFETY
EQUIPMENT
Always perform a detailed inspection of any piece of
electrical safety equipment before it is used. Such an
inspection should occur at a minimum immediately prior to
the beginning of each work shift, and should be repeated any
time the equipment has had a chance to be damaged.
EQUIPMENT
FLASH AND THERMAL PROTECTION The extremely
high temperatures and heat content of an electric arc can
cause extremely painful and/or lethal burns. Since an electric
arc can occur at any time in electrical equipment that has
not been placed in an electrically safe work condition, the
worker must take precautions and wear protection when
exposed to potential arc hazards. Note that these sections
address equipment for electrical hazard.
EQUIPMENT
A Note on When to Use Thermal Protective Clothing The
exact weight and type of thermal clothing can be
determined. If workers are required to place any part of their
body within the flash boundary distance of an
energized electrical component, they must wear thermal
protective clothing with an ATPV or EBT equal to or greater
than the amount of arc energy to which they might be
exposed.
EQUIPMENT
Clothing Materials
Materials used to make industrial clothing fall into two major
categories, with several subcategories under each as follows:
1. Non-flame-resistant materials. When these materials are
treated with a flame-retardant chemical, they become flame
resistant.
a. Natural fibers such as cotton and wool
b. Synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and rayon
2. Flame-resistant materials
b. Non-flame-resistant materials that have been chemically
treated to be made flame resistant
c. Inherently flame-resistant materials such as PBI,
Kermel, and Nomex
EQUIPMENT
Non-Flame-Resistant Materials
1.Cotton - work clothing made of materials such as denim
and flannel is a better choice than clothing made from
synthetic materials. Cotton does not melt into the skin when
heated; rather, it burns and disintegrates, falling away from
the skin. Thick, heavy cotton material provides a minimal
barrier from arc temperatures and ignites quickly.
2.Wool- Wool clothing has essentially the same thermal
properties as cotton clothing
EQUIPMENT
Synthetic Materials
Untreated synthetic clothing materials such as polyester and
nylon provide extremely poor thermal protection and should
never be used when working in areas where an electric arc
may occur. Some synthetic materials actually increase the
danger of exposure to an electric arc.
EQUIPMENT
Flame-Resistant Materials
Chemically Treated Materials. Both natural and synthetic
fibers can be chemically treated to render them flame
resistant. Such materials are sometimes used in disposable,
coverall-type clothing. Historically, chemically treated
natural fibers did not exhibit as high an ATPV as synthetic
materials when compared by weight. Heavy weights of
chemically treated natural fibers may provide superior
protection against certain molten metals.
EQUIPMENT
Nomex* IIIA
Nomex is an aramid fiber made by the DuPont Company. It
has a structure that thickens and carbonizes when exposed to
heat. This unique characteristic allows Nomex to provide
excellent thermal protection. Nomex has been modified in
the years since it was first introduced. Nomex IIIA is made
with an antistatic fiber and is, therefore, suitable for use in
hazardous environments such as those with high
concentrations of hydrocarbon gas
EQUIPMENT
Polybenzimidazole (PBI)
PBI is a product of Performance Products Inc., a subsidiary
of Hoechst Celanese Corporation. It is similar to Nomex in
that it is a synthetic fiber made especially to resist high
temperatures. PBI is nonflammable, chemically resistant,
and heat stable. PBI does not ignite, melt, or drip in Federal
Vertical Flame Tests FSTM 5903 and FSTM 5905. PBI’s
characteristics are permanent for the life of the garment.
EQUIPMENT
Kermel
Kermel is a synthetic polyamide imide aramid fiber
manufactured in France by Rhone-Â Poulenc. Kermel fiber
is only offered in fabrics blended with other fibers.
Kermel is blended with wool for dress uniforms, sweaters,
and underwear, and with high-tenacity aramid for bunker
gear and gloves. Like other synthetic flame-retardant
materials, Kermel is flame resistant and does not drip or
melt when heated.
Head, Eye, and Hand Protection
When wearing flash suits, or whenever exposed to arc
hazard, employees should wear full protection for the head,
eyes, and hands. Head and eye protection will be provided if
the employee is equipped with a flash suit. When not in a
flash suit, however, employees should wear hard hats and
eye shields or goggles. Hand protection should be provided
by electrical insulating rubber gloves covered with leather
protectors.
EQUIPMENT
Construction and Standards. In addition to wearing
protection from falling objects and other blows, electrical
workers should be equipped with and should wear hard
hats that provide electrical insulating capabilities
and it must comply safety standard.
EQUIPMENT
Three basic classes of hard hat:
1. Class G hard hats are intended to reduce the force of
impact of falling objects and to reduce the danger of contact
with exposed low-voltage conductors. They are proof tested
by the manufacturer at 2200 V phase-to-ground.
EQUIPMENT
2. Class E hard hats are intended to reduce the force of
impact of falling objects and to reduce the danger of
with exposed higher-voltage conductors. They are
contact
prooftested by the manufacturer at 20,000 V
phase-to-ground
EQUIPMENT
3. Class C hard hats are intended to reduce the force
of impact of falling objects. They offer no electrical
protection.
EQUIPMENT
Situations That Require Nonconductive Head Protection and
Eye Protection:
❑ Working close to exposed, overhead energized lines
❑ Working in switchgear, close to exposed
energized conductors
❑ Any time that a flash suit is recommended
❑ When any local rules or recognized standards require
the use of nonconductive hard hats or eye protection
❑ Any time there is danger of head, eye, or face injury from
electric shock, arc, or blast
EQUIPMENT
Safety Glasses, Goggles, and Face Shields
The plasma cloud and molten metal created by an electric
arc are projected at high velocity by the blast. If the plasma
or molten metal enters the eyes, the extremely high
temperature will cause injury and possibly permanent
blindness. Electrical workers exposed to the possibility of
electric arc and blast should be equipped with and should
wear eye protection
EQUIPMENT
RUBBER INSULATING EQUIPMENT
A complete rubber glove assembly is composed of a
minimum of two parts—the rubber glove itself and a leather
protective glove. In service, the leather protector fits over
the outside of the rubber glove and protects it from physical
damage and puncture. Sometimes the glove set will
include a sheer, cotton insert that serves to absorb moisture
and makes wearing the gloves more pleasant.
EQUIPMENT
Rubber Mats
Rubber mats are used to cover and insulate floors for
personnel protection. Rubber insulating mats should not be
confused with the nonelectrical rubber matting used to help
prevent slips and falls. This type of mat is sold by many
commercial retail outlets and is not intended for electrical
insulation purposes. Rubber insulating mats will be clearly
marked and labeled as such.
EQUIPMENT
Rubber Mats
When to Use Rubber Mats? Employers should use rubber
mats in areas where there is an ongoing possibility of
electric shock. Because permanently installed rubber mats
are subject to damage, contamination, and embedding of
foreign materials, they should not be relied upon as the sole
or primary source of electrical insulation.
EQUIPMENT
Rubber Mats
How to Use Rubber Mats? Rubber mats are usually put in
place only when required or on a permanent basis to provide
both electrical insulation and slip protection. Mats should be
carefully inspected before work is performed that may
require their protection. Rubber mats should be used only as
a backup type of protection.
EQUIPMENT
Rubber Sleeves
Rubber sleeves are worn by workers to protect their arms
and shoulders from contact with exposed energized
conductors. They fit over the arms and complement the
rubber gloves to provide complete protection for the arms
and hands. They are especially useful when work must be
performed in a cramped environment.
EQUIPMENT
Rubber Sleeves
When to Use Rubber Sleeves? Rubber sleeves should be
used any time personnel are working on or close to
energized lines or lines that could be energized. They should
be considered any time rubber gloves are being worn and
should be required for anyone working around or reaching
through energized conductors.
EQUIPMENT
Irregularities in Rubber Goods. If damage or imperfections
are discovered during inspections, the rubber goods may
need to be removed from service. The following are typical
of the types of problems that may be discovered.
1. Abrasions and scratches (Fig. 3.24).This is surface
damage that normally occurs when the rubber material
makes contact with an abrasive surface
EQUIPMENT
2. Age cracks (Fig. 3.25). Surface cracks that may look like
crazing of glazed ceramics and may become progressively
worse. Age cracks result from slow oxidation caused by
exposure to sunlight and ozone. They normally start in areas
of the rubber that are under stress.
EQUIPMENT
3. Chemical bloom (Fig. 3.26). A white or yellowish
discoloration on the surface. It is caused by migration of
chemical additives to the surface
EQUIPMENT
4. Color splash (Fig. 3.27). This is a spot or blotch caused by
a contrasting colored particle of unvulcanized rubber that
became embedded in the finished product during the
manufacturing process.
EQUIPMENT
5. Cuts (Fig. 3.28). These are smooth incisions in the surface
of the rubber caused by contact with sharp-edged objects.
EQUIPMENT
5. Depressions or indentations (Fig. 3.29). Shallow recess
that exhibits a thinner rubber thickness at the bottom of the
depression than in the surrounding areas.
EQUIPMENT
7.Detergent cracks. Cracks that appear on the inside surface
of the glove or sleeve. The cracks form around a spot of
detergent residue that was not removed during the cleaning
and rinsing of the form prior to the dipping process.
8.Embedded foreign matter (Fig. 3.30). This is a particle of
non rubber that has been embedded in the rubber during the
manufacturing process. It normally shows up as a bump
when the rubber is stretched.
EQUIPMENT
9.Form marks. This is a raised or indented section on the
surface of the rubber. It is caused by an irregularity in the
form that was used to mold the product.
10.Hard spot (Fig. 3.31). A hardened spot caused by
exposure to high heat or chemicals.
EQUIPMENT
9.Form marks. This is a raised or indented section on the
surface of the rubber. It is caused by an irregularity in the
form that was used to mold the product.
10.Hard spot (Fig. 3.31). A hardened spot caused by
exposure to high heat or chemicals.
EQUIPMENT
11. Mold mark (Fig. 3.32). A raised or indented
section caused by an irregularity in the mold.
EQUIPMENT
12. Scratches, nicks, and snags (Figs. 3.24, 3.33, and 3.34).
Angular tears, notches, or chiplike injuries in the surface of
the rubber caused by sharp objects such as wire, pointed
tools, staples, or other similar sharp-edged hazards.
EQUIPMENT
INSULATED TOOLS
Insulated tools, such as those shown in Fig. 3.47, are
standard hand tools with a complete covering of electrical
insulation. Every part of the tool is fully insulated. Only the
minimum amount of metallic work surface is left exposed.
Such tools are used to prevent shock or arc in the event that
the worker contacts the energized conductor.
EQUIPMENT
SAFETY TAGS, LOCKS, AND LOCKING DEVICES
Safety tags, locks, and locking devices are used to secure
and mark equipment that has been taken out of service.
They are applied in such a way that the equipment cannot
be reenergized without first removing the tags and/or locks.
EQUIPMENT
Selecting Voltage-Measuring Instruments
Voltage-measuring instruments must be selected based on a
variety of criteria. The following sections describe each of
the steps that should be used in the selection of voltage
measuring instruments.
1. Voltage Level. The instrument used must have a voltage
capability at least equal to the voltage of the circuit to be
measured. Make certain that the manufacturer certifies the
instrument for use at that level.
EQUIPMENT
2.Application Location. Some instruments are designed for
use solely on overhead lines or solely in metal-clad
switchgear. Make certain that the manufacturer certifies the
instrument for the application in which it will be used.
3.Internal Short-Circuit Protection. If the measuring
instrument should fail internally, it must not cause a short
circuit to appear at the measuring probes. Instruments with
resistance leads and/or internal fuses should be employed
EQUIPMENT
4. Sensitivity Requirements. The instrument must be capable
of reading the lowest voltage that can be present. This is
from all sources such as backfeed as well as normal voltage
supply.
5. Circuit Loading. The instrument must be capable of
measuring voltages that are inductively or capacitively
coupled to the circuit. Therefore, it must have a high enough
circuit impedance so that it does not load the circuit, thereby
reducing the measured voltage to apparently safe levels.
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