Introduction

In the hazardous environment of electrical work, where the risks of electric shock, arc flash, and arc blast are ever-present, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) serves as the critical last line of defense for workers. While engineering and administrative controls are prioritized to eliminate or reduce hazards, it is often impossible to remove all risks when working with or near energized electrical equipment. Properly selected, used, and maintained Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) directly addresses these residual risks, mitigating the severity of potential injuries and saving lives. From arc-rated clothing and insulating gloves to dielectric footwear and protective eyewear, each piece of PPE plays a vital role in creating a safer working interface between the worker and the electrical hazard. Without a thorough understanding and consistent application of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Electrical Work, individuals are exposed to unacceptable levels of danger, underscoring the indispensable need for specialized training in this critical safety domain. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Electrical Work.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower electricians, electrical technicians, maintenance personnel, safety officers, supervisors, and anyone involved in electrical tasks with the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to select, inspect, use, and maintain Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Electrical Work effectively. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the specific hazards PPE protects against, explore relevant industry standards (e.g., NFPA 70E, ASTM), learn about the different types of arc-rated clothing and insulating equipment, and acquire hands-on experience in proper donning, doffing, care, and inspection of PPE. The course will delve into topics such as arc flash incident energy calculation, PPE categories, proper glove use and care, lockout/tagout (LOTO) interface with PPE, emergency response considerations, and the crucial role of a comprehensive electrical safety program in ensuring PPE effectiveness. By mastering the principles and practical application of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Electrical Work, participants will be prepared to enhance their personal safety, contribute to a safer workplace, ensure regulatory compliance, and confidently perform electrical tasks with minimized risk.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Electricians
• Electrical Technicians
• Electrical Maintenance Personnel
• Safety Officers
• Electrical Supervisors
• Industrial Technicians
• Facility Managers
• Line Workers
• Any worker exposed to electrical hazards

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental role of PPE as the last line of defense against electrical hazards.
• Learn about the types of electrical hazards PPE is designed to mitigate (shock, arc flash, arc blast).
• Acquire skills in identifying the correct PPE based on incident energy and voltage levels.
• Comprehend techniques for proper inspection, care, and maintenance of electrical PPE.
• Explore strategies for donning and doffing various types of electrical PPE safely.
• Understand the importance of arc rating and PPE categories (CAT 1, 2, 3, 4).
• Gain insights into insulating tools and equipment for shock protection.
• Develop a practical understanding of emergency procedures related to PPE use in electrical incidents.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Electrical Hazards and PPE Fundamentals

• Review of electrical hazards: electric shock, arc flash, arc blast.
• The hierarchy of controls for electrical safety: elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE.
• Role of PPE as the last line of defense.
• Understanding the limitations of PPE.
• General requirements for PPE based on industry standards.

Module 2: Arc Flash Hazard and PPE Categories

• What is an arc flash and arc blast?
• Incident energy (cal/cm²) and its significance.
• Arc Flash Boundary and Limited/Restricted Approach Boundaries.
• NFPA 70E PPE categories (CAT 1, CAT 2, CAT 3, CAT 4) and corresponding incident energy levels.
• Using arc flash labels to select appropriate PPE.

Module 3: Arc-Rated Clothing and Protective Apparel

• Understanding arc ratings (ATPV - Arc Thermal Performance Value, Ebt - Energy Breakopen Threshold).
• Selection of arc-rated shirts, pants, coveralls, and outer wear.
• Layering of arc-rated clothing for increased protection.
• Importance of non-melting natural fibers beneath arc-rated clothing.
• Proper fit, care, and maintenance of arc-rated apparel.

Module 4: Insulating Gloves and Electrical Hand Protection

• Types of insulating gloves (rubber insulating gloves) and their voltage ratings.
• Leather protectors for mechanical protection of rubber gloves.
• Proper inspection of gloves: air test, visual inspection.
• Storage and care of insulating gloves.
• Electrical insulating sleeves for arm protection.

Module 5: Head, Eye, Face, and Foot Protection

• Arc-rated face shields and hard hats for head and face protection.
• Safety glasses and goggles for eye protection.
• Importance of proper fit and clear visibility.
• Dielectric safety footwear for foot protection.
• Other protective equipment: hearing protection, knee pads.

Module 6: Insulating Tools and Equipment

• Types of insulated hand tools (pliers, screwdrivers).
• Insulated hot sticks and their application in high voltage work.
• Portable protective barriers and insulating blankets.
• Testing and maintenance requirements for insulated tools.
• Importance of using only approved and tested insulated equipment.

Module 7: Proper Donning, Doffing, and Inspection of PPE

• Step-by-step procedures for safely putting on (donning) electrical PPE.
• Procedures for safely taking off (doffing) contaminated PPE.
• Pre-use inspection of all electrical PPE for damage or defects.
• Reporting and replacing damaged or expired PPE.
• Importance of manufacturer's instructions for care and maintenance.

Module 8: PPE in Context: Safety Program Integration and Emergencies

• Role of PPE within a comprehensive Electrical Safety Program.
• Integration of PPE with Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• Emergency response procedures for electrical accidents (shock, burns).
• First aid considerations when PPE is in use.
• Fostering a safety culture that values and consistently uses PPE.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.