NFPA 70E PPE Requirements Explained

By R.W. Hurst, Editor

NFPA 70E PPE Requirements dictate that an assessment be performed to determine an protection boundary accurately. Following this, the next step is to identify the level of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) that is required to be worn by electrical workers, as mandated by NFPA 70E.

Below are the NFPA 70e PPE requirements based on the expected explosive energy level of the equipment being inspected.

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PPE is very important, if optional. Electrical workers must be properly trained to safely use and apply appropriate personal protective equipment for the possible electrical hazard they may face. They must wear this equipment if they want to be adequately protected. Such equipment could include a hard hat, face shield, flame-resistant neck protection, ear protectors, flame-retardant material, insulated rubber gloves with leather protectors, and insulated leather footwear. All ppe must meet the requirements shown in the latest NFPA 70E. PPE, sufficient for protection against the potential electrical flash, is required for every body part. The required thermal-rated PPE selection depends on the incident energy level at the point of work. Check the following chart.

PPE Category 1: Minimum Arc Rating 4 cal/cm2

PPE CAT 1 represents the lowest level Arc Rated PPE s required. Requiring a single layer of arc-rated PPE, workers need the following:

Required PPE: Long Sleeve Shirt (or Jacket) and Pants or AR Coverall with a minimum arc rating of 4 cal/cm2
Required Face and Head Protection: Face Shield (with “wrap-around” guarding… i.e. balaclava) or Hood
As Needed: Arc Rated Jacket, Rainwear, Parka, Hard Hat Liner

In addition to AR ppe, the following products are required or to be used as needed:

Required Hand Protection: Heavy-Duty Leather Gloves
Additional PPE: Hard Hat, Eye Protection (Glasses, Goggles), Hearing Protection
Footwear: Leather Footwear (as needed)

PPE Category 2: Minimum Arc Rating 8 cal/cm2
PPE CAT 2 can likely be met with a single layer of Arc Rated PPE. Most companies with exposures requiring CAT 1 typically opt for CAT 2 ppe to cover both specifications. However, today, the comfort of PPE CAT 1 and 2 is comparable, so it makes more sense to choose CAT 2 ppe.

In PPE CAT 2, workers need the following:

Required: Arc Rated Long Sleeve Shirt and Pants or Arc Rated Coverall with a minimum arc rating of 8 cal/cm2
Required AR Face and Head Protection: Arc Rated Hood or AR Face Shield, Sock Hood/Balaclava with a minimum arc rating of 8 cal/cm2
As Needed: Arc Rated Jacket, Rainwear, Parka, Hard Hat Liner

In addition to AR ppe, the following products are required or to be used as needed:

Required Hand Protection: Heavy-Duty Leather Gloves
Additional PPE: Hard Hat, Eye Protection (Glasses, Goggles), Hearing Protection
Footwear: Leather Footwear (as needed)

Enespro PPE 8 CAL, 12 CAL, and 20 CAL PPE Kits meet NFPA 70E-2018 PPE Cat 1 & 2 and offer breathable comfort, flexibility and durability.

PPE Category 3: Minimum Arc Rating 25 cal/cm2
PPE Levels 3 and 4 require additional layers of PPE. Hoods, rubber insulating gloves & leather protectors, or arc-rated gloves are required. For PPE Category 3, workers need the following:

Required: Arc Rated Flash Jacket and AR pants or AR coverall with a minimum arc rating of 25 cal/cm2
Required AR Face and Head Protection: Arc Rated Flash Hood with a minimum arc rating of 25 cal/cm2
Required AR Hand Protection: Rubber insulating gloves & leather protectors or arc-rated gloves
As Needed: Arc Rated Jacket, Rainwear, Parka, Hard Hat Liner

In addition to AR garments, the following PPE is required:

Additional PPE: Hard Hat, Eye Protection (Glasses, Goggles), Hearing Protection (inserts), Leather Footwear

PPE Category 4: Minimum Arc Rating 40 cal/cm2
The final PPE Category requires AR garments with a minimum rating of 40 cal/cm2.

Required: Arc Rated Flash Jacket and AR pants or AR coverall with a minimum arc rating of 40 cal/cm2
Required AR Face and Head Protection: Arc Rated Flash Hood with a minimum arc rating of 40 cal/cm2
Required AR Hand Protection: Rubber insulating gloves & leather protectors or arc-rated gloves
As Needed: Arc Rated Jacket, Rainwear, Parka, Hard Hat Liner

In addition to AR garments, the following PPE is required:

Additional NFPA 70E PPE Requirements: Hard Hat, Eye Protection (Glasses, Goggles), Hearing Protection (inserts), Leather Footwear.

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