Fall Protection Practices  

Troubleshooting error codes, repairs on faulty regulation equipment and preventative maintenance on turbine generators are just a few of the tasks we are challenged with on a daily basis. In order to safely accomplish some of these tasks, it is important to adhere to the applicable electrical safety procedures.

The first step in any job is to make sure you are prepared! Having the correct PPE for the job can protect the equipment from being damaged and more importantly keep you safe from potential injuries. There are many procedures in place to protect us and please keep in mind PPE is considered the last line of defense. Below is an easy-to-use guide found at www.osha.gov that can serve as a quick reference when choosing the best equipment for the job.

Defining requirements even further, we can look at the proper rated gloves for the job. OSHA provides clarification on requirements and care of electrical protective equipment in 29 CFR 1910.137 which covers not only gloves, but matting, insulating blankets, covers and line hoses. There are two types of gloves; Type I which is not resistant to ozone, and Type II which is ozone resistant. The gloves are then broken down into classes listed below.

Class 00 - Maximum use 500 VAC proof tested to 2,500 VAC

Class 0 - Maximum use voltage of 1,000 VAC proof tested to 5,000 VAC

Class 1 - Maximum use voltage of 7,500 VAC proof tested to 10,000 VAC

Class 2 - Maximum use voltage of 17,000 VAC proof tested to 20,000 VAC

Class 3 - Maximum use voltage of 26,500 VAC proof tested to 30,000 VAC

Class 4 - Maximum use voltage of 36,000 VAC proof tested to 40,000 VAC

Gloves shall be examined for holes, rips, tears, ozone, cutting or UV damage prior to each use to verify the integrity. Also be cautious of gloves that are exposed to any chemicals. Swelling or discoloration are signs the gloves should be turned in for inspection. Gloves should also be inspected by using the rolling method to inflate and verify they are puncture free. ASTM F 1236 gives further guidance on requirements. For more information specific to our company's requirements, reference GSP-111, section 5.1.3.

Focusing on protective clothing selection, you must choose the appropriately rated suits for the voltage level they have the potential of coming into contact with. The decision on what clothing to wear can be made using the electrical hazard risk categories. The categories are 1-4, with 4 possessing the highest amount of risk. Each category specifies which class of arc flash clothing is required, along with any additional PPE. Arc flash clothing is broken down into classes, with Class 0, 2, and 4 being the most frequently used by Gemini Technicians. Table 5.2 in GSP-111 defines all the necessary clothing for each class. This newsletter only touches on gloves and clothing, but there are many other things to consider when working around electricity. Proper tools, adequate lighting and sufficient work space are some additional considerations to take into account when preparing for electrical work.

In our industry there is no substitute for adequate training and experience for dealing with electrical components. You can never be too safe when working on energized gear, because remember, our technicians are our most valuable asset!