Personal protective equipment

A person conducting a business or undertaking must provide personal protective equipment and clothing when hazards in the workplace cannot be eliminated or to further increase protection.

Some of the items of personal protective equipment used in the electrical and electronics industry are outlined below.

Clothing provides protection from electric arcing/flask burns, flying objects and electric shock. Ideally, clothing should cover the body completely and:

be of cotton material;
have non-conductive and concealed buttons;
have sleeves to wrist length; and,
have legs which reach to the footwear.

Safety helmets provide protection from overhead wires, structures and falling objects. Safety helmets should be non-conductive.

Safety glasses provide protection from electrical arcing and flying objects.

Insulating gloves provide protection from electric shock. They should be worn when accidental contact with live conductors is possible, but they must never be the sole means of insulation. Gloves should always be inspected prior to use. Rated gloves:

are designed for live work;
are rated according to the level of voltage they are able to insulate against; and,
should be tested regularly to determine their effectiveness.

Safety footwear provides protection from electric shock and falling objects.

Insulating mats should be used when working on live conductors or where accidental contact is possible. They must never be the only means of insulation.

A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:

all personal protective equipment complies with the relevant Australian Standard;
the right type of personal protective equipment for the job is selected;
personal protective equipment fits properly and is comfortable under working conditions;
personal protective equipment is stored in a clean and fully operational condition;
equipment is stored where it is easily accessible and safe from interference, damage and contamination;
personal protective equipment is checked regularly during storage and usage to make sure it is in good working order;
damaged or defective personal protective equipment is repaired or discarded;
all workers are adequately trained in the need for personal protective equipment and how to correctly and safely use and maintain it; and,
workers use the personal protective equipment properly in accordance with the training provided.