| Personal Protective Equipment is Your Last Line of Defense
Workers often find themselves in environments where they are exposed to unseen electrical hazards. In the event of a momentary electric arc, flash fire or exposure to energized equipment, a worker can find himself completely unprotected against forces that cause severe or fatal injuries. Everyday work clothes can ignite and will continue to burn even after the source of ignition has been removed. Normal clothes will continue to burn until the fabric is totally consumed causing severe contact burns to the skin. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is your last line of defense and will be the major factor in differentiating between an electrical event you walk away from and one that requires months of painful healing. PPE comes in many different forms including: hard hats, gloves, goggles, safety shoes, flame-resistant shirts and pants, safety glasses, face shields, fall protection equipment, etc. Be sure to choose the PPE that is right for you and your circumstances.
In Order to Make PPE work for you, PPE should be:
- Appropriate for the hazard
- Worn as the outermost layer
- Worn CORRECTLY; zipped, buttoned, etc
- Repaired correctly and removed from service when needed
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