Can Vented Hard Hats/Helmets Be Worn Whe Performing Electrical Work?
𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Can vented hard hats and/or safety helmets be worn while performing work on exposed energized electrical conductors/circuit parts?
𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: No.
𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: OSHA and NFPA both require you to select the proper PPE while performing work on or near energized electrical conductors/circuit parts. However, some of the OSHA standards are a bit vague, but with a little digging, you can find the answer.
Check out the link below for the full explanation.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/arrowsafetyus_arrowsafety-safety-safetyconsultant-activity-7225200538378739712-s8zO?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Comments (11)
Great post and good to know!! Thank you!
Do not head wear used to work around energized circuits need to be rated as "Class E"? I would guess you could not get a helmet like this rated as a "Class E".
Good post Drew!!!
I find this post to be extremely interesting! Below are questions that are worth debating! Considering it LV electricians (1kv-less) not utility type workers.
1. Why would someone be wearing an "E"/"G" rated hard hat without wearing face protection unless the equipment was rated less than 2.1 Cal/cm2?
2. Would a policy requiring a face shield and helmet during any energized work/verification of de-energized work be best practice and less confusing?
3. Almost every AF protection equipment comes with an appropriate hard hat and face shield. So why is an "E"/"G" or non-vented hard hat a requirement?
I have included a photo of some of the "new" gortex type of products including the 40 cal helmet/face shield.
You will find these lightweight helmets are offering vented face shields. Do you feel this is adequately protecting personnel as well as meeting the "Concealment" of all exposed body parts?
ANSI NFPA