Summary of Standards for Key Items of PPE This is a guide to the selection of suitable PPE. In some cases certain PPE is mandatory and forms part of a safe system of work. These are the minimum requirements for working on the network and can not be reduced without permission from your Line Manager or your In-business HSS Advisor. Remember PPE is the last resort for. When undertaking any work on or near the electricity distribution network there are certain items that MUST be worn for against electrical hazards. This includes garments used over coveralls such as high-viz and wet weather clothing and also would apply to any corporate clothing. Head Hard hat Protects your head from the risk of falling objects Construction sites, scaffolding and when there is a risk that something could fall on your head EN 397-20 deg C 440v ac Bump cap Protection where there is a risk that you could bump your head Confined spaces low head height conditions EN812 Eye Safety spectacles /Goggles General low level Minimum for your eyes. Protects your eyes from flying particles, liquid splashes and dust. MUST be worn when making / breaking live LV connections on OH & UG systems and normal operations of fuse gear on LV overhead networks. EN166 1 F N K/ EN166 1 B N K Visor Protection for your whole face Protects your face from flying particles and liquid splashes EN166 1 B N K Arc visor/ bee keepers hat Protects the face and neck from burns when an explosion could occur MUST be worn for all underground linking/ fusing and for any OH operations where there is potential fault current EN166 1 F N K, EN 50354 class 2 mesh visor Protects your eyes from debris For use when using a chainsaw EN 1731 Page 1 of 6
Disposable Protects your hands from For use when working with general dirt, oils, EN388, EN374 gloves getting contaminated solvents and resin Drivers gloves General purpose General purpose with NO other mechanical Red pvc glove General purpose General purpose with medium levels of EN 388 (3121) Hand Welders glove Linesman glove Protects against heat and pierce resistant Pierce and cut resistant For hot work and where high levels of cut resistance is required Ideal for linesmen as the wrist is protected by the cuff, this also gives high abrasion, cut, tear and puncture EN 388 (3144 and 414x4x) EN 388 (3534) Grip glove Dipped rubber glove with knitted back and cuff General purpose but also ideal for manual handling EN 388 (2243) Heavy duty nitrile glove Nitrile glove used for against oil and acid When working with high volumes of oil and acid EN 388 (4102), EN374 Electrical glove For against live working voltages SHALL be worn when When undertaking live work in accordance with an approved procedure When undertaking work on dead LV apparatus that you cannot be 100% certain is not connected to the network When they are required as a precaution when working close to live apparatus When undertaking any LV operations (LV Linking, Switching, Fusing) EN60903 class 0 and 1 Page 2 of 6
Hand An additional pair of gloves must be carried at all times Inspection and testing will be carried out as detailed in HSS 01 079 gloves Protection from cuts from chainsaws Consider the need for from cuts from the chainsaw, thorny material and cold/wet conditions EN381-7 Waistcoat To make the body more visible On the highway when working with NRSWA and where required by signage EN 471 class 3, EN 533( EN14116) Wet weather Makes the body more visible & to give against wind & adverse weather conditions. Also gives full flame &arc On the highway when working with NRSWA and where required by signage EN 533 (EN 14116 index 3), EN 531 A B1 C1(EN 11612), EN 61482-1-2 class 1, EN 471 class 3, EN343 class 2 Hi- visibility Orange - coverall or waist coat and trousers Makes the body more visible Mandatory when working trackside on the railways Coverall- EN 533 (EN 14116 index 3), EN 531 A B1 C1(EN 11612), EN 61482-1-2 class 2, EN 471 class 2, EN343 class 2 trousers and waistcoat EN 471 class 1 Page 3 of 6
Coveralls FR/arc MUST be worn when working or in the vicinity protected of Network apparatus Disposable Keeps skin clean and reduce the risk of infection to the skin These also give full flame and arc Keeps skin clean and reduce the risk of infection to the skin Worn over the top of other clothing to keep them clean and when exposure to asbestos, hydrocarbons, toxic gases, smoke etc EN 533 (EN 14116 index 3), EN 531 A B1 C1(EN 11612) EN 61482-1-2 class 1 Flexothane Stops skin getting contact with chemicals or oils Protects your skin from contamination. E.g. cable fluid oils or herbicides EN 533 (EN 14116 index 3), EN 531 A B1 C1(EN 11612) EN 381-5 class trousers Protection from cuts from chainsaws Must be worn when using or maintaining a chainsaw Shoes General for feet Whilst working or driving EN 345 SB 200 joules Boots General for feet with additional ankle support These are used where your ankle could be twisted on uneven ground EN 345 SB 200 joules Footwear Wellingtons General from water and other dirt To be used in excessive water or muddy conditions EN 345 SB 200 joules Rigger boots General can not be used on all building or rail sites Whilst working in wet or muddy conditions EN 345 SB 200 joules Di-electric Wellingtons boots For against live working voltages Protection from cuts from chainsaws MUST be worn when carrying out overhead EN50321 switching and certain Live Line activities Inspection before use with no formal test, replace as required MUST be worn when using a chainsaw EN 381-3 EN ISO 20345 Page 4 of 6
Respiratory Protection Hearing Personal Fall Protection Equipment Specialist Equipment FFP2 To protect your respiratory worn when fine dust, oil and water based EN 149 system from getting damaged mists are present FFP3 Half mask Ear muffs Ear caps/ plugs Harness Pole Chokers Lanyards Temporary Anchor Device Jag 10 Rope access systems To protect your respiratory system from getting damaged To protect your respiratory system from getting damaged To protect your hearing system from damage due to noise exposure To protect your hearing system from damage due to noise exposure To protect you in the event of a fall from height or when rescue is required in a confined space To protect you in the event of a fall from height or when rescue is required in a confined space Worn when fine dusts, oil and water based mists, metal fume and ozone are present. This includes asbestos dust Worn when organic vapours, acid gases and water and oil particles are present. This includes by products of SF6 Worn when noise levels are high or continuous Worn when you move in and out of noisy environments or when ear muffs are not practical Used when working at height or in confined spaces. These must be used in conjunction with personal fall equipment Used when working at height as detailed in your training and procedures. These must be used in conjunction with a full body harness Page 5 of 6 EN 149 EN 405 EN 352 part 1 and 3 EN 352 part 2 and 7 EN 361, EN 354 and EN 355 Technical Specification 43/123 & 43/124 EN 354 Lanyards EN 355 Energy absorber, EN 358 Work positioning EN360 Retractable type EN 795 EN 353-2
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