ELECTRICAL
PROTECTIVE DEVICES
This talk discusses common electrical protective de-
vices that protect workers from electrocution, shock,
and other related injuries when working on or near
live electrical systems or equipment.
Materials to have on hand:
Examples of electrical protective devices
The log of dates that the devices were last
tested.
Items for attendees to consider during the talk:
What are examples of electrical insulating devices
used at the facility?
How often should you inspect electrical protective
devices?
TALK
Electrical shocks, burns, electrocutions, and other
injuries happen because of unsafe electrical equip-
ment or installation. Many of these incidents can be
prevented with insulation and other electrical protec-
tive devices.
Electrical protective devices include insulating blan-
kets, matting, covers, line hose, gloves, and sleeves
made of rubber and other insulators. They protect you
from electrical shocks and potential electrocution. As
with all forms of protective equipment, these items
keep a critical barrier between workplace hazards and
Talk Date: _______________________________________
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Supervisor/
Presenter: ________________________________________________
you. Some are personal protective equipment worn
by you, and others directly cover or coat the live
electrical parts.
Insulators
Insulators stop or reduce electric current flow.
Rubber, glass, or plastic insulators are used to coat
metals and other conductors and help confine the
flow of electrical current along wires or through
equipment. This helps prevent shock, fires, and short
circuits when someone or something touches the
insulated wire. The type and quality of insulation has
to be right for the voltage used and able to withstand
temperature and other environmental factors like
moisture and corrosive fumes.
Insulation on conductors is usually color-coded. In-
sulated grounding conductors usually are either solid
green or green with yellow stripes. Insulation cover-
ing grounded conductors is generally white or gray.
Ungrounded conductors, or hot wires, often are
black or red, although they may be any color other
than green, white, or gray.
Markings On Protective Devices
All electrically protective blankets, matting, covers,
line hose, gloves, and sleeves are clearly marked
with the electrical class and type of equipment. The
markings will help you determine the maximum use
voltage that the devices can safely withstand. Safety
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Attendees: ________________________________________________
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Comments: ________________________________________________
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ELECTRICAL PROTECTIVE DEVICES
markings on gloves are always on the cuff, and they
include the manufacturers identification and the size.
All electrical protective devices have to be tested, and
the date of the test is marked directly on the device and
often logs are kept with the dates. See your supervisor
for the logs if the test date isnt legible on the device.
Inspection
Inspect electrical protective devices before each
days use and after any incident that damaged or
could have damaged the electrical equipment.
Every device has to be completely free of any phys-
ical defects or damage that could interfere with its
insulating properties. Report any defects or damage
that you find to your supervisor so it can be tested.
Any device that fails tests or inspections has to be
immediately removed from service.
Maintenance and Storage
Make sure the protective devices are kept clean and
in good condition. If you are qualified to do so, take
any damaged or worn devices out of service. If you
are not trained or qualified to repair or replace the
devices, mark it and notify a supervisor or other qual-
ified person to do so. If any repair work is done on a
device, it has to be retested and test-certified before
anyone is allowed to use it again.
Store any inventory of insulating devices to protect
them from light, extreme temperatures, excessive
humidity, ozone, and other substances that could
damage it and compromise its effectiveness.
Keep electrical protective devices intact and in good
condition, and they will protect you.