Electrical Personal Protection Equipment Requirements and OSHA Regulations

JM Test Systems is concerned about you and your employees’ safety. We have provided these helpful links to assist you with the various standards and regulations on PPE.

Why and When to Test Electrical Personal Protection Equipment PPE:
Industry standards and regulations:
OSHA 29 CFR 1910 and 1926
NFPA NEC 2008
Various ASTM Requirement

Field Inspection
OSHA 1910.137 states that: “Insulating equipment shall be inspected before each days use and immediately following any incident that can be suspected of having caused damage. Insulating gloves shall be given an air test, along with the inspection.”

Insulating equipment may not be used if any of the following defects are present:
• Holes
• Tears
• Punctures
• Cuts
• Texture changes including:
Swelling
Softening
Hardnening
Becoming sticky
Inelastic
Any other defect that damages the insulating properties of the material.

Rubber Insulating Equipment Test Intervals (OSHA 1910.137 Table I-6)

Type of Equipment When to Test
Rubber Insulating line hose Upon indication that insulating value is suspect
Rubber insulating covers Upon indication that insulating value is suspect
Rubber insulating blankets Before first issue and every 12 months thereafter(1)
Rubber insulating gloves Before first issue and every 6 months thereafter(1)
Rubber insulating sleeves Before first issue and every 12 months thereafter(1)

(1) If the insulating equipment has been electrically tested but not issued for service, it may not be placed into service unless it has been electrically tested within the previous 12 months.

What OSHA Standards Address Electrical Safety? 

OSHA standards cover many electrical hazards in many different industries. OSHA general industry electrical safety standards are published in Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 1910.302 through 1910.308 – Design Safety Standards for electrical System and 1910.331 through 1910.335 – Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices Standards.

OSHA’s electrical standards are based on the National Fire Protection Association Standards NFPA 70, National Electric Code, and NFPA 70E, Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces.

OSHA also has electrical safety standards for the construction industry, in 29 CFR 1926, Subpart K. OSHA’s standards for marine terminals, in 29 CFR 1917, and for long shoring, in 29 CFR 1918, reference the general industry electrical standards in Subpart S of 1910. The shipyard standards in 29 CFR 1915 cover limited electrical safety work practices in 29 CFR 1915.181.

For more information on OSHA Standards, follow the links below to OSHA’s Website:

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.137 Electrical protective devices

OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S Safeguards for personnel protection

OSHA 29 CFR 1226 Safety and Health Regulations for Construction 

NEC 2008

Watch Fluke Webinar – Electrical Measurement Safety Webinar – Avoiding Hidden Hazards – Understanding Safety Standards

For more information regarding our electrical safety products and personal protective equipment, or the OSHA standards regarding this equipment, please contact us.

See our PPE Rotation Management page for more information.