From head to toe! Qualified electrical workers must be properly donned in their electrical PPE. Basically speaking, here is the deal from head to toe for just checking for the absence of voltage:
1. If head protection is required to be worn at the facility, the head protection MUST BE electrically rated. TIP: Anytime you see a “vented hardhat” (either by the manufacturer or the user!) you know it is NOT electrically rated, as the holes allow electric current inside the hardhat.
2. Qualified electrical workers need PLASTIC frame ANSI safety glasses (NO METAL).
3. NO earrings, nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.! It is a great idea to prohibit ALL jewelry; but that jewelry that can make contact with a current MUST be prohibited.
4. Voltage gloves (with outer leather protectors) that have been tested and certified within the past six months and field-tested by the user BEFORE EACH use.
5. Company issued and managed (e.g. tested/inspected) voltmeter. We do not make our CS entry supervisors buy their own meter so why would we expect an electrician to buy his/her own meter.
6. Flame resistant clothing w/ sleeves rolled DOWN and buttoned/snapped and NO ELVIS styling with the open collar and necklaces!
7. Along with the FRC, cotton undershirt and underwear. Just enough nylon to hold up the underwear and socks!
8. Last but NOT LEAST – EH rated footwear. (NOTE: Anyone with an inspection/testing program for their EH rated safety footwear they are willing to share with the SAFTENG community please contact me)