Power Distribution
Safety

Power distribution workers manage the flow of electricity from substations to consumers. This critical job requires specialized PPE to guard against electrical hazards, falling objects and environmental extremes, ensuring worker safety, efficiency, and compliance with industry standards.

Keeping Power Distribution Workers Safe

Power distribution involves the maintenance and operation of high-voltage lines, substations, and electrical grids. Workers in this sector are exposed to multiple hazards, including the risk of electric shock, arc flash, and arc blast from high-voltage equipment. Additionally, extreme weather conditions, such as high winds or icy conditions, can present further dangers when working at elevated heights or in challenging environments. Read more »

To mitigate these risks, workers rely on advanced PPE, such as flame-resistant (FR) clothing, rubber insulating gloves, arc flash suits, and hard hats with face shields. Other safety measures include eye protection, hearing protection from high noise levels, and high-visibility gear to ensure workers are seen in hazardous environments.

Proper training and adherence to safety standards, such as OSHA and NFPA 70E, are critical to maintaining a safe working environment, enabling workers to perform tasks like troubleshooting electrical systems, repairing faults, and inspecting substations with minimal risk.

Really? Hotter than the Surface of the Sun?

Yes, ARC flash events can reach temperatures of up to 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Saying they are “hot” just doesn’t seem fitting. When it comes to high ARC rated workwear, it’s no wonder why so many workers complain about them being hot, thick and heavy – extremely difficult to work in. But, with new technology, it doesn’t have to be this way.

PIP® addresses your challenges with simple, innovative solutions.

Complete head-to-toe protection designed for versatility and performance
Consolidation by offering one solution for a wide range of hazards
Continuous training and resources for you and your team
Safety specialists and industry veterans that partner with you to encourage your team to invest in their own safety

Pyrad® Fabric by Gore-Tex Labs

The benefits of lighter weight, breathability and freedom of movement are often missing from high ARC rated garments. Most PPE Level 4 garments are constructed with multiple layers of fabric to provide sufficient protection. Pyrad® fabric by GORE-TEX Labs is a single layer 9.5oz material that ensures maximum comfort while providing ATPV 40 cal/cm² protection.

Finally, high ARC protection garments that deliver high performance and exceptional comfort.

Learn More

Looking for a complete safety solution for your team?

Check out our picks for a complete head-to-toe safety outfit for power distribution workers or contact Ben Bird to have a conversation about putting together a custom solution for your facility.

Hand Protection

NOVAX®

Class 2 Rubber Insulating Glove with Straight Cuff - 14"

155-2-14

Protectors

PIP®

Top Grain Goatskin Leather Protector for Novax® Gloves - Gauntlet Cuff

148-4000

Arm Protection

NOVAX®

Class 2 Rubber Insulating Sleeve

199-2

Safety Eyewear

UVEX® Avatar™ Plus

Semi-Rimless Safety Glasses with Black Frame, Clear Lens and Hydroshield® Coating

AS01CLHS

Head & Face Protection

PIP® PYRAD® by GORE-TEX Labs®

AR/FR Lift Front Hood - 40 Cal/cm²

9150-538PYR

Head Protection

PIP® Traverse™ FB

Full Brim, Non-Vented, Industrial Climbing Helmet with Mips® Brain Protection System for Industrial Safety Helmets, ABS Shell with Quin Tag, EPS Foam Impact Liner, HDPE Suspension, Wheel Ratchet Adjustment and 4-Point Chin Strap

280-HP1491RM-FB

Hearing Protection

PIP® Mega Bullet™ BioSoft™

Disposable Bio-Based Foam Ear Plug with BioSoft™ Technology - NRR 32 / SNR 38

BSF-1

Workwear Top

PIP® PYRAD® by GORE-TEX Labs®

AR/FR Jacket - 40 Cal/cm²

9100-524PYR

Workwear Pants

PIP® PYRAD® by GORE-TEX Labs®

AR/FR Bib Overall - 40 Cal/cm²

9100-530PYR

Footwear

PUMA® Safety

Conquest Black CTX HIGH Composite Toe Impact Resistant Toe Cap, COA.TEX-Membrane, Electrical Hazard protection, Water Proof, Safety Boots

630735-200

First Aid

Eyesaline®

Personal Emergency Eyewash Travel Bag Six 1 oz Bottles and Six 4 oz Bottles of Eyewash

32-000440-0000

ASK THE EXPERT image of expert Ben Bird

ASK THE EXPERT Ben Bird - Business Development Manager, Utilities

Ben has 30 years of experience in both Electrical and Industrial Distribution. He leads a team of utility sales representatives around the country that promotes the line of PIP safety products to utilities, electrical cooperatives, and municipalities. He has conducted arc flash awareness training for manufacturing facilities and electrical contractors around the country. He’s well versed on NFPA 70E electrical standards and OSHA 1910.269 utility standards.

As one of 200 PIP safety experts, Ben helps standardize PPE to reduce costs, prevent injuries, and boost productivity.

Industrial Safety Hazards
- Electrical Shock - Contact with live wires or faulty equipment can lead to serious injuries or fatalities due to electric shock.
- Arc Flash and Arc Blast - Sudden release of energy from an electrical fault can cause burns, hearing damage, and even blindness. An arc blast can also cause physical injuries from the force of the explosion.
- Falling Hazards - Climbing poles or working at heights to install or repair power lines presents fall risks, especially in poor weather conditions.
- Contact with Overhead Power Lines - Workers on the ground or in elevated positions can inadvertently come into contact with live power lines, resulting in serious electrocution hazards.
- Flying Debris - During equipment handling or when dealing with arc flashes, debris, sparks, or shrapnel can become airborne and cause injuries.
- Burns - Thermal burns from electrical arcs or from working near energized equipment are a serious risk.
- Exposure to Hazardous Materials - Workers might be exposed to hazardous chemicals or materials, such as oils, solvents, and insulation materials.
- Weather Conditions - Extreme weather, like high winds, lightning, and rain, can amplify risks during outdoor work, leading to slips, trips, falls, or lightning strikes.
- Musculoskeletal Injuries - Repetitive motions, heavy lifting, and awkward positions when working on electrical equipment can result in back, neck, and joint injuries.
- Slips, Trips, and Falls - Wet or uneven surfaces at work sites, combined with equipment and tools, increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
Industry Standards
NFPA 70E
Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, is a standard published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) that provides guidelines to protect workers from electrical hazards, including arc flash, arc blast, and electrical shock. It is widely used in industries where employees work on or near energized electrical systems.
Specifies PPE Categories to match PPE to the level of risk in arc flash environments.
- Category 1: Arc-rated clothing with a minimum arc rating of 4 cal/cm²
- Category 2: Arc-rated clothing with a minimum arc rating of 8 cal/cm²
- Category 3: Arc-rated clothing with a minimum arc rating of 25 cal/cm²
- Category 4: Arc-rated clothing with a minimum arc rating of 40 cal/cm²
NFPA 2112
Standard on Flame-Resistant Clothing for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Short-Duration Thermal Exposures from Fire is a standard that was developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It provides minimal requirements for the design, performance, testing and certification of flame-resistant (FR) garments to protect workers from flash fire hazards.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910
The Electrical Safety Standard for the Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution industry. It outlines requirements for electrical safety practices to protect workers from electrical hazards in these facilities.

OSHA 29 CFR 1926
- Subpart V: Focuses on the safety and health regulations for construction activities involving electric power transmission and distribution.
ASTM F1506
Governs performance requirements for flame-resistant clothing used in areas with arc flash hazards.
Ensures garments meet minimum arc thermal performance values (ATPV).

ASTM D120
Standard for rubber insulating gloves and sleeves, with focus on the manufacturing and initial testing.

ASTM F496
Outlines the in-service care and ongoing maintenance, testing and inspection procedures of rubber insulating gloves and sleeves.

ANSI/ISEA Z89.1
Sets requirements for head protection, emphasizing hard hats with electrical class ratings (Class E for electrical hazards).

IEC 61482
Live working - Protective clothing against the thermal hazards of an electric arc, is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It sets guidelines for the performance, testing, and certification of protective clothing designed to safeguard workers from arc flash hazards.

IEEE 1584
Provides guidelines for performing arc flash calculations to determine appropriate PPE levels.