Power Generation
Safety

Power generation workers face various risks while maintaining electrical systems, turbines, and equipment. To ensure safety in these high-risk environments, specialized PPE, including electrical gloves, protective clothing, and advanced head protection, is essential for minimizing hazards like electrocution and burns.

Keeping Workers in Power Generation Safe

Power generation is one of the most hazardous work environments, as workers deal with high-risk hazards: high-voltage electrical systems, heavy machinery and unpredictable working conditions. Workers are exposed to electrical shock risks from high-voltage equipment, arc flash injuries from electrical faults, and mechanical hazards from equipment, while also routinely encountering extreme temperatures and confined spaces. PPE plays a critical role in protecting workers from these dangers. Read more »

Equipment such as rubber insulating gloves, flame-resistant clothing, and arc flash suits are crucial for protecting against electrocution and burns caused by arc flashes. Safety helmets and face shields are needed for head protection, and hearing protection is required when working near noisy turbines and generators. High-visibility vests are important in ensuring workers are seen in large, complex environments. The use of insulated tools, respiratory protection, and proper footwear further safeguard workers from a wide range of hazards, ensuring both physical safety and regulatory compliance.

High ARC rated garments don’t have to be so difficult to work in.

Power generation is a critical industry that demands safety managers to adhere to safety standards to protect workers and ensure operational efficiency. Working around high voltage equipment can pose serious risks to workers. It’s here that serious PPE is required but often dreaded by workers due to lack of comfort and difficulty to work in.

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 generation 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

Captain™

Rimless Safety Glasses with Clear Temple, Clear Lens and Anti-Scratch / Anti-Fog Coating

250-46-0020

Head & Face Protection

PIP®

Pyrad Fabric by Gore-Tex Labs AR/FR Lift Front Hood- 40 Cal/cm²

9150-538PYR

Head Protection

Kilimanjaro™

Type II Full Brim Safety Helmet with HDPE Shell, 4-Point Textile Suspension, Wheel Ratchet Adjustment and 4-Point Chinstrap

280-HP642R-CH

Hearing Protection

Mega Bullet™ BioSoft™

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

BSF-1

$Environmental Protection Product of the Year icon\$

Workwear Top

PIP®

Pyrad Fabric by Gore-Tex Labs AR/FR Jacket- 40 Cal/cm²

9100-524PYR

Workwear Pants

PIP®

Pyrad Fabric 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

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 150 PIP safety experts, Ben helps standardize PPE to reduce costs, prevent injuries, and boost productivity.

Industrial Safety Hazards
- Electrical Hazards - Risk of electric shock, arc flash, and arc blast due to working with high-voltage equipment and power lines.
- Falls - From elevated platforms, ladders, and scaffolding, especially in power plants or on transmission towers.
- Confined Space Hazards - Work in confined spaces such as tanks, vaults, or ducts, where there is limited ventilation, oxygen levels, and potential for toxic gas exposure.
- Thermal Hazards - Exposure to high temperatures from boilers, turbines, and generators, potentially leading to burns or heat stress.
- Noise Exposure - High noise levels from machinery and equipment, leading to hearing damage over time without proper hearing protection.
- Chemical Hazards - Exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as acids, gases, and solvents used in plant operations or maintenance.
- Mechanical Hazards - Injuries from moving machinery, rotating equipment, or mechanical failure.
- Explosion Risks - In power plants and refineries, where there may be flammable gas or liquid leaks.
- Radiation Exposure - In nuclear power generation, workers may be exposed to ionizing radiation during maintenance or repair work.
- Ergonomic Hazards - Repetitive motions, awkward postures, and heavy lifting that can lead to musculoskeletal injuries.
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.