PPE for Electricians: What You Need on Site

Insulated Glove Classes (BS EN 60903)

• Class 00 — 500V AC — minimum for UK 230V mains voltage work. Thinner and more dexterous than higher classes. Suitable for domestic and light commercial work at single-phase voltages.
• Class 0 — 1,000V AC — recommended for most UK electrical work including three-phase systems (400V). Provides a greater safety margin and is the standard choice for distribution board work.
• Class 1 — 7,500V AC — for work on medium-voltage equipment. Required by high-voltage authorised persons.
• Class 2 — 17,000V AC — for high-voltage substation work. Thicker and less dexterous — leather over-gloves essential.
• Class 3 and 4 — up to 36,000V and 36,000V+ AC — for specialist high-voltage work on transmission and distribution networks.

• S1P rating — the minimum standard for most electrical work. Includes a toe cap (200 joule impact protection), antistatic sole, energy-absorbing heel, and midsole penetration protection. The toe cap can be steel or composite — composite is lighter and does not conduct electricity.
• S3 rating — adds water resistance, making them suitable for outdoor work and wet conditions. A good all-round choice for electricians working across domestic, commercial, and construction sites.
• Electrical Hazard (EH) rated soles — provide secondary insulation against electric shock through the soles. These are tested to withstand a specified voltage (typically 18kV) under dry conditions. They are not a substitute for safe isolation but provide an additional layer of protection. Note: EH ratings are an ASTM (American) standard — look for boots specifically marketed for electrical workers.
• Composite vs steel toe caps — composite toe caps do not conduct electricity and are lighter. They are increasingly preferred by electricians over steel toe caps for this reason.

• Safety glasses (BS EN 166) — the minimum eye protection for general electrical work. Must have side shields for protection from lateral debris. Clear lenses for indoor work, tinted for outdoor work. Anti-fog coating is essential in warm or humid environments. Choose a comfortable, snug fit that does not slip — you need them to stay on.
• Safety goggles — provide a sealed fit around the eyes, offering better protection against dust, fine particles, and liquid splashes. Required when using angle grinders, chop saws, or working in dusty environments.
• Arc-rated face shields — required for work on or near energised switchgear and distribution boards where arc flash is a risk. Must be rated to the appropriate arc thermal performance value (ATPV) based on the arc flash risk assessment. Typically rated at 8 cal/cm squared minimum (Category 2).

• BS EN 60900 compliance — all VDE 1000V tools must comply with this standard (the international equivalent is IEC 60900). Each tool is individually tested to 10,000V AC before sale to ensure the insulation integrity.
• Multi-layer insulation — the insulation is not just a plastic dip. VDE tools have a hard inner insulating layer and a softer outer layer in a contrasting colour (usually red over yellow or orange over yellow). If the outer layer is damaged, the contrasting inner layer is immediately visible, warning you to stop using the tool.
• Essential VDE tool set — screwdrivers (flat and Phillips/Pozi in multiple sizes), side cutters, long-nose pliers, combination pliers, cable strippers, adjustable spanner, and cable knife. Major brands include Knipex, Wera, Wiha, and CK Tools.
• Inspection before use — check VDE tools before each use for damaged, cracked, or peeling insulation. If the contrasting inner layer is visible, the tool must be replaced immediately. Never modify, tape over, or repair VDE insulation.

• Industrial safety helmets (BS EN 397) — required on construction sites and any workplace where there is a risk of head injury from falling objects, collision with fixed structures, or contact with live electrical conductors overhead. Choose a helmet with an electrical insulation rating (440V AC class) for additional protection.
• Bump caps (BS EN 812) — lighter than hard hats and suitable for environments where the risk is bumping your head on low beams, pipes, or underfloor joists rather than falling objects. Useful for work in loft spaces and underfloor voids.
• Replacement schedule — hard hats should be replaced every 5 years from manufacture date (check the moulded date on the inside), or sooner if they have sustained an impact, are cracked or damaged, or have been exposed to excessive UV light or chemicals.

• Before each use — visually inspect all PPE before putting it on. Check insulated gloves for tears and punctures (air test). Check safety glasses for scratches. Check tool insulation for damage. Check boots for sole wear and toe cap exposure.
• Formal inspections — carry out recorded inspections at regular intervals (monthly or quarterly). Use a PPE inspection checklist and record the findings. Keep records for at least 5 years.
• Storage — store PPE in a clean, dry, cool location away from direct sunlight, chemicals, sharp objects, and extreme temperatures. Insulated gloves should be stored flat or in a glove bag — never folded or compressed.
• Replacement — replace PPE immediately if damaged, expired, or contaminated. Never repair insulated gloves, VDE tools, or arc flash garments — replace them with new, certified items.

• Employer duties — provide suitable PPE free of charge to all employees and limb (b) workers. Assess the suitability of PPE for the task and the individual. Ensure PPE is properly maintained, cleaned, and replaced when necessary. Provide training on correct use, storage, and limitations of each item of PPE.
• Employee duties — use PPE as instructed and in accordance with training. Report any defects, damage, or loss of PPE to the employer. Take reasonable care of PPE and return it to proper storage after use.
• Self-employed duties — provide and maintain your own PPE. The cost can be claimed as a business expense. You have the same duty of care to yourself and others affected by your work.