OSHA 1910.269

The Operation and Maintenance of Electric Power Generation, Control, Transformation, Transmission and Distribution Lines and Equipment.

• Protective Clothing Requirement: Employees exposed to electric arc hazards must wear protective clothing and equipment with an arc rating greater than or equal to the estimated heat energy. If the heat energy estimate exceeds 2.0 cal/cm², the protective clothing must cover the entire body, except for certain exemptions for hands, feet, and head protection.

• Changes in Standards: The current standard emphasizes ensuring that clothing does not increase injury risks in case of exposure to flames or electric arcs, replacing older standards that focused on avoiding clothing that could exacerbate injuries.

• PPE Definition: Flame-resistant (FR) clothing is now classified explicitly as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Employers are responsible for the proper care and maintenance of employees’ protective clothing, whether laundered at home or by an industrial laundry service.

• Responsibility of Employers: Employers must train employees in proper laundering procedures if they choose home laundering. They must also inspect the clothing regularly for damage or wear, regardless of whether an industrial laundry service is used.

• Head Protection: Head protection includes face shields with a minimum arc rating of 8 cal/cm², depending on the type of exposure. At higher exposures, an arc-rated hood or face shield with a balaclava may be required.

• Hand and Foot Protection: Specific requirements for hand and foot protection are also addressed in the standards, which can be detailed further in relevant documentation.

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.269