Essential 2026 Winter-Storm Safety Gear for Utility Crews

When a heavy snowstorm knocks out power across Michigan or the Great Lakes region, linemen are the first to respond climbing poles in high winds, repairing downed lines, and navigating icy roads in low visibility. Winter outages combine freezing temperatures, wet conditions, electrical hazards, falling branches, and long shifts.

That’s why linemen need purpose-built PPE that protects against cold-stress, low visibility, electrical shock, heat hazards, and environmental exposure. Below is a complete winter-storm emergency-callout gear guide using real products from Novarlo.

Top PPE & Winter-Storm Gear from Novarlo

1. Drifire Hydrolite FR 2.0 Extreme Weather Suit - FR/AR 31 Cal

Built for the toughest, coldest, hottest conditions a perfect glove for linemen working around metal, hardware, energized components, and harsh winter weather.

Key Features:

· 31 cal/cm², CAT 3 arc protection

· 8.3 oz GORE-TEX PYRAD® lightweight, breathable, fast-drying

· Waterproof passes 1-hour storm shower test

· Meets/exceeds ANSI 107 hi-vis requirements

· Anti-wicking interior prevents moisture migration

· Snap-off adjustable hood (compatible with hard hats)

· FR segmented reflective trim for visibility

· Covered D-ring access for fall protection

· Lined hand-warmer pockets + dual front pockets

· Heavy-duty suspender system with elastic straps

· Covered front zipper & leg zippers

Ideal for: emergency repairs, hardware handling, spark-exposed tasks, pole work in winter storms.

2. FR Base Layers

Base layers are critical in winter. They must keep you warm, wick moisture, and remain arc-flash compliant especially when working near live electrical components.

Why Linemen Need These in Storms:

• Inherent FR protection that doesn’t wash out

• Moisture-wicking + odor-control to reduce cold-stress

• Comfortable under bibs, jackets, and rainwear

• Keeps you dry under heavy gear during long, sweaty shifts

3. HexArmor - Class E Type 1 Safety Helmet - Ceros® XP450AE

During outages, linemen face falling ice, branches, tools, and overhead hazards all multiplied by slippery conditions and wind.

Why These Helmets Matter:

•          Type 1, Class E electrical protection

•          Available Mips® system to reduce rotational impact forces

•          Short brim for improved upward visibility

•          Six-point AirBridge suspension (pre-assembled)

•          Removable four-point chin strap

•          Back-of-head coverage for up to 17% more protection

•          Moisture-resistant, removable sweatband

•          SwiftLock® one-hand ratchet adjustment

•          Compatible with Click-and-Go® magnetic or mechanical accessories

•          Face shields (anti-fog, anti-scratch)

•          Hearing protection options

•         Other integrated attachments

4. Electrical-Safe Gloves for Storm Response

Rubber-insulating gloves are mandatory anytime a lineman works near energized lines, switchgear, transformers, or unknown voltage especially during unpredictable storm conditions where moisture increases conductivity.

Class 0 Rubber Voltage Gloves (ArcGuard)

• Rated for 1,000 V AC / 1,500 V DC

• Perfect for low- to mid-voltage distribution tasks

• Must be worn with leather protectors

• Excellent for emergency repair work around wet equipment

Class 2 Rubber Voltage Gloves (ArcGuard)

• Higher voltage rating than Class 0

• Ideal for storm-response involving unpredictable or variable voltage

• Critical for linemen working mid-voltage distribution

Class 3 Rubber Insulating Gloves (OEL)

• Rated for up to 26.5 kV

• Maximum protection for high-voltage line work

• Best for transmission or heavy distribution crews

• A strong safety margin for extreme storm conditions

How to Use Rubber-Insulating Gloves Safely in Winter

• Always wear leather protectors over rubber gloves

• Keep gloves dry moisture drastically increases shock risk

• Inspect before every use (cracks, stiffness, punctures)

• Use the correct class rating for the job

• Use thin glove liners for warmth (ensure they don’t affect fit or insulation rating)

5. Portwest PW3 Hi-Vis 3-in-1 Jacket

When visibility drops to zero and roads become hazardous, linemen need hi-vis outerwear that keeps them warm, dry, and impossible to miss.

Why It’s Essential:

• Waterproof/windproof shell

• Removable fleece liner for adjustable warmth

• ANSI hi-vis reflective striping

• Works over fall-protection harnesses

• Durable for long shifts in sleet, snow, and freezing rain

6. HexArmor - Face Sheild Kits- Ceros® XP

Provides linemen with fast, tool-free full-face protection that stays clear in harsh weather, integrates seamlessly with safety helmets, resists impact and splash hazards, and maintains a low-profile design for safe climbing and bucket work

Benefits:

• Full-face protection

• Anti-fog & scratch-resistant visor

• Quick-attach design

• Helmet integration

• Splash / liquid- and arc-flash resistant

• Comfort & ergonomic fit

Why Winter & Electrical Hazards Are a Dangerous Combination

• Snow & ice increase conductivity when working around energized equipment

• Cold reduces dexterity, increasing mistakes during critical work

• Wind and low visibility increase risk of struck-by or fall hazards

• Wet clothing + cold weather = hypothermia risk within minutes

• Falling branches/ice are common overhead hazards during storms

This is why layering FR clothing, insulated gloves, hard hats, and hi-vis outerwear is non-negotiable.

Lineman Winter-Outage Safety Checklist

✔ FR base layer
✔ Waterproof, hi-vis outer jacket
✔ Class 0, Class 2, or Class 3 rubber-insulating gloves (job-dependent)
✔ Leather protectors for all rubber gloves
✔ Heat-resistant mechanical gloves
✔ Hard hat
✔ Insulated or FR bibs/coveralls
✔ Winter helmet liners / glove liners

Winter PPE Saves Lives

Snowstorms don’t wait for good weather, and neither can utility crews.
With the right winter-storm PPE from Novarlo, linemen can respond safely and confidently: warm, visible, insulated, and protected from electrical hazards.