As winter fades and spring arrives, utility crews are gearing up for one of the busiest times of the year outage season. Between thunderstorms, high winds, and increased strain on electrical infrastructure, this period presents unique hazards that demand reliable personal protective equipment (PPE) and strict adherence to safety standards.
At Novarlo, we understand the pressure electrical teams face during spring outages. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to the electrical PPE essentials every crew should have ready before heading into the field.
Arc Flash PPE Protection from Electrical Energy Hazards
Spring storms and system faults can increase the risk of arc flash incidents. Proper arc-rated PPE is non-negotiable.
Arc Rated Clothing
Ensure crews are wearing garments that meet NFPA 70E requirements and provide the appropriate cal/cm² rating for the task. Breathable options like the Drifire® ArcTec 2.0 FR Base Layers help manage moisture while maintaining protection.
Arc Flash Suits & Coveralls
For higher exposure tasks, full arc flash suits or coveralls provide critical full-body protection.
Head & Face Protection
Spring outage work often means elevated tasks, storm debris, and unpredictable conditions.
Class E Hard Hats
Electrical-rated head protection is essential for utility crews.
Arc Flash Face Shields & Hood Systems
Face shields and lift-front hoods provide critical protection against thermal hazards and flying debris.
Protective Eyewear
Outdoor glare, debris, and arc exposure all pose serious eye injury risks.
Safety Glasses (ANSI Z87+)
Impact-rated eyewear with side shields is essential for outage work.
Electrical Insulating Gloves & Hand Protection
Crews must maintain dexterity without sacrificing protection.
Rubber Voltage Gloves (ASTM Rated)
Electrical insulating gloves are a core defense against shock hazards.
Leather Protectors
Always pair rubber gloves with approved leather protectors to prevent damage and extend glove life.
High-Visibility & Weather-Ready Apparel
Spring weather is unpredictable rain, wind, temperature swings, and low visibility are common.
Hi-Vis Rainwear (ANSI Compliant)
Storm response requires visibility and weather protection.
FR Jackets & Outer Layers
Layering is key for crews coming out of winter conditions.
Fall Protection for Elevated Work
Outage restoration often involves pole work, bucket trucks, and elevated access points.
Harnesses, Lanyards & SRLs
Ensure all fall protection equipment is inspected and compliant before spring operations ramp up.
Inspection & Compliance Before the Rush
Spring outage season is not the time to discover expired gloves, damaged face shields, or worn harness webbing.
✔ Inspect all arc-rated garments for contamination or damage
✔ Air test rubber gloves and confirm testing dates
✔ Review fall protection inspection logs
✔ Revisit NFPA 70E electrical safety requirements with your team
Preparation now reduces downtime, injuries, and liability when outages hit.
Gear Up with Novarlo
At Novarlo, we support electrical contractors, utilities, and maintenance crews with PPE built for compliance, durability, and real-world performance.
Before the next storm rolls in, make sure your team is ready.