As temperatures drop and winter sets in, electrical work doesn’t stop but the hazards can get worse. Cold weather doesn’t just bring discomfort, it introduces specific safety challenges that can increase the risk of arc flash incidents if you’re not prepared.
OSHA emphasizes that environmental conditions, including cold stress and improper PPE use, can significantly increase workplace hazards during energized electrical work.
How Cold Weather Amplifies Arc Flash Risks
While arc flash incidents are fundamentally electrical in nature, cold weather creates conditions that increase the likelihood and severity of incidents:
Reduced Dexterity & Human Error
Cold temperatures reduce finger dexterity, grip strength, and reaction times all of which can increase the chance of accidental contact with energized components or improper tool handling.
Cold Stress Impacts Focus & Safety
OSHA identifies cold stress as a serious workplace hazard that can impair judgment, coordination, and alertness critical factors when working around energized equipment.
OSHA – Winter Weather Preparedness
Non-FR Winter Clothing Increases Burn Risk
Standard winter jackets, hoodies, and base layers are not flame resistant and can melt or ignite during an arc flash event, worsening burn injuries. OSHA requires that protective clothing not increase injury severity when exposed to electrical hazards.
How to Prepare for Arc Flash Hazards in Cold Weather
1. Use Arc-Rated FR Base Layers (Never Regular Winter Layers)
OSHA requires that clothing worn during energized electrical work must be flame resistant and appropriate for the hazard level. Arc-rated base layers provide warmth without compromising compliance.
OSHA PPE Requirements – General Industry (1910.132)
Recommended FR Base Layers from Novarlo:
- FR/Arc Flash Resistant Mock Turtleneck Base Layer
- FR & Arc Flash Resistant Long Underwear Bottoms
- 25 Cal Arc Flash Heavyweight Knit Balaclava
- 4 Cal Arc Flash Lightweight Balaclava
2. Wear Cold-Weather Arc-Rated Outerwear
OSHA states that PPE must protect against the hazard without introducing new risks meaning insulated arc-rated outerwear is essential in winter conditions.
Cold-Weather Arc Flash Jackets & Bibs from Novarlo:
- Carbon Armour H3 Arc Flash Jacket
- Quilted Arc Flash Bib Overalls (Water-Resistant)
- Enespro Airlite 12 Cal Arc Flash Jacket
- 40 Cal Arc Flash Jacket – ArcGuard Performance
3. Use Complete Arc Flash PPE Kits
OSHA encourages employers to implement comprehensive PPE systems rather than piecemeal solutions to ensure full body protection during high-risk tasks.
OSHA – Electric-Arc Flash Hazards
Arc Flash Kits Available at Novarlo:
4. Protect Hands Without Sacrificing Safety
Cold hands increase the risk of tool slippage and improper handling. OSHA requires hand protection that is appropriate for both thermal and electrical hazards.
OSHA Hand Protection Standard – 1910.138
Arc-Rated Hand Protection from Novarlo:
- 65 Cal Arc Flash Gloves (Nomex®/Kevlar®)
- Kunz Buffed Cowhide Leather Voltage Glove
- HexArmor Chrome SLT 4061
Arc Flash Safety Tips
✔ Train workers on cold stress hazards and PPE layering
✔ Ensure all layers are arc-rated and compliant
✔ Inspect PPE regularly for cold-weather wear
✔ Follow OSHA electrical safety and PPE standards consistently
Winter conditions don’t eliminate arc flash hazards they amplify them. With cold-weather arc flash PPE from Novarlo, your crews can stay warm, compliant, and protected all season long.