ELECTRICAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT

LV MV HV Voltage Detectors | Portable Earthing | Insulating Sticks | Insulating Gloves

| CATU Electrical Safety Equipment
➡ View below our ranges of Electrical Safety Equipment for working on underground
cables and overhead lines at low, medium and high voltages – we are the largest UK
stockist of CATU Electrical Safety Equipment for working at LV, 11kV, 33kV, 66kV,
132kV and up to 400kV.
We provide electrical safety equipment to substation engineers, cable jointers, overhead
linesmen and utility workers with PPE and electrical safety equipment
including insulating gloves, voltage detectors, insulating matting and portable
earthing to ensure worker safety when carrying out maintenance on LV-HV switchgear,
substations, cables and electrical equipment.

High Voltage Electrical Safety

LV MV HV
ELECTRICAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT
MEDIUM & HIGH VOLTAGES
T&D distribute the most extensive range of High Voltage Electrical Safety equipment
to ensure safe working and protection against electrocution during the installation,
jointing, terminating and testing of medium/high voltage power cables and electrical
equipment including switchgear and transformers.
A complete range of HV instruments including voltage detectors, phase
comparators, short circuiting portable earthing and substation electrical safety
equipment used for maintenance and repair of cables, connectors and terminations of
transmission or distribution cables, power lines and switchgear in high voltage
substations.
Voltage Detectors Substation Life Saving Kits
Insulating Sticks Portable Earthing Short Circuiting Kits
Rescue Hooks & Sticks Phase Comparators
Insulating Matting Insulating Ladders
Insulated Tools Arc Flash Clothing, Protection & Helmets
Insulating Gloves  Insulating Boots & Overshoes
See also: Arc Flash Protection & Clothing 
This Electrical Safety infographic is a great resource for outlining some of the key safety
messages to workers employed in the electrical utility industry – image courtesy of
UKPN, a UK Distribution Network Operator and their #BeBrightBeSafe campaign.

INSULATING GLOVES FOR LIVE WORKING & HV HIGH VOLTAGES

Where utility workers are required to work on or in close proximity to Live LV
conductors insulating gloves according to Class 1 (7.5kV) BS EN 60903 standard are
generally specified for electrical safety and protection – gloves should not be the sole
level of protection for working on Live LV cables or conductors.
Class 1 gloves are issued to cable jointers and substation personnel required to
operate air-break switch disconnector handles or link and fuse operating rods on the HV
Electrical System – it is recommended that a leather protective outer glove should be
used while operating on the HV System to prevent premature damage to the insulating
glove. Gloves should be replaced before re-testing is required.
See also insulating boots to provide protective footwear to utility workers involved in
substation, overhead line and cable installations at LV MV HV – a full range of
protective footwear for high voltage insulation is available.
Low Voltage LV Switchrooms
To enable the inspection, testing and commissioning of all Low Voltage electrical
equipment and power systems – this includes electrical insulating matting for use in
front of LV switchgear, insulating rubber gloves (Class 0) and wall mounted life saving
kits.

Arc Flash Clothing & Protection | High Voltage Switching & Substation Safety

There are hazards within all industries, however the electrical industry can be
particularly dangerous and requires specific skill sets, attention to detail and thorough
training on machinery, stations, and equipment. Here, we will detail some of the specific
PPE required within the electrical industry that saves thousands of lives each year.
Arc flash PPE

Arc flash hazards are increased due to the demand for electricity and electrical
products, and when working with electrical equipment, it is important to be properly
protected in the case of an arc flash emergency. Arc flashes can cause deep burns,
electrical shocks, blindness and even death, unless the correct industry standard
personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn.

Arc flash clothing is essential, with switching suits available from low level to high level
protection. Arc clothing is made from flame resistant material such as a cotton and
nylon blend which is comfortable and lightweight while providing good insulation.

For the most effective protection from arc flashes, under base layers should be worn to
provide extra insulation, which is the last line of defence in an electrical safety plan but
could be essential if an electrical explosion were to occur.
High visibility, two tone and single colour arc flash outerwear should also be worn, as
high visibility clothing is ideal for outdoor or remote work with electrical exposure.
Overalls, shirts, trousers, and jackets are also industry standard, with double layer
protection made of advanced fabrics, which are ideal for welders who could be at risk of
molten metal spatter.

Insulating boots and gloves

Insulating boots and gloves are also essential for ensuring electrical and high voltage
safety, and can protect the wearer should an electrical shock from equipment or
machinery occur. Electrical gloves and boots are designed for protection against a
range of voltages, with class ratings given to gloves dependent on the voltage
protection they can provide. Standard insulating gloves, composite insulating arc rated
gloves, and leather gloves are just a selection of options available and each should be
considered depending on the environment and electrical hazards around.

Safety boots have unique safeguards built in to stop electrical currents from entering the
body through the feet. Steel toe cap boots with rubber soles are often a popular and
practical choice for tradesmen and electrical workers alike.

Electrical safety hooks

Electrical safety hooks are an essential piece of electrical safety equipment and are
used to retrieve victims of electric shock whilst protecting the rescuer from electric
shock themselves. The safety hook prevents back feed of electricity from harming the
rescuer as they are made from polyester or a glass fibre foam filled tube and are
insulated up to 225kV. The hook’s ‘S’ shape is designed so the rescuer can grip the
victim’s arm, leg or waist for a secure hold and quick retrieval.

When working within the electrical industry, workers should approach all projects with
complete and correct PPE to ensure workers are fully prepared for the workplace.