Personal protective equipment is an essential part of protecting workers from electrical shock, arc flash, arc blast and related thermal hazards.

However, PPE should not be treated as the first or only safety measure. Canadian electrical safety practice begins by identifying the hazard, eliminating energized work wherever reasonably practicable, establishing an electrically safe work condition and applying engineering and administrative controls before relying on PPE for the remaining risk.

The Government of Canada describes PPE as the last level of protection after hazards have been eliminated or reduced through other controls. CCOHS similarly recommends avoiding work on energized equipment wherever possible and using lockout, safe work procedures, boundaries, maintenance and job planning before depending on shock and arc-flash PPE.

For Canadian workplaces, PPE requirements should be based on:

• The task being performed
• The equipment and system voltage
• Shock and arc-flash risk assessments
• Available incident-energy information
• Equipment condition and maintenance
• Working distance
• Applicable legislation
• CSA Z462:24
• Manufacturer instructions
• The employer’s electrical safety programme

The required PPE can include arc-rated clothing, face and head protection, rubber insulating gloves with suitable protectors, eye protection, hearing protection, protective footwear and properly rated insulated tools.

Why Electrical PPE Matters

An arc flash can expose a worker to extreme heat, molten metal, intense light and a pressure wave.

CCOHS notes that arc-flash temperatures can approach 20,000°C, while the accompanying arc blast can cause impact injuries, hearing damage and falls. The event may also project molten material and equipment fragments away from the source.

Electrical PPE cannot prevent an arc flash from occurring. Its purpose is to reduce the severity of injury when exposure remains after other controls have been applied.

This distinction matters. Wearing a high-rated arc-flash suit does not make unnecessary energized work acceptable. The safer objective is still to eliminate the energized condition whenever practicable.

What Is the Current Canadian Electrical Safety Standard?

The primary Canadian workplace electrical safety standard is:

CSA Z462:24 — Workplace Electrical Safety

It was published in 2024 and is the sixth edition of CSA Z462. It supersedes the 2021, 2018, 2015, 2012 and 2008 editions. The standard addresses electrical safety management systems, safe work procedures, PPE selection, qualified electrical worker criteria and work involving energized electrical equipment.

CSA Z462 is based partly on NFPA 70E, but it includes significant Canadian revisions and is harmonized with Canadian standards and electrical practices. The official CSA scope says it should be used with the Canadian Electrical Code, CSA Z460, CSA M421 and the federal, provincial or territorial safety regulations that apply to the facility or worksite.

For the Canadian blog, do not present NFPA 70E as the governing Canadian requirement. It may remain a useful technical reference, but CSA Z462 and the applicable Canadian jurisdiction should lead the article.

Important CSA Z462:24 PPE Changes

1. PPE Categories Were Replaced by Minimum Arc Ratings

One of the most important changes in CSA Z462:24 is the removal of the old arc-flash PPE category numbers from the PPE tables.

The previous categories of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were replaced in the applicable selection tables with minimum arc ratings of:

CSA also deleted the former Table 6C and replaced references to an “arc flash PPE category” with arc flash PPE minimum arc rating.

The practical effect is that Canadian teams should focus on the minimum arc rating required for the task rather than casually describing PPE only by category number.

A garment or suit must have an arc rating that meets or exceeds the required minimum identified by the selected assessment method.

2. The Selection Method Was Renamed and Revised

CSA Z462:24 relocated and revised the previous arc-flash PPE category method. It is now referred to as the arc flash PPE selection table method.

The standard supports structured PPE selection through approaches such as:

• An incident-energy analysis
• The arc-flash PPE selection table method

The method should be applied correctly for the task and equipment. Teams should not mix assumptions from different methods to produce a preferred PPE result.

The selected method must consider equipment condition, available fault current, clearing time, working distance, task and the limitations of the applicable table.

3. Face-Shield Arc Ratings Received More Attention

CSA Z462:24 changed the definition of arc rating to include an arc-rating limit for face shields.

This reinforces an important principle: a face shield should not be selected only because it looks heavy-duty or is described as flame resistant.

For an arc-flash exposure, face protection should:

• Be specifically arc rated
• Meet or exceed the required rating
• Be used with the required head, eye and neck protection
• Be compatible with the hard hat and balaclava or hood
• Provide adequate visibility and fit
• Be inspected before use

ASTM F2178/F2178M addresses arc-rated eye and face products such as face shields, goggles and hood assemblies. It evaluates the product’s response to electric-arc thermal exposure, but additional PPE is still required for body areas not protected by the face product.

4. “Leather Protectors” Became “Protectors”

CSA Z462:24 changed the term leather protectors to protectors for gloves worn over rubber insulating gloves.

This allows protector gloves to be made from compliant materials other than leather, provided they meet the applicable protective requirement.

This does not mean that any work glove can be substituted. The protector must be suitable for the rubber insulating glove, voltage class, task and manufacturer requirements.

5. Absence of Voltage Must Be Verified at Each Point of Work

The 2024 edition added that absence-of-voltage verification must be completed at each point of work when establishing an electrically safe work condition.

This matters when:

• Work is performed at multiple cabinets or enclosures
• Conductors may be supplied from more than one source
• Backfeed is possible
• Distributed equipment is involved
• More than one work crew is present
• The isolation point is remote from the actual work location

A zero-voltage check at one location does not automatically prove every other work location is de-energized.

How Arc-Flash PPE Should Be Selected

PPE selection should begin with an arc-flash risk assessment.

CCOHS states that the assessment should identify the hazard, determine the likelihood and potential severity of an incident, and establish the protective measures needed. Equipment design, overcurrent-protection performance, fault-clearing time, condition of maintenance and work practices can all affect the risk.

The process should answer:

1. Is an arc-flash hazard present?
2. Can the equipment be placed in an electrically safe work condition?
3. What task is being performed?
4. What is the expected incident energy or minimum arc rating?
5. What is the arc-flash boundary?
6. What shock hazard is present?
7. What body parts could be exposed?
8. What complete PPE system is required?
9. Is the equipment properly maintained?
10. Is the worker qualified and trained for the task?

The arc rating on the clothing and face protection should meet or exceed the identified minimum.

Arc-Rated Clothing Requirements

Arc-rated clothing is designed to reduce thermal injury from a momentary electric-arc exposure.

ASTM F1506 establishes minimum requirements for the arc rating, flame resistance, mechanical durability, garment construction and labelling of protective clothing used by workers exposed to electric arcs and related thermal hazards.

Depending on the assessment, the clothing system may include:

• Arc-rated shirt and trousers
• Arc-rated coveralls
• Arc-rated jacket
• Arc-rated coat and bib-overall system
• Arc-rated base or intermediate layers
• Arc-flash suit
• Balaclava
• Hood

The clothing should:

• Cover exposed body areas
• Remain fully fastened as designed
• Provide the required minimum arc rating
• Fit properly without restricting safe movement
• Be compatible with gloves, hoods and other PPE
• Be free from holes, tears and contamination
• Have an identifiable arc-rating label

A partial garment such as a lab coat should not be assumed to provide complete protection when the assessed exposure requires full-body coverage.

Layering Arc-Rated Clothing

Layering can increase the protection provided by a clothing system, but the total protection should not be calculated by simply adding the individual garment ratings unless the complete layered system has been tested and rated together.

For example, two garments individually rated at 8 cal/cm² do not automatically create a verified 16 cal/cm² system.

Use:

• Manufacturer-tested layered systems
• Documented system arc ratings
• Clothing combinations approved through the employer’s PPE programme
• The complete PPE configuration used during the arc test

Undergarments should not be made from materials that can melt onto the skin during heat exposure. The employer should follow CSA Z462, the garment manufacturer’s instructions and the hazard assessment when selecting base layers.

Face, Eye and Head Protection

Arc-flash face protection may include:

• Safety glasses or goggles
• Arc-rated face shield
• Arc-rated balaclava
• Arc-rated hood
• Hard hat
• Hearing protection

A face shield is generally worn in addition to safety glasses or goggles rather than as a substitute for basic eye protection.

CCOHS identifies arc-flash goggles, hoods and face shields within Canadian eye and face protection guidance.

The correct combination depends on the required minimum arc rating, task, system configuration and selected assessment method.

Inspect face protection for:

• Cracks
• Scratches
• Clouding
• Heat damage
• Distortion
• Loose attachment points
• Damaged hood fabric
• Missing labels
• Reduced visibility

A heavily scratched or distorted shield can create another hazard by preventing the worker from seeing the task clearly.

Rubber Insulating Gloves and Protectors

Arc-rated clothing protects mainly against thermal exposure. It does not replace shock protection.

When a shock hazard exists, workers may also need rubber insulating gloves of the appropriate voltage class, together with suitable protectors.

The selection should consider:

• Maximum use voltage
• Glove class
• AC or DC exposure
• Required protector
• Air-test and visual-inspection results
• In-service electrical test status
• Storage and contamination
• Manufacturer instructions

Gloves should be checked before use for holes, cuts, ozone cracking, swelling, contamination, embedded objects and other defects.

The glove system must match the electrical hazard. A high arc rating on clothing does not compensate for an incorrectly selected or damaged rubber insulating glove.

Arc-Rated Rainwear and High-Visibility Apparel

Ordinary rainwear can melt, ignite or worsen burn injuries during an arc-flash exposure.

When rain protection is required in an identified arc-flash environment, it should be specifically designed and rated for arc and flame exposure. ASTM F1891 establishes performance requirements for arc- and flame-resistant rainwear. The standard does not address electrical contact or shock protection, so rainwear cannot replace rubber insulating equipment.

High-visibility clothing used in electrical work also needs careful selection. CCOHS notes that garments requiring both high visibility and electrical flash/flame protection have additional requirements beyond ordinary high-visibility apparel.

Do not wear a standard polyester safety vest over arc-rated clothing unless that vest is approved for the identified electrical hazard.

Insulated Hand Tools

When tools may contact exposed energized parts, the selected tools must be appropriate for the voltage and work method.

ASTM F1505 covers insulated and insulating hand tools used on or near energized equipment operating up to 1,000 V AC or 1,500 V DC. The specification covers tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, cutters, strippers and knives.

Before use, inspect tools for:

• Cuts or punctures in the insulation
• Exposed metal in protected areas
• Cracks
• Heat damage
• Chemical deterioration
• Loose components
• Missing voltage or standard markings

Two-colour insulation can help reveal cuts when the inner layer becomes visible, but the tool still needs to be removed from service when its insulation is damaged.

Insulated tools do not replace rubber insulating gloves, boundaries or safe work practices.

Conductive Articles and Personal Items

Conductive jewellery and accessories can create shock, burn and short-circuit hazards around exposed electrical parts.

Workers may need to remove or control items such as:

• Rings
• Watches
• Bracelets
• Necklaces
• Metal chains
• Conductive badges
• Metal-framed accessories
• Conductive clothing hardware
• Loose tools or keys

The exact restrictions should be established through the employer’s electrical safety procedure and the applicable CSA Z462 requirements.

Inspection, Care and Storage of Electrical PPE

PPE should be inspected before use and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Arc-Rated Clothing

Check for:

• Holes and tears
• Thin or worn fabric
• Open seams
• Damaged closures
• Burn marks
• Oil, grease or flammable contamination
• Improper repairs
• Missing arc-rating labels

Face Shields and Hoods

Check for:

• Scratches and cracks
• Distortion
• Damaged fabric
• Loose mounting hardware
• Contamination
• Missing labels

Rubber Insulating Equipment

Check for:

• Punctures
• Cuts
• Cracking
• Ozone damage
• Embedded objects
• Swelling
• Chemical contamination
• Expired or missing test information

Insulated Tools

Check for:

• Damaged insulation
• Missing guards
• Exposed conductive surfaces
• Loose parts
• Illegible voltage markings

Damaged or questionable equipment should be clearly removed from service so another worker does not use it accidentally.

Training and Worker Responsibilities

Providing PPE is not enough. Workers need to understand:

• Which hazards the PPE protects against
• Which hazards it does not protect against
• How the arc rating was selected
• How to put the equipment on correctly
• How layers should be worn
• How to inspect the equipment
• When PPE must be removed from service
• How to store and clean it
• Which boundaries apply
• When energized work is permitted
• What to do during an emergency

CSA Z462 establishes criteria for identifying and training qualified electrical workers and for determining which hazardous tasks may only be performed by qualified people.

Under Canadian federal guidance, employers are responsible for identifying and controlling hazards and determining the additional PPE required for each task when other controls cannot fully remove the risk. Workers must also receive the information, instruction and supervision needed to perform the work safely.

Electrical Safety Is More Than PPE

A strong electrical safety programme should address:

• Hazard identification
• Shock and arc-flash risk assessment
• Electrically safe work conditions
• Lockout and hazardous-energy control
• Energized electrical work permits where required
• Job planning and briefings
• Approach and arc-flash boundaries
• Equipment labelling
• Qualified-worker training
• Equipment maintenance
• PPE selection
• PPE inspection and testing
• Incident and near-miss review
• Programme auditing

CCOHS identifies equipment maintenance as a major arc-flash control. Loose contacts, corrosion, damaged insulation, dust, condensation and poorly maintained protective devices can all increase the likelihood or severity of an incident.

PPE is the final protective layer. It works best when the rest of the electrical safety system is also functioning correctly.

Practical Canadian PPE Checklist

Before electrical work begins, confirm:

• Can the equipment be de-energized?
• Has an electrically safe work condition been established?
• Has absence of voltage been verified at each point of work?
• Has an arc-flash and shock risk assessment been completed?
• Is the worker qualified for the task?
• Is the required minimum arc rating known?
• Does the clothing meet or exceed that rating?
• Is the face protection appropriately arc rated?
• Are safety glasses or goggles included?
• Are the rubber insulating gloves suitable and within test requirements?
• Are appropriate protectors being used?
• Are tools insulated and rated for the task?
• Is hearing protection required?
• Is the footwear appropriate?
• Are conductive personal items controlled?
• Has all PPE been inspected?
• Is the equipment properly maintained?
• Has the work plan been reviewed with everyone involved?

Practical Takeaway

The most important Canadian PPE update is not simply that workers need “more PPE.”

CSA Z462:24 places clearer emphasis on selecting equipment by its minimum arc rating, verifying absence of voltage at each point of work and using Canadian risk-based electrical safety practices.

Key points include:

• Establish an electrically safe work condition whenever practicable.
• Treat PPE as the final layer of protection.
• Use a proper shock and arc-flash risk assessment.
• Select clothing and face protection by minimum arc rating.
• Do not rely only on old PPE category numbers.
• Use rubber insulating gloves and suitable protectors where shock protection is required.
• Use arc-rated rainwear and high-visibility garments when those hazards overlap.
• Inspect all clothing, shields, gloves and tools before use.
• Train workers on correct selection, limitations and care.
• Follow CSA Z462:24 and the Canadian jurisdiction governing the worksite.

JM Test Systems Canada can support electrical safety programmes with arc-flash suits, arc-rated PPE, rubber insulating equipment, insulated tools, PPE inspection and testing services, and electrical safety equipment rentals.