The Rise of Electrification—The Electrical Safety PPE You Should Know
Electrification has been a source of clean energy and more jobs in America.
- By Kevin Pietras
- Sep 01, 2021
Over the past several months, the term “electrification” has made its way into national conversation. Simply put, electrification means converting the way a machine or system operates to the use of electrical power. As the term gains traction across industries, it has been acclaimed by many as a key pathway to combatting climate change by supplying a cleaner energy source and a foundation for producing more American jobs.
The increase in electric vehicle manufacturing is one example of the rise of electrification. In 2021, many leading auto manufacturers have already made significant commitments to producing electric vehicles that will substantially alter their portfolio of cars on the market. General Motors announced in January 2021 that it would phase out gas-powered cars and trucks and fully move to electric vehicles by 2035. Ford also made a multi-billion-dollar investment in electric vehicles earlier this year and expects 40 percent of its global sales to be from electric vehicles by 2030.
With this large influx of electric vehicles on the roads, it means that work will need to be done to strengthen America’s electric grid to support electric vehicle charging stations across the country. It also means that more auto mechanics will need to learn the safety precautions of servicing engines in close proximity to electric vehicle batteries. So, as electrical workers upgrade the grid, install more charging stations and repair more electric vehicles and chargers during regular maintenance schedules, risk for encountering electrical hazards will increase, as well.
Although it may seem like electric vehicles are dominating the current dialogue when it comes to electrification, it is not just the auto industry that is trending in this direction. Other industries are making the switch to electrification too. Factories, industrial parks, food processing and manufacturing sites are all increasingly turning to electric alternatives for their energy sources over the coming years.
Powered electrical lines have high voltages which can cause major burns, electric shock and even life-threatening electrocution to workers, making electrical safety in work environments crucial. As more electrical workers go out into the field to meet the growing demand of electric power sources, it is critical they have the right PPE to help keep them safe.
Electrical Safety PPE
Rubber and Leather Gloves and Sleeves. When it comes to workers facing electrical risks, electric shocks and serious injuries most commonly occur when the proper work gloves are not used. There are three main glove categories workers typically rely on for their protection: insulating rubber gloves, leather glove protectors and insulating rubber sleeves.
This article originally appeared in the September 2021 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.