OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewPersonal Protective Equipment (PPE)Hard
A worker is setting up a ladder near an energized electrical panel on a construction site. According to the hierarchy of controls, which of the following is the MOST effective PPE-related control measure to protect the worker from electrical hazards?
- AProviding a non-conductive fiberglass ladder.
- BWearing rubber insulating gloves and dielectric footwear.
- CPlacing warning signs around the electrical panel.
- DDe-energizing and locking out the electrical panel.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Wearing rubber insulating gloves and dielectric footwear.
While de-energizing is the most effective control overall, the question specifically asks for the MOST effective PPE-related control. Rubber insulating gloves and dielectric footwear are direct PPE designed to protect against electrical shock, making them the most effective PPE-related measure when working near energized panels if de-energization is not feasible.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A non-conductive ladder is an engineering control measure (substituting a conductive ladder), but it is not PPE worn on the worker's body.
- C. Warning signs are an administrative control, not PPE, and do not directly prevent electrical shock.
- D. De-energizing and locking out is an engineering/elimination control, which is higher in the hierarchy than PPE, but the question asks for the 'MOST effective PPE-related control measure'.
Electrical PPE (Gloves/Footwear)
Personal Protective Equipment, such as rubber insulating gloves and dielectric footwear, specifically designed to protect workers from electrical shock by providing insulation from energized conductors.
- Gloves are rated by voltage class and must be inspected regularly.
- Dielectric footwear provides a secondary layer of insulation from ground.
- Must be used in conjunction with other controls and safe work practices.
Memory trick: For 'Electrifying' tasks, 'Gloves and Boots' are your PPE 'Guards'.