Myths and facts in selection of Personnel Protective Equipment for arc flash hazard mitigation utilizing NFPA 70E and applicable ASTM standards

Common mistakes made in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) selection by a cross section of industry, specifically industrial controls workers, can make the job less safe and more difficult to perform. The NFPA 70E standard has made the workplace safer for the average electrical worker but some employers, and even some employees, make life much more difficult by improper PPE choices or PPE overkill. The paper will explore mistakes commonly made in the selection of arc flash suits, daily work wear, faceshields, and issues with gloves and arc flash protection.