Explain the specific requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) when working on energized high-voltage equipment.

Working on energized high-voltage equipment requires specific personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect against electrical shock, arc flash, and other hazards. The primary goal of PPE is to insulate the worker from energized conductors and limit the energy exposure in case of an arc flash. Insulating gloves are a critical piece of PPE. These gloves are made of rubber and are rated for specific voltage levels. They must be inspected before each use for any signs of damage, such as cuts, punctures, or swelling. Leather protector gloves are worn over the rubber insulating gloves to protect them from physical damage. Insulating sleeves provide additional protection for the arms. They are made of the same material as the insulating gloves and are also rated for specific voltage levels. A flame-resistant (FR) clothing is required to protect the body from burns in the event of an arc flash. The FR clothing must be rated for the potential arc flash energy level. Arc-rated face shields or arc flash suits are used to protect the face and head from arc flash. The face shield must be properly rated for the potential arc flash energy level. Safety glasses or goggles must be worn under the face shield to protect the eyes from debris. Hard hats are required to protect the head from impact hazards. The hard hat must be non-conductive. Insulated tools are essential when working on energized equipment. These tools have insulated handles that protect the worker from electrical shock. Voltage detectors are used to verify that equipment is de-energized before starting work. These detectors must be properly rated for the voltage level. Grounding equipment is used to ground de-energized equipment to provide an additional layer of protection. This equipment includes grounding clamps, cables, and ground rods. The specific PPE requirements depend on the voltage level, the potential arc flash energy, and the specific tasks being performed. A hazard assessment must be conducted before starting any work to determine the appropriate PPE. Regular inspection and maintenance of PPE are essential to ensure that it is in good working condition. Proper training in the use and care of PPE is also critical. Therefore, using the correct PPE, combined with safe work practices, minimizes the risk of injury when working on energized high-voltage equipment.