What should personnel wear when performing tasks on medium voltage power distribution components?

When performing tasks on medium voltage power distribution components, personnel should wear clothing that meets specific safety standards to protect against potential electrical hazards. The correct choice is clothing with an Arc Thermal Protective Value (ATPV) rating. ATPV-rated clothing is designed to minimize the risk of burns from arc flash incidents, which can occur when working with or near live electrical equipment.

This type of protective clothing is evaluated and rated based on its ability to withstand high temperatures and thermal energy release from an electrical arc while providing a defined level of protection to the wearer. The use of ATPV-rated garments ensures that workers are safeguarded against the serious consequences of arc flashes, such as thermal burns and injuries.

In contrast, arc-rated nylon work gloves and high thermal resistance clothing might provide some level of protection, but they do not fully address the specific risks associated with electrical arc exposure. While personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and other types of clothing are important, they may not offer the comprehensive protection required for the electrical environment as ATPV-rated clothing does. Additionally, while eye protection and other PPE are essential when performing these tasks, they do not provide the same level of coverage and protective assurance against thermal incidents as ATPV-rated garments.