Hand protection used as arc flash protective equipment must meet arc flash protective equipment requirements.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only leather gloves allowed
• D. Gloves are optional

Answer: (A)

True. When performing arc flash work, hand protection must be arc-rated and meet the requirements for arc flash PPE. This means using insulating gloves that provide dielectric protection, paired with outer leather gloves to give mechanical protection from cuts and abrasion. The glove system must be rated for the incident energy and voltage involved, and it must comply with the applicable standards (and be properly tested and labeled). Before use, gloves should be carefully inspected for damage and within their test dates. If the gloves do not meet arc flash PPE requirements, they cannot be used for arc flash protection. Leather gloves alone do not provide insulation, and gloves are not optional for arc flash work.