If your work includes operating power tools, replacing fuses or handling any device that could give you an electric shock, you should wear rubber-soled shoes and insulated safety gloves, says the Division of Workers’ Compensation at the Texas Department of Insurance.
“When an electric current passes through a portion of the body, an electric shock occurs,” TDI says. “It can result in no injury or burn both internal and external tissue, causing organ damage or even death.”
The division suggests that you use a rubber floor mat, too.
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When it comes to insulated gloves, however, you need to make sure you’re wearing the correct ones for the task. The division breaks it down:
| Class | Proof test voltage AC/DC | Maximum use voltage AC/DC | Tag color |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00 | 2,500/10,000 | 500/750 | Beige |
| 0 | 5,000/20,000 | 1,000/1,500 | Red |
| 1 | 10,000/40,000 | 7,500/1,500 | White |
| 2 | 20,000/50,000 | 17,000/25,500 | Yellow |
| 3 | 30,000/60,000 | 26,500/39,750 | Green |
| 4 | 40,000/70,000 | 36,000/54,000 | Orange |
