Which PPE items are required when working on or around an EV high‑voltage system?

• A. Leather gloves and safety glasses only.
• B. No PPE is required.
• C. Voltage-rated insulated gloves, leather glove protectors, arc-rated clothing, eye/face protection, and dielectric footwear as required by the task.
• D. Dielectric footwear only.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that protecting yourself around EV high‑voltage systems requires a complete set of PPE designed to prevent electric shock, arc flash burns, and injuries to eyes and skin. Voltage‑rated insulated gloves provide protection from direct electrical contact, and leather glove protectors worn over them add durability and protection from abrasion while keeping the insulation intact. Arc‑rated clothing guards the torso and limbs against heat and burns from an arc flash, with the protection level tied to the task’s voltage and potential energy. Eye and face protection—such as safety glasses or a face shield—shields the eyes from debris and arc radiation. Dielectric footwear helps insulate the feet from ground faults, especially when standing on conductive surfaces. All of these are selected and used as required by the task after a hazard assessment, ensuring the PPE matches the specific voltage, potential energy, and exposure risk. Using only one piece, like footwear or a single layer of gloves, would leave other vulnerabilities uncovered, which is why the full, task-appropriate combination is necessary.