• • • APPAREL • • •
BEYOND MINIMUM STANDARDS: BRIDGING THE PROTECTION
GAP IN ELECTRICAL PPE Electricity is unforgiving, and inadequate protection can have devastating consequences for engineers on-site By David Ward, Technical Development Manager, Alsico
ealth and safety regulations when working with live electricity in the UK have become increasingly thorough and structured over time, yet many workers still do not wear their protective uniforms correctly. David Ward, Technical Development Manager at
H
Alsico, reflects on the new research conducted by the workwear provider, which highlights why discomfort and poor fit are driving low wear rates, and why a stronger focus on ELIM ratings is urgently needed.
Only 40 per cent of UK employees working in electrical environments wear their full protective uniform. This is a startling figure considering the life-altering risks of arc flash incidents and severe electrical burns.
These findings, from our survey of 251 UK workers, including 150 who work with live electricity and 101 responsible for sourcing uniforms, paint a concerning picture of PPE non-compliance, largely driven by workers compromising safety in favour of comfort. This makes it essential for those selecting uniforms to prioritise both comfort and the required safety standards. Workers may not ask for specific safety requirements such as a higher ELIM rating, in fact they may prefer garments with poor protection if they feel easier to wear. It is the responsibility of decision-makers to ensure that uniforms meet the necessary standards, whilst remaining comfortable and wearable enough to encourage consistent use. Striking this balance is key to improving compliance and safeguarding those exposed to live electricity.
Introducing ELIM ratings When asked what most influenced uniform selection, 57 per cent of procurement professionals ranked ‘protective features’ as their top factor, followed by durability (47 per cent) and cost (33 per cent). Yet only 27 per cent specifically looked for a higher ELIM rating, and fewer than 10 per cent viewed it as the most important factor. Measured in cal/cm², ELIM (Incident Energy Limit) is the highest incident energy a garment can withstand with 0 per cent probability of the wearer sustaining a second-degree burn from an arc flash.
By comparison, the more commonly referenced
ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value), also expressed in cal/cm², indicates the energy level at which there is a 50 per cent chance of a second- degree burn. ELIM, therefore, provides a more conservative benchmark, offering an assured level of protection at the stated value.
Why ELIM ratings are often overlooked
As reflected in our research findings, for many organisations, ELIM ratings are often underestimated. Companies often focus on meeting minimum arc ratings during risk assessments, particularly where arc flashes are perceived as rare or existing protective clothing is assumed to be ‘good enough.’ Balancing protection, comfort and durability is also a challenge, and protective uniforms are rarely inexpensive. Smaller companies, especially, face financial pressures that make lower-cost options appealing. But, whilst cost is always a factor, cutting corners on protection can put workers at serious risk.
The consequences of inadequate protection extend far beyond immediate safety. Arc flashes can be fatal, with devastating impacts on employees and ripple effects across teams and operations. Businesses may also face regulatory penalties, higher insurance premiums, legal liability and long-term reputational damage that is difficult to repair.
Raising the standards in arc flash protection
The good news is that these risks are entirely preventable. When weighed against the human and financial cost of an accident, the case for investing in proper protection is clear.
14 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • OCTOBER 2025
Companies have a duty to supply garments that allow engineers to carry out their jobs safely, without compromise. Compliance should not be seen as a box-ticking exercise, but as a commitment to safeguarding the people who keep operations running.
That’s why we developed our arc flash protection range, designed to address the safety gap in protective workwear whilst still meeting comfort requirements. With high ELIM ratings and 100 per cent inherent FR fabrics, every garment is built for high-risk environments but designed to move, breathe and fit like everyday workwear. Tested to the highest standards, most garments in the range achieve an 8+ ELIM rating, providing robust protection against arc flash incidents.
Closing the gap
Looking ahead, businesses must go beyond minimum standards and make ELIM ratings a routine part of procurement conversations. When decision-makers fully understand what these ratings mean in practice, and how they directly affect employee safety, compliance becomes more than a formality; it becomes an active commitment to protecting people. Real progress will also come from stronger collaboration between procurement teams, suppliers and the workers wearing the garments. By bridging this communication gap, companies can build a safety culture that not only reduces risk but also protects their workforce for the long term.
www.alsico.com/uk
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
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