PPE is strictly personal and can only be reused by an employee if it has been cleaned, disinfected and if the condition has been checked and validated (helmet, pair of gloves, clothing or jumpsuit, shoes, etc.).

INRS on its site (link by clicking here)) perfectly specifies the benefits and the obligation of wearing PPE for work on or near electricity.

In order to work safely, stakeholders, according to their levels of authorization, must:

- report where the risk is located: SAFETY MARKUP ‍

- apply a consignment procedure: CONSIGNMENT/CONDEMNATION

- check the installations and measure the electrical quantities: MEASURING DEVICES

- be equipped with PPE: helmets, visors, gloves and under gloves, raiment, floor mat, etc

NFC18-510 says:

Personal protective equipment (PPE) ensures the individual safety of people who work on or near installations involving an electrical risk.

INRS offers the ED6077 brochure, which can be downloaded for free On this link

The European Directives on the subject of PPE are:

- 89/391/EEC: on measures to promote the improvement of the safety and health of workers
- 89/655/EEC and 89/656/EEC: minimum safety and health requirements for the use of PPE at work by workers
- 89/686/EEC: approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to PPE (CE marking)

Insulated rugs and stools are part of the electrician's PPE range (helmet, gloves, outfit, etc.). They have to insulate the floor so that the worker is not crossed by an electric current in the event of direct contact or step voltage.

ATTENTION: do not use a carpet on a wet or flooded floor! => use a stool

Carpets should definitely be checked (visually at least) before use. Carpet storage: in covers or containers provided for this purpose, neither folded nor compressed.

Stools are generally used in case of HT (high voltage). They must comply with the specifications of EDF texts (generally SPS No. 71 and No. 72).

You must choose the stool according to:

- the voltage of the installations
- the location of the installations (inside or outside)

NFC18-510 (Annex C) refers to the NF EN 61111 standard concerning insulating mats. Insulated stools are not subject to regulatory or normative marking.

Safety requirement for insulating mats:

- the class (see table below)
- the double triangle
- the date of manufacture
- the reference to the NF EN 61111 standard

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Insulating mat class:

Class 0
Alternating voltage: 1000V
Continuous voltage: 1500V

Class 1
Alternating voltage: 7,500V
Continuous voltage: 11 250V

Class 2
Alternating voltage: 17,000V
Continuous voltage: 25 500V

Class 3
Alternating voltage: 26,500V
Continuous voltage: 39 750V

Class 4
Alternating voltage: 36,000V
Continuous voltage: 54,000V