NETA Safety and PPE 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What arc flash boundary requires all personnel within it to wear arc-rated PPE?
- Limited approach boundary
- Restricted approach boundary
- Arc flash boundary (Correct answer)
- Flash protection boundary
Correct answer: Arc flash boundary
The arc flash boundary (also called flash protection boundary) is where incident energy equals 1.2 cal/cm², requiring arc-rated PPE for all personnel inside it.
Question 2: Which NETA standard governs the minimum safety requirements for electrical testing personnel?
- NETA MTS-2019
- NETA ATS-2019
- ANSI/NETA ETT-2000 (Correct answer)
- NFPA 70E
Correct answer: ANSI/NETA ETT-2000
ANSI/NETA ETT-2000 (Electrical Testing Technician) establishes minimum safety and qualification requirements for electrical testing personnel.
Question 3: When using insulated gloves rated for electrical work, how often must they be electrically tested per OSHA requirements?
- Every 3 months
- Every 6 months (Correct answer)
- Every 12 months
- Every 24 months
Correct answer: Every 6 months
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.137 requires rubber insulating gloves to be electrically tested every 6 months to ensure continued dielectric integrity.
Question 4: A NETA technician is testing a 15 kV switchgear. What minimum class of rubber insulating gloves should be worn?
- Class 1 (7,500 V max use)
- Class 2 (17,000 V max use) (Correct answer)
- Class 3 (26,500 V max use)
- Class 4 (36,000 V max use)
Correct answer: Class 2 (17,000 V max use)
Class 2 gloves have a maximum use voltage of 17,000 V AC, making them the minimum appropriate class for 15 kV equipment.
Question 5: What does the term 'energized electrical work permit' require before work on live electrical equipment above 50V?
- Only a verbal approval from the supervisor
- A written justification showing de-energizing is infeasible or creates greater hazard (Correct answer)
- A permit is only required above 480V
- Only PPE selection documentation
Correct answer: A written justification showing de-energizing is infeasible or creates greater hazard
NFPA 70E requires a written energized electrical work permit that justifies why de-energizing creates a greater hazard or is infeasible before performing live work.
Question 6: Which color coding identifies the highest voltage rating for insulated hand tools per IEC 60900?
- Red
- Orange (Correct answer)
- Yellow
- Green
Correct answer: Orange
Orange is the internationally recognized color for insulated tools rated at 1,000 V AC / 1,500 V DC per IEC 60900.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of a face shield worn during electrical testing, separate from safety glasses?
- UV protection only
- Protection against arc flash and flying debris (Correct answer)
- Replacement for arc-rated balaclava
- Chemical splash protection only
Correct answer: Protection against arc flash and flying debris
A face shield provides protection against arc flash thermal energy and flying debris, complementing safety glasses which protect the eyes from smaller particles.
NETA Safety and PPE 2
What arc flash boundary requires all personnel within it to wear arc-rated PPE?