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NEWNFPA 70E / IEEE 1584

Arc Flash PPE Inspection & Maintenance Checklist — NFPA 70E

Free download · A4 (210 × 297mm)

Arc-rated PPE is only effective if it is properly maintained and regularly inspected. NFPA 70E Article 130.7 requires employers to ensure that arc flash PPE is in serviceable condition before each use. This A4 checklist covers eight inspection sections: Arc-Rated Clothing (fabric integrity, arc rating label legibility, contamination check), Face Shield and Hood (lens clarity, arc rating, chin strap), Insulating Gloves (visual inspection, air test per ASTM D120, leather protectors), Arc-Rated Hard Hat (shell integrity, suspension, arc rating), Hearing Protection (condition, NRR rating), Voltage-Rated Tools (insulation integrity, rating markings per IEC 60900), PPE Rating Verification (arc rating matches or exceeds calculated incident energy), and Storage and Maintenance Log (wash cycles, retirement date, storage conditions). Use before every energised electrical work task.

What's Included

Front:8 inspection sections: Arc-Rated Clothing, Face Shield & Hood, Insulating Gloves, Hard Hat, Hearing Protection, Voltage-Rated Tools, PPE Rating Verification, Storage & Maintenance Log. Pass/fail checkboxes.
Back:Single-sided A4 checklist — no back content.
Size:A4 (210 × 297mm)
Format:PDF, print-ready

How to Print

  • Print on standard A4 paper (80gsm is fine)
  • Black & white printing works perfectly
  • Photocopy and distribute to entire site teams
  • Fill in project details before photocopying
  • File completed checklists for audit trail

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Need precise calculations beyond quick reference? Try our free online calculator with full clause references and professional report output.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should arc flash PPE be inspected?

Per NFPA 70E, PPE must be visually inspected before each use. A detailed inspection using this checklist should be performed at least monthly for frequently used PPE and before each use for infrequently used PPE.

When should arc-rated clothing be retired?

Retire arc-rated clothing when the arc rating label is no longer legible, the fabric shows holes, tears, or thinning, or after exposure to an arc flash event. Follow the manufacturer's recommended service life — typically 50-100 industrial wash cycles.

How do I verify the PPE arc rating matches the hazard?

The PPE arc rating (cal/cm²) must meet or exceed the calculated incident energy at the working distance. Use ECalPro's IEEE 1584-2018 arc flash calculator to determine the incident energy for each piece of equipment, then verify against the PPE rating on this checklist.