What should be worn to protect against electrical shock when working on live circuits?

Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including rubber gloves and insulating mats, is essential when working on live circuits to protect against electrical shock. Rubber gloves are specifically designed to insulate the user from electric current, preventing it from passing through the body. This is critical when handling live wires or equipment, as even low voltage can be dangerous if the current flows through a person.

Insulating mats also play a vital role in safety. They provide a barrier between the person and the ground, which can significantly reduce the risk of electrical shock because electrical currents tend to find a path to the ground. By standing on an insulating mat, one minimizes the risk of completing a circuit through their body.

The other options do not provide adequate protection against electrical shock. Steel-toed boots and helmets, while protective for impact and head injuries, do not provide the necessary electrical insulation needed for working with live circuits. Standard work clothes and safety goggles offer some protection but lack the specific insulating properties required. Suggesting that no special equipment is necessary is misleading and dangerous, as it significantly increases the risk of severe injury or fatality when dealing with electrical work.