One company I work for requires full arc flash PPE --- we have a matrix sheet detailing the PPE at different voltages, etc. Not wearing it is grounds for immediate dismissal.
Another employer I work for does nothing.
I had NEMA a size 4 starter explode in front of me many years ago. The PPE is a pain in the @$$, but it would have saved me a month of picking plastic out of my skin -- I was lucky I wasn't burned/killed.
It will take some getting used to, but I don't see any way of not using it. OSHA can cite you for not using/supplying it.
