FAQs

How do I determine what size glove is right for me?

How do I determine what size glove is right for me?

ASTM D120 section 8.2 provides the measurements of the diameter of the palm for manufacturers, measured at the midpoint of the palm, plus or minus 1⁄2”. Measure your hand by wrapping the tape all the way around your palm at the point shown to the right. This would equate to the probable size of glove to select. Personal preference for tightness and finger length will ultimately determine the size that...


What protection do Rubber Insulating Gloves provide?

What protection do Rubber Insulating Gloves provide?

Rubber Insulating Gloves are designed and constructed to act as a barrier between the user and the energy/voltage,to insulate the user from electric shock. The ASTM D120 standard outlines the protection that the glove provides. The rubber gloves are thicker as their protection increases. The rubber gloves will provide protection against either Alternating Current (AC) as well as Direct Current (DC), up to the levels detailed in the standard as well as typically onthe labeling,...


How do I perform a rubber electrical glove air test?

How do I perform a rubber electrical glove air test?

29 CFR 1910.137(c)(2)(ii) requires an air test be performed along with inspections for insulating gloves. ASTM F 496 also specifies air tests for the in-service care of insulating gloves and sleeves. Basically, the glove is filled with air (either manually or with a power inflator) and then checked for leakage.  As stated in ASTM F 496, Type I gloves should be expanded no more than 1.5 times their normal size during...


What are the OSHA requirements for a glove inspection?

What are the OSHA requirements for a glove inspection?

OSHA requires that "protective equipment be maintained in a safe, reliable condition." Gloves should be inspected for tears, holes, ozone cuts and other defects before each use. For more information, refer to the ASTM F1236-16 standard guide for the visual inspection of electrical protective rubber products.  Also, gloves should be inspected for any swelling, which is generally caused by chemical contamination (specifically petroleum products). Even the slightest swelling can be an issue. ...


Can you recommend any rubber electrical glove test labs?

Can you recommend any rubber electrical glove test labs?

Gloves should be sent to an accredited laboratory for retesting. To find a laboratory in your area, you can visit the North American Independent Laboratories for Protective Equipment Testing (NAIL for PET) site: http://www.nail4pet.org.


Why do rubber electrical gloves have a date stamp on them?

Why do rubber electrical gloves have a date stamp on them?

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.137(c)(2)(viii), all electrical gloves must be tested periodically and prior to being placed into service. All glove manufacturers incorporate some form of production code or date coding to indicate the date of initial testing. Rubber insulating gloves must be tested before first issue and every six months thereafter or upon indication that the insulating...


What are the limitations of an arc flash rated suit?

What are the limitations of an arc flash rated suit?

A common misperception is that a person wearing an arc rated suit is “bullet proof” from the hazards associated with electricity. There are 3 main potential hazards when working with electricity: Electric Shock, Arc Flash and Arc Blast. An arc flash suit can protect you from an arc flash provided that the incident energy level that the suit is exposed to is equal to or less than what the suit is rated...


What is the shelf life of an arc flash suit?

What is the shelf life of an arc flash suit?

This is a challenging topic to consider as many variables must be considered when determining when an arc flash suit needs to be replaced.  Things like the age of a suit, frequency of use, laundering care, and the environment your suit is stored in can all play roles in how long it will last.  Oberon recommends  a pre and post inspection after every use of your arc flash suit.  The diagram...


The equipment I am working on is not labeled, how do I select the right arc flash PPE based on voltage?

How do I select the right arc flash PPE based on voltage?

Selecting appropriate arc flash PPE knowing only the voltage is impossible.  You must have the fault clearing time and the available fault current as well as the voltage.  If the equipment is in normal operating condition, you may be able to utilize the NFPA 70E 130.7 tables to select appropriate arc rated PPE.


I have been told that most electrical work I do falls within Arc Flash PPE Category 2, is that accurate?

I have been told that most electrical work I do falls within Arc Flash PPE Category 2, is that accurate?

No, it is impossible to know what protection is necessary without first completing an arc flash risk assessment. While it is true that the majority of energized work does fall within Arc Flash PPE Category 2 or have thermal incident exposure values below 8 cal/cm2, you can’t assume anything. You must use either the Incident Energy Analysis Method or Arc Flash...