Properly inspecting and storing your rubber insulating gloves could save your life. Rubber insulating gloves are the first line of defense against electric shock. ASTM F496 requires that rubber insulating gloves be inspected and electrically tested at a maximum interval of every six months, whereas field inspection is necessary prior to each use. The date code on the rubber insulating gloves should be checked to verify the most recent testing of gloves is still valid.
Visual Inspection
Check for the different types of blemishes while visually inspecting your rubber insulating gloves.
Field Inflation
Daily field inflation and visual inspection is vital before using rubber insulating gloves. It is crucial to always visually inspect and properly inflate your gloves to check for air leaks.
To inflate, grasp the gloves at the edges. Then, stretch the bead and roll the bead over onto itself. Place the glove against the body, and begin to roll the bead toward the fingertips. While doing this, continue to press down firmly to keep the air in the glove. Only the inflation method will reveal minuscule holes, which will allow electricity through the glove. So, listen carefully for leaks.
If no leaks are found, release the air and turn the glove inside out. Be sure all of the fingertips are fully turned before you start inflation. This could result in them popping out during the bead roll preventing adequate pressure from building within the glove.
Repeat listening for leaks for the rubber insulating glove’s interior. Once you have inflated and visually inspected your rubber insulating gloves for blemishes, date code, and punctures, then your rubber insulating gloves are ready for field use.
Finally, please be sure to follow your company’s work practices and procedures regarding inspection and testing of rubber insulating gloves.