Technical Untangled: The Three Pillars Of Electrical Glove Safety: Inspection, Protection, And Storage
When it comes to hand protection, electrical insulating gloves stand out as essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Classified as Category III PPE, they provide a critical defense against life-threatening electrical hazards. A new pair of high-quality gloves can instill confidence, but how long does that assurance truly last? The class rating is only one part of the equation. Without a thorough care system, even the best gloves can quickly become liabilities.
When safety is at stake, can you afford to take that risk? True electrical glove safety relies on three vital pillars: Inspection, Protection, and Storage. Let’s break down each one.
Global Standard Specification for Electrical Insulating Gloves
As a global manufacturer, our electrical insulating gloves have been produced to comply with the standards: EN60903 for Europe and ASTM D120 for North America. These standards serve as the foundation of the industry and by ensuring compliance with both, product's safety remains consistent regardless of its country of origin. EN 60903 is the European standard for Gloves of Insulating Material, covering everything from design and material requirements to testing procedures. Certification to this standard ensures that gloves sold in the European market meet rigorous safety criteria.
In a similar vein, ASTM D120, published by ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) defines the specification for rubber insulating gloves, establishing key performance metrics like voltage rating, material composition, and dimensional criteria.
Pillar 1: Inspection
The relationship between international standards and your glove inspection process is symbiotic. The standards set the benchmark for a glove's initial quality, and your inspection protocols are the practical application of those standards to ensure that quality is maintained over time.
Our Tilsatec Pulse range of electrical insulating gloves provides the highest levels of protection for users working in environments with significant electrical hazards. Throughout the lifecycle of the gloves, regular inspections are necessary to ensure they remain intact and safe for use, even if they have not yet been deployed.
The Pre-Use Inspection Test
Before performing any tests involving electrical equipment, it is essential to conduct a pre-use inspection. This inspection ensures that the gloves are in good condition and capable of providing the necessary protection for the task at hand. Even a microscopic flaw can compromise the dielectric properties of a glove. Damage can easily occur from situations such as dropping a tool or leaving a metal object in a work bag, potentially making the glove unsafe before it is even used.
The inspection test involves two key steps;
Air inflation Test: Hold the glove by the cuff, trapping air inside, and then roll it up from the cuffs towards the fingers. The pressure will inflate the glove, making it easy to identify small holes or cuts as air escapes.
The Visual Inspection: After conducting the air test, visually inspect the glove’s surface for any tears, cracks, scuffs, or signs of chemical damage. Pay special attention to the areas near the fingers and palm, as these are the most common spots for wear and tear.
Any glove that fails either inspection must be immediately removed from service. A defective glove can lead to catastrophic failure and offers no protection against electrical currents.
Electrical Retesting and Glove Replacement
The lifespan and integrity of electrical gloves are determined not only by their initial quality but also by a strict regimen of retesting and care. This process is governed by two key American standards set by ASTM International: ASTM D120 and ASTM F496. While these standards are often mentioned together, they serve different but complementary purposes.
ASTM D120: The Rubber Specification Standard. This standard outlines the initial design, manufacturing and marking, as well as the chemical, physical and electrical test criteria for as-manufactured gloves, Certification to ASTM D120verifies that a glove meets the requirements to protect against its rated voltage.
ASTM F496: The In-Service Care Standard. This standard outlines the requirements for gloves once they have been issued for use. This includes, in service care, inspection, testing, and use voltage of insulating gloves and sleeves. ASTM F496 governs the regular retesting of gloves that are actively in use. According to this standard, gloves should undergo a combination of visual and electrical testing at least every six months from the date they are first issued. This retesting is a required safety measure, as it accounts for physical damage, environmental degradation, and other factors that can compromise the glove's protective properties over time. Additionally, the standard specifies that gloves which have been electrically tested but not yet placed into service must be re-tested within the previous twelve months before being put into service.
This distinction is important because it highlights that the responsibility for safety extends beyond the manufacturer. While ASTM D120 guarantees a product's quality at the point of sale, ASTM F496 puts the responsibility on the user and their health and safety team to maintain that safety through consistent and strict retesting. A glove that is compliant with ASTM D120 at the time of purchase will no longer be considered safe or compliant if it's not maintained and retested according to the requirements of F496.
Pillar 2: Protection With A Leather Protector
Electrical insulating gloves are built to resist voltage, not physical damage. This is why a leather protector glove is used. Typically, a leather protector is made from durable leather, and acts as an essential shield that is worn over rubber electrical insulating gloves, safeguarding them from physical hazards that could compromise their protective barrier and, most importantly, your safety.
Leather protector gloves are a smart investment that can significantly extend the life of your electrical insulating gloves. It's far more cost-effective to replace the protector gloves than a whole new set of insulating gloves, especially as they take on most of the physical wear and tear.
At Tilsatec, we offer a selection of leather protector gloves in various sizes, designed to perfectly complement our Tilsatec Pulse electrical insulating gloves across multiple classification levels.
Leather Protectors both Lined and Unlined
Aramid-lined leather protectors offer a key advantage over non-aramid lined versions by offering enhanced resistance to cuts, tears, and punctures. While both styles protect electrical insulating gloves from physical hazards, the addition of an aramid lining, a synthetic fiber known for its strength and heat resistance, creates a much tougher barrier. This is essential for workers exposed to sharp objects, rough surfaces, or other mechanical hazards that could compromise the integrity of the insulating glove.
Protection With Tilsatec Pulse Leather Protectors
Tilsatec's Pulse leather protectors are designed to offer high levels of protection and shield against cuts, abrasions and punctures to preserve the rubber insulating glove underneath. Available in sizes 8-11 and designed to fit perfectly over rubber insulating gloves ensuring concise grip and comfortable wear during use.
You can find a selection of our leather protectors, including aramid-lined options, on our product page: Tilsatec Pulse Electrical Insulating Gloves and Accessories.
The Length of Leather Protectors According to ASTM Standards F496
Leather protector gloves must be long enough to maintain a minimum clearance between the rubber insulating gloves and the protector. This required distance varies based on the classification of the electrical insulating gloves.
Available in both lined aramid and unlined options, you can find the perfect fit for your needs.
Pillar 3: The Storage Bag
Sunlight, which contains UV radiation, can significantly degrade the protective properties of electrical insulating gloves, leading to premature failure and compromised safety. A dedicated storage bag is essential because it provides a clean, dry, and protected environment for your gloves when not in use.
Proper storage is a simple but essential practice for maintaining the integrity of your gloves:
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Always use a dedicated storage bag to prevent mechanical damage caused by external factors.
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Avoid folding or creasing gloves harshly, as this can create stress points.
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Store them in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.
A quality storage bag is a key component for keeping your gloves safe. It protects them from water and dirt while ensuring they're always easy to find. Our Tilsatec storage bag combines durable, lightweight construction with a secure dual-popper fastening, keeping your gloves protected and ready whenever you need them.
An electrical insulating glove’s class rating is a promise of safety; Inspection, Protection, and Storage are the actions that uphold it. By embracing these three pillars, you're not just following a protocol, you're implementing a proactive, comprehensive safety system.