Taking Care Of Insulating Gloves

Published 27 Jun 2018

• uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager

As Main UK Stockists for the CATU Electrical range of insulating gloves Thorne & Derrick regularly are requested to provide care and maintenance advice to ensure gloves provide adequate and ongoing electrical safety and protection to the wearer.

For insulating gloves to function effectively and in accordance with their specification they must be carefully and regularly cleaned, checked and tested – if damaged always replace. If uncertain always replace.

The insulating gloves will fail to provide hand protection against electrical shock if the surface integrity has been comprised by “wear and tear”.

Clean

Keep gloves clean. Similar to arc flash clothing, the cleaner the owner keeps their pairs of rubber insulating gloves the less risk of electric shock. Chemicals, oils, and other petroleum-based products can cause rubber to weaken and break down, so if the gloves become contaminated on the job, wash them off with tap water and a mild, bleach-free detergent to cleanse and remove debris and contaminants. Gently dry gloves with a clean cloth.

Check

Check for embedded materials. Due to the thickness of the insulating glove material the glove surface can be damaged by small, sharp particles of foreign material, such as copper cable particles, to work their way into the gloves and go undetected. Even though the embedded debris may not be obvious or penetrate entirely through the wall of the glove it still creates small holes and weak points that can compromise the wearers electrical safety. Before each wearing roll the gloves between your hands to feel for embedded particles. If any are found ensure the insulating gloves are electrically tested to verify their status for safe use or disposal.

Test

Air test them before every wear. Even minuscule pinholes in electrical gloves can be dangerous, so it’s extremely important to air test gloves before wearing them – each and every time. To air test the gloves simply hold the gauntlet (sleeve) end of it closed trapping air inside. Then tightly roll the closed end of the glove downward toward the fingers. If no air leaks out, the glove is free from holes. Have gloves electrically tested twice a year. Insulating gloves need to be electrically tested at least every six months to ensure that they’re still able to protect against low, medium or high voltages. Follow the stamped dates on the gloves closely. If you end up not using a pair of gloves within a year following their electrical test have the gloves retested before putting them back into use.

Store

Store gloves properly. Heat, UV rays and pressure from other objects can all cause damage to gloves – so store them carefully when they’re not in use. Before putting them away, ensure that the gloves are clean and dry. Rubber insulating gloves are best stored in cool, dark places, away from chemicals and heat sources. If you store gloves in a bag or container with other items you must ensure that nothing is piled on top of the gloves, or otherwise pushing them out of shape.

Insulating Gloves – Class & Category

Should you require any further advice about the care, maintenance or selection of insulating gloves please do not hesitate to contact us.

Insulating Matting | Voltage Detectors | Substation Safety MV HV

Specialist Distributors Of LV MV HV Electrical Equipment

We supply Product Categories: Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Cable Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling | Earthing | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV HV 

Ellis Patents | Nexans Euromold | Pfisterer CONNEX | Prysmian – Distributors

Further Reading

• Insulating Gloves Sizing Chart – CATU Electrical Size: 65.99 KB