We work with a number of businesses who make use of the following equipment and so thought it wise to issues a reminder that this protective equipment does need periodic testing. Our clients in the water and utility sectors as well as contractors in the electrical sector should find the following information useful.
If you have a need and are involved in utility works, moleing, water or power contracting please call 01453 800100 and ask to speak to Derek or Jeremy (our people).
Electrical Insulating Gloves (EN 60903): In-Service Recommendations
Storage
Gloves should ideally be stored in their container or package in which they were provided. Care should be taken to ensure that the gloves are not compressed or folded, or stored in proximity to steam pipes, radiators or other sources of artificial heat or exposed to direct sunlight, artificial light or other sources of ozone. It is recommended that the ambient temperature remains between 10ºC and 21ºC where possible.
Examination before use
Before each use, inflate your gloves by blowing into them to check for air leaks – also carry out a brief visual inspection for nicks and tears. For gloves of Classes 2, 3 and 4, an inspection of the inside of the gloves is recommended. If either of a pair of gloves is thought to be unsafe, the pair shall not be used and should be returned for testing.
Precautions in use
Glove should not be exposed unnecessarily to heat or light or allowed to come into contact with oil, grease, solvents in general, white spirit or strong acid. If protective gloves are used at the same time as rubber gloves for electrical purposes, they should be worn over the rubber gloves. If the protective gloves become damp, oily or greasy, they should be removed and replaced.
When gloves become soiled they should be washed with soap and water at a temperature not exceeding 55ºC, thoroughly dried and then dusted with talc. If insulating compounds such as tar and paint continue to stick to the glove, the affected parts should be wiped immediately with a suitable solvent (this will depend on the materia the gloves are manufactured from and avoiding excessive use of that solvent) and then immediately washed in clean warm water and treated as prescribed. Note: Petrol, paraffin or white spirit should not be used to remove such compounds.
Gloves which become wet in use or by washing must be dried thoroughly, but not in a manner that will cause the temperature of the gloves to exceed 55ºC.
Periodic inspection and electrical retesting
No gloves of Classes 1, 2, 3 and 4, even those held in storage, should be used unless they have been tested – the maximum period is 6 months. The tests consist of air inflation to check for air leaks, visual inspection while inflated, and then a routine dielectric test. However, for gloves of Classes 00 and 0 a check for air leaks and visual inspection only is generally considered adequate.
If you’ve got questions or need support on safety in the industrial, contracting or construction sectors please contact us for sensible and proportionate advice on 01453 800 100
