Protecting your employees is always your objective. Yet, there are often periods when you may rush through tasks, or you find that your team isn’t taking every step they should to ensure complete safety. One area of concern is OSHA glove testing, a requirement that every business must consider as it works to keep teams safe. Are you compliant?
Electrical glove testing, which is required for most companies, is streamlined when you partner with the right team. At Divergent Alliance, we specialize in building, testing, and refurbishing custom ground and jumper assemblies. You ensure the best possible outcome when you trust our team to ensure your workers’ safety. Consider the rules and how we can assist.
OSHA Glove Compliance
One of the most important types of personal protective equipment (PPE) for electrical environments is insulating electrical gloves. They are required for all electrical work on or near exposed energized parts. These gloves must be rated for the voltage to which a worker will be exposed. This includes phase-to-ground or phase-to-phase exposures. There are various classes of electrical gloves. Ensuring accuracy in selecting gloves based on the specific risks to workers is crucial.
OSHA requires that gloves be tested routinely to ensure they meet expectations. Rubber glove safety standards include testing them every six months while the gloves are in use.
If the gloves are in a box or bag and not in use, they must still be tested, but only once every 12 months. After testing, gloves must then be date-stamped. This ensures that the gloves are always in the best possible operational condition.
If an employee is found to be using out-of-date gloves during an inspection, that could lead to significant fines, as high as $500 for each pair of gloves.
What Needs to Be Done to Ensure Electrical Glove Testing Required Is Done to OSHA Standards
High-voltage glove inspection and testing are critical steps in ensuring worker safety. This includes initial testing and periodic retesting every six months while the gloves are used. If the gloves are repaired for any reason that concerns the insulating value, they must be retested.
Consider the following specific requirements associated with the electrical glove testing required:
- Initial testing: The first step is to issue gloves before their first use. This testing occurs before the product reaches the user’s hands.
- Six-month testing: When the gloves are used every six months, they must be tested to ensure they are in good working condition and meet the required standards. This ensures they are maintaining their insulating properties.
- Repairs: When a glove must be repaired for any reason, it must be retested. This ensures that the work done on the gloves does not interfere with electrical safety.
- Insulating value concerns: In any situation where there is reason to believe that the insulating value of a glove is suspect, even if it seems minor, the glove should be retested at that time.
- Lack of protective use: Another indication that gloves should be tested is when they are used without the required outer protective gloves. This necessitates retesting.
Regarding utility glove testing frequency, meeting the arc flash PPE requirements should not be overlooked. By utilizing our services, we can ensure that the job is done more efficiently and effectively.
How Are Utility Gloves Tested
Depending on the situation, electrical glove testing may be applicable in numerous ways. The electrical glove testing required differs.
- Visual inspections: The most obvious and first step in testing gloves is a visual inspection. Gloves must be visually inspected to look for any signs of minor damage. Any cut, tear, or crack can lead to a high risk of injury if the gloves are used. This type of testing should be performed every time someone uses them.
- Air testing: Another method for testing gloves to ensure good operational quality involves air testing. This method will enable proper testing for small, often overlooked risk areas. By using air, tiny holes can be found. This is a hidden but common risk.
- Date stamping requirements: Please note that all gloves must be dated after being professionally tested. They should be stamped after all electrical and visual tests. This allows recognition that the necessary inspections occurred.
In many of these situations, it is ensuring that the gloves are stored properly after being tested. Testing allows users to feel safe and understand they are protected with safe equipment. The key is to protect them from any damage that could occur. Typically, these gloves should be stored in a container or bag designed for them. They should be out of direct sunlight and protected from ozone and heat variations.
How Divergent Alliance Can Help You Keep Teams Safe
Divergent Alliance is a trusted and experienced supplier that solves big problems quickly and effectively. Our ground testing services give you peace of mind, knowing that your team is protected in all cases. Ensure your equipment operates properly and effectively, even in the most demanding conditions. Turn to our veteran-owned company for the support you need.
Divergent Alliance offers various services, including grounding repair, electrical equipment testing, and new assembly. Our assemblies ensure your team’s safety by providing robust fault-current dissipation. You can rely on our equipment in low-voltage situations to ensure reliable premise testing and grounding.
To learn more about how we can help you with the electrical glove testing required by your company to keep your team safe, contact our team for fast and reliable support. Divergent Alliance is the reliable resource you need in all of these situations. Contact us to learn more.