OSHA’s latest position on testing electrical gloves is very enlightening! For example, even if the gloves are simply electrically tested and then returned to storage, OSHA regards the gloves as being issued for use! This is a new one on me, but in their latest LOI they discuss the following scenario:
gloves got tested on January 1, 2020, but not issued until October 1, 2020
must they be removed from service by January 1, 2021; two months from the issue date but 12 months from the test date?
Must rubber insulating gloves be tested every 12 months when in service, even if they were issued only three months prior?
Yes. According to OSHA’s Table I-5, rubber insulating gloves must be tested
- BEFORE FIRST ISSUE
- EVERY SIX MONTHS THEREAFTER; and
- also upon indication that insulating value is suspect,
- after a repair, and
- after use without protectors
For insulating gloves, the standard clarifies that if the gloves have been electrically tested BUT NOT ISSUED FOR SERVICE, they may NOT be placed into service unless they have been electrically tested within the previous 12 months. However, as explained in OSHA’s Electrical eTool, under regular use, the best practice is to test gloves as frequently as monthly.
What does OSHA consider to be “first issue” for the rubber insulating gloves?
OSHA considers “first issue” to be when the new gloves are removed from their original, manufacturer’s packaging.
Even if the gloves are simply electrically tested and then returned to storage, OSHA regards the gloves as being issued for use.