When to Retest Rubber Insulating Gloves

Employees that work on electrically-energized circuits and equipment use their hands, making them the most susceptible part of the body to electric shock. Rubber insulating gloves are the only protective gear designed for constant contact with, and protection from, energized conductors and equipment. All of the other items are designed for protection from accidental, incidental, or brush contact. Arc-rated work gloves offer no shock protection, and most arc flash hazards have a shock exposure hazard as well.

OSHA rules and the NFPA 70E standard make the use of rubber insulating products mandatory when even the smallest possibility of contact with 50 volts AC or higher exists. Rubber insulating gloves are an essential element in protecting workers that are exposed to high-voltage currents. Shock protection is the primary benefit. However, rubber insulating gloves also provide significant burn protection in the event of an arc flash. Rubber insulating gloves are manufactured using proprietary materials and manufacturing processes with 100% testing to provide the highest possible level of protection. However, no rubber insulating gloves are safe forever. It is (and has been) common practice for rubber insulating gloves to be inspected daily before use and periodically retested at an electrical testing facility. ASTM F496 Standard Specification for In-Service Care of Insulating Gloves and Sleeves has provided guidance.

Previously, section 7 of ASTM F496 was subject to interpretation and misunderstanding regarding the maximum test interval for either new gloves or in-service gloves, having been worded as follows:

7.1 Electrically retest gloves or sleeves issued for service. Base the interval between date of issue and retests on work practices and test experience. It shall not exceed 6 months for gloves and 12 months for sleeves. Gloves or sleeves that have been electrically tested but not issued for service shall not be placed into service unless they have been electrically tested within the previous 12 months.

It was unclear if the user of new gloves (never put into service) had up to 18 months’ service based on the reference to 12 months from previous test plus 6 months until the retest date.

In 2024, ASTM Committee F18 (Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers) addressed this issue with an update to the ASTM F496 standard clarifying the difference between new gloves (reference 7.1.1) and gloves previously put into service (reference 7.1.2) as follows:

The most critical change is the clear statement: “In no case can a glove or sleeve be used beyond 12 months of the test date.”

With the addition of Sections 7.1 and 7.2, the usage window for rubber insulating gloves is now more clearly defined. For example, if gloves are tested on January 1^st and stored in accordance with Section 8.6, they can be issued for use at any point in the calendar year. If issued in March, they can be used for up to 6 months, requiring retesting in September.

So, it is now clear that rubber insulating gloves, whether new or previously issued (“in-service”) need to be electrically tested the earlier of 6 months from the issue date or 12 months from the last test date.

How Can Saf-T-Gard Help?

As a leading manufacturer, distributor, and tester of electrical safety products now in our 5^th decade of operations, the Saf-T-Gard^® Voltgard^® Electrical Safety Division is dedicated to serving industries where worker safety and protection from electrical shock are critically important. Our Voltgard^® Test Lab is the largest, independent, NAIL4PET-accredited test lab for rubber insulating products in the United States. The Voltgard^® Test Lab performs full-service testing and recertification services for users in every industry, including electric utilities, contractors, telecom, municipalities, first responders, and industrial facilities for 12 different categories of rubber goods – all to the following applicable ASTM standards:

The Saf-T-Gard and Voltgard^® team has more than 100 combined years of safety expertise, focusing on industrial and electrical safety. Our team includes ASTM Voting Members, OSHA 30-hour trained safety professionals, Qualified Safety Sales Professionals (QSSP), and NFPA 70E trained safety professionals. The expertise and experience of our team can be an extension of your team when you partner with Saf-T-Gard on your company’s safety program.

Click here to shop our arc flash and electrical safety products online, or call customer service at 1-800-548-GARD (4273) today for more information or to place an order, and click here for an overview of our Voltgard^® Test Lab and electrical testing services.

OSHA’s New PPE Ruling for Construction

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recently finalized a pivotal revision to the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standard for the construction industry. The revised rule amends 29 CFR 1926.95, which outlines the criteria for PPE in the construction industry. Specifically, OSHA updated Section 1926.95(c) to state that:

Construction industry employers must ensure that all personal protective equipment:

By stating that PPE must properly fit any construction worker who requires it, this ruling not only enhances safety measures against hazardous conditions but also sets a new standard for inclusivity and worker protection in the construction industry. Failure to comply with this standard could result in citations and penalties from OSHA, with the severity depending on the nature of the violation and the employer’s history of non-compliance.

BACKGROUND

Personal protective equipment is indispensable in safeguarding construction workers from a myriad of workplace hazards. However, improperly sized PPE has been a longstanding issue, particularly among women and physically smaller or larger workers.

Ill-fitting PPE can be ineffective, create new safety risks, and discourage its use due to discomfort. For example, Occupational Health & Safety Magazine explains the hazards of improperly fitted gloves.

THE NEW OSHA RULING

Effective January 13, 2025, OSHA’s new rule explicitly requires that PPE must properly fit construction workers. OSHA stated in the proposed rule that improperly fitting PPE can be uncomfortable for the wearer, which in turn can lead workers to modify or disregard the PPE and become vulnerable to a hazard (81 FR 46711). This revision aligns the construction industry’s standards with those already in place for general industry. The rule is a response to growing awareness and advocacy for more inclusive and effective protective measures, ensuring all workers have access to PPE that fits their specific body dimensions.

SPECIFIC LANGUAGE AND REQUIREMENTS

The updated standard includes specific language that mandates employers to provide PPE that properly fits their workers. The new rule amends the old PPE standard, 29 CFR 1926.95(c), by explicitly requiring all gear to fit correctly. This requirement addresses the inadequacies of the former “one-size-fits-all” approach taken by some employers, promoting more tailored solutions that accommodate the diverse physical characteristics of the workforce.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS OF IMPROPERLY SIZED PPE

Improperly sized PPE can be detrimental in multiple ways:

This ruling aims to mitigate these risks by ensuring PPE is both effective and fits comfortably, thereby encouraging consistent use.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The implementation of this new rule will require significant adjustments within the construction industry. Companies will need to review and possibly revise their procurement practices to ensure a range of PPE sizes is available. Additionally, training processes may need to be updated to educate workers on the importance of proper fit and how to select and maintain the right PPE.

BENEFITS OF PROPERLY FITTING PPE

There are many advantages to PPE that fits correctly, including:

By adopting this rule, construction companies can foster a safer and more inclusive work environment.

HONEYWELL PPE SOLUTIONS

By recognizing the inadequacies of generalized PPE, Honeywell offers a wide range of products tailored to different body types, as well as including adjustability features, to ensure proper fit and enhancing safety in many lines of business, including fall protection, respiratory protection, hand protection, hearing protection, foot protection, head protection, eye protection, and more!

FALL PROTECTION

Miller fall protection harnesses, such as the H700 and H500 (Construction Comfort model), are designed with ergonomics and a variety of sizes in mind. Available in sizes XS-3/4XL, features include configurable leg strap design for customizable comfort and a weight capacity of 420 lbs. The Pivot Strap Adjuster offers worker mobility and comfort, enabling workers to adjust the shape of their leg straps, depending on the action that needs to be performed (crouching, bending, crawling, etc.). It also allows for adjustment of the back webbing, for a more customized comfort fit. These harnesses cater to different user weights and body dimensions, ensuring that every worker can find a suitable fit. Properly fitting harnesses not only improve comfort but also significantly enhance safety during falls.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

OSHA requires fit testing for all respirators. A NIOSH-approved air-purifying respirator (APR) fits properly when it forms a tight seal against your face and you don’t feel air leaking out. To ensure a proper fit, you should:

HAND PROTECTION

Wearing hand protection that fits is of vital importance. Hands are highly susceptible to injuries. Hand injuries are one of the leading types of injuries on the job in the United States; proper hand protection can reduce the risk of hand injury by more than 70%. The wrong size can expose workers to serious hazards and cause major injuries. Honeywell’s gloves are available in smaller sizes like 6 (XS), targeting smaller hands and ensuring a secure fit, as well as larger sizes 11 (XXL).

HEARING PROTECTION

Fit testing and training are essential for each worker exposed to excessive noise. Hearing PPE mitigates the risk of hearing loss, tinnitus, and other health conditions. However, earplugs and earmuffs are only effective with proper usage and fit. When it comes to hearing protection, proper fit is essential. Honeywell Howard Leight PPE offers adjustable headbands and wider foam cushions to fit a broader range of head and ear sizes. For earplugs, ear canals come in all sizes and shapes, and Honeywell provides a large selection of styles and sizes to accommodate these variations.

FOOT PROTECTION
Construction sites present a variety of challenging surfaces and hazards like falling objects amongst others. Protecting your feet is vital. Honeywell offers an innovative approach to finding the right fit in footwear. The Scan and Match 3D Scanner instantly captures your foot data in 3D. The AI-powered fit engine uses Honeywell footwear database data and then matches you with the perfect shoes from our collection of over 450 styles.

HEAD PROTECTION

Hard hats are often the first line of defense; therefore, proper fit is crucial for maximum protection. Yet users avoid wearing hats that are uncomfortable or fit poorly, which results in constant removal and readjustment and therefore, higher safety risks.

The NorthZone hard hat’s suspension system comes with multiple adjustment points – so users can customize the fit to suit their own preferences. It also features a removable comfort cradle near the rear ratchet. Its ergonomic headband can be easily adjusted to three different sizes (S, M/L, and XL). The Tigerhood Futura welding helmet is available in an XXL version.

EYE PROTECTION

In terms of eyewear, a good fit prevents the glasses from slipping or falling and fosters user acceptance.

The Uvex Genesis line includes a ratchet assembly for a more individualized fit and arm extensions to better secure the glasses.

Saf-T-Gard carries an extensive range of Honeywell PPE solutions, designed with diverse body types in mind, that supports compliance with this new rule, and enhances worker safety. Click here to shop them online, or call customer service at 1-800-548-GARD (4273) today for more information or to place an order.

Attend the FREE Radians Live Webinar on the Significance of Grip in Hand Protection Selection

Deepen your understanding of how grip impacts safety and efficiency in the workplace. This session will explore various palm coatings - such as latex, nitrile, and polyurethane - detailing their unique properties and advantages. 

Participants will learn how selecting the appropriate coating enhances cut resistance, reduces friction, and provides superior grip, thereby minimizing workplace accidents and boosting productivity.

The webinar will also offer practical guidance on choosing the optimal hand protection tailored to specific tasks and environments. Don't miss this opportunity to equip yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions in hand safety.

Subscribe to Our

Did you know Saf-T-Gard has a blog on our website, which we post new articles to every month?

Authored by subject matter experts, including Richard A. Rivkin, Saf-T-Gard CEO and Chairman of the Board, and the world’s leading safety manufacturers, the blog topics range from hazard identification, regulatory standards, and the latest technologies and innovations in safety to help safety managers, workers, and business owners across all industries stay informed, make better decisions, and work more efficiently. Whatever safety challenge you face, count on Saf-T-Gard to deliver trusted advice backed by more than 88 years of service.

Click here to browse and read our current selection of blog articles, and click here to subscribe to our blog on LinkedIn for automatic notification when new articles are posted.

Do you have a topic that you would like to see explored in a blog article? Please e-mail LSeminara@saftgard.com.

Shop Saftgard.com - The Smart, Simple, and Speedy Way to Shop for Safety Online Today!

Saftgard.com makes it easier than ever for visitors to find exactly what they are looking for by utilizing a guided navigation layout with a fully-optimized “smart” search engine. The responsive design enables use and access to more than 6,000 products with enhanced product content and imagery from your PC, smart phone, or tablet.

Moreover, existing Saf-T-Gard customers can link their account to a new Saftgard.com web login to review ALL past orders and invoices, create a “wish list” of favorite items, save carts to simplify the ordering/reordering process, and so much more! Buyers without an existing Saf-T-Gard account can register for one online, or they can still search, browse, and order on Saftgard.com without a Saf-T-Gard account.

We invite you to spend a few minutes at Saftgard.com, and if you haven't already, please register for an account to enable online ordering. Click here for a shortcut to the registration page, and click here for detailed instructions on how to link your Saf-T-Gard account to a Saftgard.com web login.

Five Safety Tips

1. TAKE A DEEP BREATH - Air-purifying respirators do not supply oxygen and must not be used in atmospheres with less than 19.5% oxygen.

2. WHAT THE FLOCK? - Chemical-resistant nitrile, neoprene, and rubber gloves are available with comfortable cotton flock linings that can absorb perspiration.

3. ABSOLUTELY SHOCKING - If your maintenance staff works on potentially energized circuits, they need low-voltage rubber insulating gloves.

4. DON'T FALL FOR THIS - OSHA requires a personal fall arrest system be used anytime a worker is working 6 feet or more above a lower level.

5. CAN IT - Safety cans are available in a variety of materials and sizes for safe transfer of hazardous liquids.

Question - OSHA's recordkeeping regulation requires employers to record work-related illnesses (such as SARS or MRSA) on the OSHA 300 log. Does this requirement apply to recording illnesses that are spread through workplace contacts with contaminated surfaces (e.g., shared keyboards)?

Answer - For an illness to be recordable, an employee must be infected as a result of a workplace exposure, and one of the following must also be true: a) medical treatment is provided; or b) the employee misses at least one full day of work. In addition, an injury or illness is recordable if it meets one or more of the criteria outlined in 29 CFR 1904.7 through 1904.11.

Saf-T-Gard Spotlight

Chuck Abate is National Accounts Manager and recently joined Saf-T-Gard about one month ago.

What Chuck likes about Saf-T-Gard:

"I enjoy working at Saf-T-Gard because of the welcoming, supportive team and the high-quality safety products we provide. It’s rewarding to collaborate with people who are passionate about protecting others and delivering the best solutions."

What makes Chuck's day:

"The opportunity to learn something new while helping customers achieve their safety goals. Whether it’s discovering a new product, finding a creative solution to a challenge, or simply making a customer’s job safer and easier, every day brings a chance to grow and make a meaningful impact."

Chuck's outside interests are:

"Outside of work, I stay active by playing golf and pickleball. I'm also passionate about music, both playing and collecting it. Whether I’m on the greens or making beats, these activities keep me inspired and energized."

Anything else:

"PPE only works if you wear it."

Is there a requirement for an emergency eyewash in the immediate work area for anything other than injurious corrosive chemicals (including chemicals which the MSDS clearly indicates that the product is a severe irritant, but not corrosive to eyes or skin) under 1910.151(c)? Are there any other Federal OSHA regulations that would require provision of eye flushing facilities for use of chemicals other than corrosives?

The OSHA requirements for emergency eyewashes and showers, found at 29 CFR 1910.15l(c), specify that "where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use."

As the standard states, an eyewash and/or safety shower would be required where an employee's eyes or body could be exposed to injurious corrosive materials. If none of the materials used in this work area is an injurious corrosive [chemical] (as indicated by the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each product), then an emergency eyewash or shower would not be required pursuant to 1910.151(c).

While not having the force of a regulation under the OSH Act, the current ANSI standard addressing emergency eyewash and shower equipment (ANSI 2358.1) provides for eyewash and shower equipment in appropriate situations when employees are exposed to hazardous materials. ANSI's definition of "hazardous material" would include caustics, as well as additional substances and compounds that have the capability of producing adverse effects on the health and safety of humans. ANSI's standard also provides detail with respect to the location, installation, nature, and maintenance of eyewash and shower equipment.

As I See It

It is February 2025 and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is all the rage in the tech world. First it was ChatGPT, then Microsoft and Google and others got into the AI space.

I have tried AI a few times. First with some writing as in looking for ideas for the Saf-T-Gardian. What I got back was some grammatically-correct text content that was very general in nature – nothing specific.

My most recent encounter with an AI app (I won’t name which one) was to see how it would respond to my request to “generate an image of a power company lineworker in full safety gear working on a power line.” The resulting picture was dead wrong. Just for starters, there was no safe flashover gap between the length of the rubber insulating glove and the protector overglove. And the overglove appeared to be a porous knitted fabric, not leather or any material meeting either of the ASTM specifications.

I could go on and on, but I’ll get to the point. When it comes to worker safety, artificial intelligence will never replace experienced and professional human intelligence supported by documented data and testing. Sure, I could theoretically “teach” the AI engine more about industrial safety by constantly refining the questions, but that’s not the point. No level of artificial intelligence can or, in my opinion, will ever replace human intelligence. Those who know me understand that I am not afraid of technology – I just believe that technology such as AI is a tool for humans, not the other way around.

Our very human (and very intelligent) safety sales specialists go far beyond what any machine can do in the way of helping you keep your workers safe. With the resources of tested and verified data combined with experience and expertise, Saf-T-Gard’s sales and product specialists work with your company’s job hazards and applications to help identify safe and cost-effective solutions.

Helping you reach your safety goals is our goal, because we are Saf-T-Gard International – Bringing Workers Home Safely Since 1936.

Sincerely,
Richard A. Rivkin, CEO and Chairman of the Board