Electrical gloves are a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) for individuals working with or near electrical currents. Their primary function is to insulate the wearer, creating a protective barrier against the flow of electricity. This insulation helps prevent electrical shock. Utilizing the correct electrical gloves is a safety measure in various work environments where electrical hazards are present.
Understanding Electrical Insulation
Electrical gloves primarily prevent shock through the principle of insulation. An insulator is a material that resists the flow of electrical current, possessing a high electrical resistance. Materials like natural rubber and various synthetic rubber compounds are commonly used in these gloves due to their excellent dielectric properties.
When a glove provides adequate insulation, the electrical charge cannot easily pass through its material. This prevents the current from entering the worker’s body. The specific thickness and composition of the glove material directly contribute to its insulating capacity.
Categories of Electrical Gloves
Electrical gloves are categorized based on their voltage ratings. These classifications range from Class 00 to Class 4, with each class designed for a specific maximum use voltage. For instance, Class 00 gloves are suitable for up to 500 volts AC, while Class 4 gloves can protect against up to 36,000 volts AC.
To protect the insulating rubber from physical damage like cuts, abrasions, or punctures, workers often wear leather protector gloves over them. This two-glove system ensures the integrity of the insulating layer while offering mechanical protection during work.
Maintaining Glove Integrity
The effectiveness of electrical gloves in preventing shock relies on their condition and proper maintenance. Before each use, a thorough visual inspection is necessary to check for any signs of damage, such as cuts, punctures, embedded objects, or changes in texture. Inspecting for ozone damage, which appears as fine cracks, especially around fingers and palms, is also important. Any identified defect means the glove should be immediately removed from service.
A simple “air test” can detect small holes or leaks that might not be visible. This involves filling the glove with air, either manually or with a powered inflator, and then checking for escaping air by listening or feeling. For Type I gloves, they should be expanded no more than 1.5 times their normal size during this test, and for Type II gloves, no more than 1.25 times.
Beyond daily checks, electrical gloves require regular professional dielectric testing to confirm their insulating properties. According to standards like ASTM F496, gloves in service must be electrically retested at intervals not exceeding six months. New gloves must also undergo electrical testing before their initial issue. Proper storage is important; gloves should be kept in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from extreme temperatures, sunlight, chemicals, and sharp objects, to prevent material degradation.
A Comprehensive Safety Strategy
While electrical gloves are an important piece of personal protective equipment, they function as one part of a broader electrical safety program. Relying solely on gloves, no matter how well-maintained, does not constitute a complete safety strategy. Other personal protective equipment, such as eye protection and flame-resistant clothing, must also be utilized to protect against various hazards.
Implementing safety procedures, like lockout/tagout, is important to de-energizing circuits before work begins, whenever feasible. Training for all workers handling electrical equipment is also important, ensuring they understand the risks and proper safety protocols. A multi-faceted approach, combining appropriate PPE, procedural safeguards, and thorough training, is necessary to achieve a high level of electrical safety.