When it comes to electricity, it is always best to be safe than sorry. That’s why, aside from exercising caution when dealing with electricity, we need to use every appropriate protective equipment to reduce risks from electrical hazards. One such essential items of PPE or Personal Protective Equipment are rubber insulated gloves. Insulated gloves can be your first line of defense to keep you safe and prevent electric shocks.

OSHA or Occupational Safety and Health Administration mandates the use of rubber insulated gloves for workers who will have to deal with high and low voltage applications or with energized circuits. Here are some vital things you should know about electrical safety gloves for your protection:

Types of Electrical Gloves

There are two types of electrical gloves, Type I which are not resistant to ozone, are typically made from are natural rubber, while Type II rubber gloves are resistant to ozone and are usually made from synthetic rubber.

Leather Protectors

In most cases, rubber insulated gloves must be worn under leather protector to provide protection from abrasions, cuts, and punctures.

OSHA Regulations

When purchasing electrical gloves, it’s crucial to ensure the gloves you choose comply with OSHA regulations. Rubber insulated gloves must also be subjected to regular testing before they are used. Manufacturers are required to put date stamps indicating the date the gloves have undergone initial testing.

Rubber Insulated Glove Inspection

Just like other PPEs, rubber gloves must be maintained in a safe and reliable condition. Electrical gloves must undergo regular inspections for swelling, tears, cuts, holes, and other damages before each use. In addition to performing inspections to check for defects, rubber gloves must also be air tested to see to it that they can provide the best hand protection against electrical shocks.

Watch the video below to learn about the proper guidelines and procedures during rubber glove inspection.