Rubber Glove & Sleeve Testing
Skarshaug Testing Laboratory is and has been a trusted name in high-voltage electrical testing since 1950. It is our mission to provide a thorough inspection and testing of safety so our customers can do their work safely and confidently. We are a NAIL accredited laboratory with the capabilities to test a variety of insulating equipment.
Rubber Gloves & Sleeves
Rubber gloves, as designed per ASTM D120, are tested at the AC-rated voltage, class 00 through class 4. Rubber sleeves used for secondary protection are designed per ASTM D1051. Skarshaug Testing Lab tests rubber sleeves using a "dip" method at the AC-rated voltage.
Testing Process
Gloves & sleeves for re-test go through a multi-step process.
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Receiving: Attached packing lists are checked to identify where equipment needs to be returned, billing information, and any other information provided by the customer.
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Check-In: Each individual glove/sleeve is recorded into our Testing Database and assigned a unique ID number with an affixed ID Label.
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Visual Inspection & Cleaning: Gloves & sleeves are visually inspected according to ASTM F1236, looking for damage that would compromise the insulating properties of the glove or sleeve. Common issues include: cracking due to ozone cutting or UV exposure, chemical damage, or snags. Rubber equipment is then washed and dried.
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Stamped & Dielectric Test: Glove/Sleeves are tested for one minute (for re-certification) according to the ASTM class. Gloves/Sleeves are stamped with the test date, test voltage, and our lab name.
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Packing & Shipping: Gloves/Sleeves are visually checked a final time, paired with their mate, heat-sealed in plastic bags, & packed for return shipping. Gloves/Sleeves that are rejected visually or fail electrically are marked and returned to the customer. We can provide replacements if desired; single-hand, single-arm, or full-pair. We maintain a large inventory to be able to provide new, tested equipment with minimal lead-time.
When to test?
The safety requirements for electrical protective equipment are described in OSHA1910.137 (Table I-5).
For rubber gloves, OSHA requires testing: “Before first issue and every 6 months thereafter; upon indication that insulating value is suspect; after repair; and after use without protectors…If the insulating equipment has been electrically tested but not issued for service, the insulating equipment may not be placed into service unless it has been electrically tested within the previous 12 months.” The user has 12 months from the test date to put new gloves into service. When should rubber insulating gloves be retested? There are two standards that prescribe test intervals:
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OSHA 1910.137 – Must be electrically tested before first issue and every six months thereafter.
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OSHA 1910.268 (Tele-com) – Natural rubber insulating gloves must be electrically tested before first issue, twelve months after first issue and every 9 months thereafter.
For rubber sleeves, OSHA requires testing: “Before first issue and every 12 months thereafter; upon indication that insulating value is suspect; and after repair…If the insulating equipment has been electrically tested but not issued for service, the insulating equipment may not be placed into service unless it has been electrically tested within the previous 12 months.”
ASTM Standards Referenced
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ASTM D120 Rubber Insulating Gloves
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ASTM D1051 Rubber Insulating Sleeves
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ASTM F496 In-Service Care of Gloves/Sleeves
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ASTM F1236 Guide for Visual Inspection of Electrical Protective Rubber Products
