Q. Can someone tell me if your rubber gloves need to be replaced with new ones if they are tested every 6 months and pass the test?
I was told they are to be replaced at 1-year intervals whether they pass or not.
A. As long as the gloves pass the test every 6 months, they are acceptable for use.
Bill Shinn: There is no OSHA regulation requiring the replacement of voltage rated gloves every twelve months. There is a requirement to visually inspect and air test the gloves before first use each day.
Gloves must also be electrically tested every six months as required by OSHA 1910.137 and ASTM F496.
Ken Sellars: After speaking with several glove testing facilities, the things that cause Class 00 and 0 gloves to fail is improper storage, not so much usage. For example, some labs will get shipped Class 00 or 0 gloves with the rubber gloves folded in half. They simply throw these away and will not test them because of consistent failure on the seams created by an improperly stored rubber glove set. The gloves should be stored in the canvas bag, fingers up and not folded.
Also, they should be used with either cotton liners or glove powder. One cannot use baby powder because of oils in the powder that will act to break down the rubber material.
The following excerpt is from Hubbel’s user instructions for their voltage-rated rubber gloves with protectors:
CARE Rubber-insulating gloves can be damaged by many chemicals, especially petroleum-based products (oils, gasoline, hydraulic fluid) solvents, hand creams, pastes and salves. If any rubber glove is exposed to chemical contaminants or suspected of any other physical damage, it should be cleaned, inspected, and electrically re-tested. The first sign of chemical exposure is swelling in the area of contamination.
CLEANING & STORAGE To clean rubber-insulating gloves, wash with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly with water. Only use soapy water or denatured alcohol to clean label area. Air-dry the glove at less than 120° F (49° C) away from direct sunlight and sources of ozone or high heat. Store dry rubber gloves in a protective bag when not in use, away from excessive heat and direct sunlight. Do not store gloves folded, creased, inside out, compressed or in any manner that will cause stretching or compression.
If a manufacturer’s instructions like these are followed, gloves should last for years, way beyond needing a six-month replacement. As quoted from Hubbel’s instructions, those actions of folding, creasing, storing inside out, or compressing the gloves cause the gloves to fail prematurely. Proper storage in the supplied canvas bag for breathability greatly extends the life of these gloves.
Hugh, as is usually the case, you are absolutely correct. Replacing your gloves every six months is not only not necessary but a complete was of money. Be sure to use NAIL4PET-accredited test lab such as the Voltgard Test Lab when you send in your gloves for testing/certification. For more information take a look at this FAQ from Voltgard.
http://www.saftgard.com/assets/1/Page/FAQ%20retest%20rubber%20products.pdf