Did you know that improper storage of rubber gloves and protective equipment can increase the risk of electrical shock or equipment failure? Why is proper storage of rubber gloves and protective equipment vital? Most importantly, it’s the first line of defense against accidental electric shock. It also helps to lengthen the life of the electrical safety equipment, thereby saving money in the long run. Below are some effective ways to store your rubber gloves and protective equipment properly for maximum equipment life, as well as what NOT to do in order to ensure your safety and prevent injury.
Do:
-Store gloves in glove bag, cuff side in first
-Store blankets in canisters and rolled; or hanging by pegs using the eyelets for suspension
-Store in cool, dark room
-Inspect before first issue, upon indication that insulating value is suspect, after repairs, and every 6 months after. Look for issues such as tears, cuts, pitting, and embedded materials.
-Use direct light when inspecting to help identify imperfections
-Rinse after each use (with mild detergent if necessary) to remove dirt and grease
-Remove all jewelry and sharp objects from hands and arms before cleaning
-Allow to air dry or manually dry with a soft, clean cloth
-Send to our NAIL-accredited testing lab for proper testing
-ALWAYS EXAMINE YOUR PPE BEFORE USE AND REPLACE ANY DAMAGED EQUIPMENT ASAP! OSHA 1910.137 states “Insulating Equipment shall be inspected before each day’s use and immediately following any incident that can reasonably be suspected of having caused damage. Insulating gloves shall be given an air test, along with the inspection.”
Don’t:
-Fold. The strain on the rubber at a folded point is equal to stretching the rubber to twice its’ length. It will start to resemble dry rot like on a car tire
-Store inside out. Storing reversed gloves strains the rubber severely and promotes ozone cutting
-Store more than 1 pair of gloves per glove bag
-Store in any fashion that may cause stretching or compression
-Store in any room where electrical testing will be done
-Place anything on top that could alter, warp or buckle the equipment
-Hang sleeves by the shoulder straps or harness
