Electrical Protective Equipment
Inspecting Equipment
To make sure electrical protective equipment actually performs as designed, inspect it for damage before each day's use and immediately following any incident when you suspect damage. Insulating gloves must be given an air test, along with the inspection.
Defects
Insulating equipment must not be used if you find any of the following defects:
- a hole, tear, puncture, or cut;
- ozone cutting or ozone checking (the cutting action produced by ozone on rubber under mechanical stress into a series of interlacing cracks);
- an embedded foreign object;
- changes in the texture including, swelling, softening, hardening, or becoming sticky or inelastic; or
- any other defect that damages the insulating properties.
Testing
Electrical protective equipment must be subjected to periodic electrical tests. Click on the button to see a table of the required maximum intervals between tests.
| Type of Equipment | When to Test |
|---|---|
| Rubber insulating line hose | Upon indication that insulating value is suspect and after repair. |
| Rubber insulating covers | Upon indication that insulating value is suspect and after repair. |
| Rubber insulating blankets | Before first issue and every 12 months thereafter1 upon indication that insulating value is suspect; and after repair. |
| Rubber insulating gloves | Before first issue and every 6 months thereafter1 upon indication that insulating value is suspect; after repair; and after use without protectors. |
| Rubber insulating sleeves | Before first issue and every 12 months thereafter1 upon indication that insulating value is suspect; and after repair. |
1 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.
You can read more about electrical protective equipment in OSHA 1910.137, Electrical Protective Equipment. Learn more about electrical safety in OSHAcademy Course 715 Electrical Safety for Technicians and Supervisors.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-8. In addition to inspecting insulating gloves for damage, the inspector must also _____.
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