KNOWING WHEN TO RETEST RUBBER INSULATING GLOVES
* Every 6 Months
Insulating Rubber Glove Testing – ASTM F496
ASTM F496-24 STANDARD CHANGES:
WHAT WAS THE CONFUSION?
The previous version of ASTM F496 (Section 7.1) was unclear if the user of new gloves (never put in-service) had up to 18 months’ service (12 months from previous test + 6 months until the retest date). Consequently, the ASTM F496 standard was updated to clarify the difference between new gloves and gloves previously put in-service.
New
WHAT CHANGED IN ASTM F496-24?
-
- SECTION 7.1.1 : GLOVES (ELECTRICALLY-TESTED BUT NEVER IN-SERVICE)
- SECTION 7.1.2 : GLOVES PREVIOUSLY IN-SERVICE, ELECTRICALLY RETESTED & STORED
- SECTION 8.6 : GLOVE STORAGE GUIDELINES
SECTION 7.1.1 : GLOVES (ELECTRICALLY-TESTED BUT NEVER IN-SERVICE)
✔ Can be stored, as required in Section 8.6, for up to 12 months before issued
✔ Once issued, they are considered in-service and should be tested 6 months from the issue date or 12 months from the last test date – whichever comes first
SECTION 7.1.2 : GLOVES PREVIOUSLY IN-SERVICE, ELECTRICALLY RETESTED & STORED
✔ Can be stored, as required in Section 8.6, for up to 12 months before issued
✔ Once issued, they are considered in-service and should be tested 6 months from the issue date or 12 months from the last test date – whichever comes first
SECTION 8.6 : GLOVE STORAGE GUIDELINES
✔ Store in cool, dark, dry locations away from ozone, chemicals, oils, solvents, damaging vapors and fumes, and away from electrical discharges and sunlight
✔ Keep in natural shape (not folded, creased, inside out, or compressed)
✔ Can be stored inside dry protectors, bags, boxes, or containers made exclusively for glove storage
