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Glove Testing

ASTM F496-24

KNOWING WHEN TO RETEST RUBBER INSULATING GLOVES.
June 29, 2025

ASTM F496 is a Standard Specification for In-Service Care of Insulating Gloves and Sleeves.

In simpler terms, it’s a set of guidelines and requirements that cover how to properly care for, inspect, test & determine the safe use voltage.

The standard ensures that these protective items maintain their effectiveness and integrity over time, even after they’ve been put into service.

 

WHAT CHANGED IN ASTM F496-24?

IN NO CASE CAN A GLOVE (NEW OR PREVIOUSLY IN-SERVICE) BE USED BEYOND 12 MONTHS OF THE TEST DATE!

 

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

 

The goal of ASTM F496 is to provide a framework for maintaining the safety and reliability of this critical electrical protective equipment, ultimately protecting workers from electrical hazards.

  • May be placed back in-service within 12 months of the test date
      • Must be retested every 6 months from the issue date (in-service date) or 12 months from the last test date – whichever comes first

    IN NO CASE CAN A GLOVE (NEW OR PREVIOUSLY IN-SERVICE) BE USED BEYOND 12 MONTHS OF THE TEST DATE!

     

    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

     

    The goal of ASTM F496 is to provide a framework for maintaining the safety and reliability of this critical electrical protective equipment, ultimately protecting workers from electrical hazards.

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      • May be placed back in-service within 12 months of the test date
      • Must be retested every 6 months from the issue date (in-service date) or 12 months from the last test date – whichever comes first

    IN NO CASE CAN A GLOVE (NEW OR PREVIOUSLY IN-SERVICE) BE USED BEYOND 12 MONTHS OF THE TEST DATE!

     

    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

     

    The goal of ASTM F496 is to provide a framework for maintaining the safety and reliability of this critical electrical protective equipment, ultimately protecting workers from electrical hazards.

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
      • May be placed back in-service within 12 months of the test date
      • Must be retested every 6 months from the issue date (in-service date) or 12 months from the last test date – whichever comes first

    IN NO CASE CAN A GLOVE (NEW OR PREVIOUSLY IN-SERVICE) BE USED BEYOND 12 MONTHS OF THE TEST DATE!

     

    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

     

    The goal of ASTM F496 is to provide a framework for maintaining the safety and reliability of this critical electrical protective equipment, ultimately protecting workers from electrical hazards.

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
      • 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

      • May be placed back in-service within 12 months of the test date
      • Must be retested every 6 months from the issue date (in-service date) or 12 months from the last test date – whichever comes first

    IN NO CASE CAN A GLOVE (NEW OR PREVIOUSLY IN-SERVICE) BE USED BEYOND 12 MONTHS OF THE TEST DATE!

     

    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

     

    The goal of ASTM F496 is to provide a framework for maintaining the safety and reliability of this critical electrical protective equipment, ultimately protecting workers from electrical hazards.

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] 

    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

      • May be placed back in-service within 12 months of the test date
      • Must be retested every 6 months from the issue date (in-service date) or 12 months from the last test date – whichever comes first

    IN NO CASE CAN A GLOVE (NEW OR PREVIOUSLY IN-SERVICE) BE USED BEYOND 12 MONTHS OF THE TEST DATE!

     

    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

     

    The goal of ASTM F496 is to provide a framework for maintaining the safety and reliability of this critical electrical protective equipment, ultimately protecting workers from electrical hazards.

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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