We’ve all heard horror stories about workers suffering from electrical injuries while on the job. Oftentimes these injuries could have been avoided, or the severity minimized, with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). One of the most important articles of protection in your PPE kit are insulating rubber gloves. 

As Canada’s largest stocking supplier of insulating rubber gloves and PPE, one question we are frequently asked about is the proper storage and care of electrical rubber gloves. That’s why we’ve created these four simple steps to help you prolong the life of your gloves and ensure their electrical integrity so that they can offer you maximum protection when using them:

Step 1) When required, wash your gloves with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly with water. Only use soapy water or denatured alcohol to clean the label area. Then air dry the gloves.

Step 2) Visually inspect your gloves inside and out for damage before and after each use. Check for cracks, tears, stretches and holes.

Step 3) When not in use, store them in a bag specifically designed for electrical gloves.

Store the bag in a cool, dark and dry place away from any sharp or heavy objects that could potentially damage the gloves. Ensure the area is free from ozone, chemicals, oils, solvents, damaging vapors/fumes and away from possible electrical discharge and sunlight. These materials can damage the gloves.

Gloves should be placed in the bag in their natural shape and stacked on top of each other. Gloves shouldn’t be stored folded, creased, inside out or in any manner that will cause stretching or major compression. 

Step 4) Send your gloves to our NAIL-Accredited testing lab every 90 days (per IHSA) or as recommended by your local legislation.

Following these simple steps will help to ensure your gloves are doing their job so you can do yours, safely. 

Our product specialists offer assistance in selecting the appropriate PPE for your specific application. As a quick resource, you can refer to the ASTM Chart to help identify the proper electrical glove class required for your application.

Call or e-mail us for more information or to sign up for our automatic glove replacement program, which ensures timely turnaround when replacing failed gloves during recertification.

Want more? Click here to see our 12-step glove testing process!

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