Article Review - Hand Protection for Electrical Shock and Arc Flash Hazards

Utility Safety Podcast by Incident Prevention Magazine

Hand Protection for Electrical Shock and Arc Flash Hazards

Written by Hugh Hoagland and Zarheer Jooma, BSEE, M.S. on October 1, 2024. Posted in Worksite Safety.

Read the article here: https://incident-prevention.com/blog/hand-protection-for-electrical-shock-and-arc-flash-hazards/

Ensuring proper hand protection against electrical shock and arc flash hazards is vital for worker safety. This podcast delves into the evolution of protective gloves, highlighting advancements in multihazard protection, safe work practices, glove testing methods, and updates on international standards.

Key Takeaways:

•Evolution of Hand Protection: Transition from basic leather gloves to advanced multihazard protective gear.

•Standards and Testing: Overview of ASTM D120-22 specifications and glove testing procedures.

•Safe Work Practices: Importance of integrating proper glove use into daily safety protocols.

•International Standards Updates: Recent developments in global standards for electrical safety gloves.

FAQs: 1. What are the main types of hand protection used for electrical work?

There are two main types of hand protection used for electrical work:

Rubber Insulating Gloves: These gloves are designed to protect against electrical shock. They are made of specialized rubber that is electrically strong and tested to withstand high voltages. They are classified according to their maximum AC use voltage, ranging from Class 00 (500V) to Class 4 (36kV).

Protector Gloves: These gloves are worn over rubber insulating gloves to provide mechanical and thermal protection. Traditionally made of leather, they are now available in various materials and designs, including cut-resistant fabrics and composite materials, thanks to standards like ASTM F3258.

2. Why are protector gloves worn over rubber insulating gloves?

Protector gloves serve several important purposes:

• Mechanical Protection: They protect the rubber insulating gloves from punctures, cuts, and abrasions, which can compromise their electrical integrity.
• Thermal Protection: They offer protection against heat and flames, particularly important in arc flash situations.
• Grip Enhancement: Leather protector gloves can improve grip, especially in oily conditions. Newer materials and designs can offer even better grip and dexterity.

3. What are the key considerations for selecting hand protection for electrical work?

Choosing appropriate hand protection involves assessing the specific hazards present in the work environment:

• Shock Hazard: If a shock hazard exists, rubber insulating gloves with the appropriate voltage rating are mandatory.
• Arc Flash Hazard: If an arc flash hazard is present, arc-rated gloves are required. The arc rating should match or exceed the potential incident energy calculated for the task.
• Mechanical Hazards: Consider the need for cut, puncture, and abrasion resistance based on the work environment.
• Environmental Conditions: Factors such as temperature, humidity, and the presence of chemicals should influence glove selection.
• Dexterity Requirements: Choose gloves that allow for sufficient dexterity to perform the task safely and efficiently.

4. How often should rubber insulating gloves be tested?

OSHA mandates that rubber insulating gloves be electrically tested every six months using the ASTM D120 proof test. Additionally, daily visual inspection and air inflation testing are required before each use.

5. What are the recent advancements in hand protection for electrical work?

Several advancements have improved hand protection for electrical workers:

• New Materials: ASTM F3258 allows for protector gloves made from materials other than leather, offering better dexterity, grip, and cut resistance while meeting safety requirements.
• Multi-Hazard Protection: Gloves are increasingly designed to protect against multiple hazards, combining electrical insulation with cut resistance, arc flash protection, and other features.
• Enhanced Comfort and Fit: Innovations in design and materials have led to more comfortable and better-fitting gloves, improving user experience and compliance.

6. What are the challenges of hand protection in clean room environments?

Clean room environments often restrict the use of leather due to concerns about contamination. This poses challenges for electrical workers who require both shock and arc flash protection. ASTM F3258 addresses this gap by allowing for non-leather protector gloves, but finding suitable options for low-voltage installations with both hazards remains a challenge.

7. How do international standards compare to US standards for hand protection?

IEC 60903, the international standard for electrical insulating gloves, differs from ASTM D120 in several aspects, including the absence of a thickness requirement and the inclusion of composite gloves. The upcoming IEC 63232 will address arc testing methods and arc-rated glove standards for international use, aligning more closely with US practices.

8. What should workers do when exposed to both shock and arc flash hazards?

When both shock and arc flash hazards are present, workers must use rubber insulating gloves with the appropriate voltage rating and arc-rated protector gloves. OSHA mandates arc-rated gloves for incident energies exceeding 14 cal/cm². Selecting gloves that meet the latest ASTM standards (F696 or F3258) ensures adequate protection against both hazards.

#ElectricalSafety #ArcFlashProtection #HandProtection #WorkerSafety #PPE #SafetyStandards

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