Are you testing your gloves? Huge fines if you’re not!
Recent OSHA activity cracks down on electricians not testing their gloves and other PPE related issues, total fine = $119,000! Seven serious violations and one willful; a willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirement, or with plain indifference to employee safety and health.
Serious violations included:
• Failing to implement electrical safety-related work practices and use protective shields, barriers and insulating materials that would protect employees performing energized tasks. 29 CFR 1910.335(a)(2)(ii)
• Reenergizing circuits before determining conditions were safe to do so. 29 CFR 1910.334(b)(2)
• Failing to conduct air test on insulating rubber gloves prior to use and to electrically test gloves every six months. 29 CFR 1910.137(b)(2)(ii) & (viii)
• Failing to conduct periodic inspections of machinery. 29 CFR 1910.137(b)(2)(viii)
• Lack of training in safety-related electrical work practices specific to their job assignments. 29 CFR 1910.332(b)(1)
• Re-energizing circuits before determining that the equipment and circuit could be safety energized. 29 CFR 1910.334(b)(2)
One willful violation was cited for failure to ensure protective equipment was used while operating the circuit breaker with the cover removed thus exposing workers to electrical shock, arc blast and flash hazards. 29 CFR 1910.335(a)(1)(i)
NFPA 70E (2012) states that Employees shall wear rubber-insulating gloves with leather protectors where there is a danger of hand injury from electric shock due to contact with energized electrical conductors or circuit parts. Employees shall wear rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors and rubber insulating sleeves where there is a danger of hand and arm injury from electric shock due to contact with energized electrical conductors or circuit parts. Rubber insulating gloves shall be rated for the voltage for which the gloves will be exposed.
Electrical protective equipment shall be maintained in a safe, reliable condition. Insulating equipment shall be inspected for damage before each day’s use and immediately following any incident that can reasonably be suspected of having caused damage. Insulating gloves shall be given an air test, along with the inspection. Electrical protective equipment shall be subjected to periodic electrical tests. Test voltages and the maximum intervals between tests shall be in accordance with Table 130.7(C)(7)(c).
Table 130.7(C)(7)(c) states that gloves must be tested before first issue and every six (6) months thereafter (ASTM F 496). However, if the insulating equipment has been electrically tested but not issued for service, it is not permitted to be placed into service unless it has been electrically tested within the previous 12 months.
This 12 month exception means that if you get your gloves tested, or if they are bought new, and they have not been issued into service, then you can let them sit in the box for up to one year. However, if these gloves are used, they can only be used once. Also, keep in mind that the burden of proof is on the contractor to show proper documentation of this exception and many host employers will enforce the stamped date anyway. So, it may be to your best interest to just follow the 6-month rule without exception. One trick is to keep a rotation of gloves on hand, or check with your National Recognized Testing Laboratory for inventory management suggestions; they may be able to help.
Please click on the link below to view the July 2014 issue:
