When is a Glove a ‘Glove’ and ‘Not a Glove’?

Next up, how to inspect them before use.

As the regulations stipulate, there should be an inspection prior to use and a periodic test carried out to ensure the integrity of the glove.

Essentially, we need to make sure the gloves are up to the job they are intended for and have not been compromised since they were last used.

Two procedures to follow are:

1.      Prior to use you should visually inspect them for cuts, abrasions, and damage, manually inflate them to ensure no holes or leaks from the gloves.

2.      Periodic inspection and electrical testing of the gloves.

This is taken from the regulations:

The lifespan of the gloves when they are stored or used is limited. The Standards BS or EN/IEC 60903 indicate in annex E (informative)

This states:

E.5 Periodic inspection and electrical testing.

No gloves of classes 1, 2, 3 and 4, not even those held in storage, should be used unless they have been tested within a maximum period of six months.

This means that these classes of gloves should NOT be used unless they have been tested and passed in accordance with the regulations.

The test consists of air inflation to check for air leaks, a visual inspection while pressurised, and then a routine dielectric test.

For class 00 and 0 gloves, a check for air leaks and a visual inspection may be considered adequate. However, a routine dielectric test may be performed at the owner’s request.

This means that if you have a Class 00 or 0 glove an inflation test with visual inspection should be enough, however if you want to you can have them dielectrically tested. In reality, the cost of this probably would exceed the cost of a new pair of gloves.

In any case, the rule would be, if in doubt don’t use them….. 

A few other things to note with these type of gloves:

Storage; don’t throw the bag that they came in.

It’s designed to prevent air circulation to absorb moisture, you’ll notice the bag is re-sealable. So put the gloves back in the bag and seal it up each time, they will last longer too. Alternatively, you can purchase a glove box or cotton bag which provides more protection of the gloves.

Plus, the bag is designed to reduce UV light, as this can affect the condition of the glove.

·      Do not compress them.

·      Do not fold them.

·      Do not store them near light or heat sources, natural or artificial.

·      Storage temperature must be between 10 and 21 degrees Celsius.

·      Humidity 60% +/- 10%

Precautions:

Gloves should not be allowed unnecessarily to come into contact with oil, grease, turpentine, white spirit, strong acid or any corrosive products. Do not use wet gloves.

Cleaning:

With water and soft soap. Dry at less than 65 degrees Celsius.

So, the old saying, always read the label is not only important here but could be life changing!

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL!

Pro-Moto Europe Ltd have three different types of gloves available to purchase, plus a glove box and glove bag for extra protection.

Use code PRO10 for 10% off your online shop purchase.