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Warning for Electric Members: Rubber Gloves/Sleeves and the Use of Petroleum-Based Products

Posted By IAMU, Monday, July 8, 2019

During a recent conversation with the Skarshaug Testing Laboratory, staff shared a concern about the increasing number of high voltage rubber gloves and sleeves that are failing due to being exposed to some type of petroleum-based product(s). The laboratory team is still trying to determine the origin but suspects it’s being caused by people using hand sanitizers and/or insect repellent that have a petroleum base. Rubber gloves and sleeves that have been exposed to these products will become sticky to the touch. When this is discovered, do not continue using the gloves and/or sleeves.

Action Item: If employees are using hand sanitizers, hand cleaner of any type, and/or insect repellent, determine whether the product has a petroleum base. If it does, employees need to thoroughly wash their hands and arms prior to using high voltage rubber gloves and sleeves. Discontinuing use of these products would be encouraged if possible.

Tags: Electric Gloves

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Attention Electric Members: Important Information About ElectricflexTM Rubber Gloves

Posted By IAMU, Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Recently, IAMU received reports of high voltage rubber gloves not passing visual inspections. In some instances, the gloves that failed these inspections had never been worn.

The Skarshaug Testing Laboratory in Ames was contacted and shared the following information:

The gloves that have been failing the visual inspections are the Electricflex^TM Gloves manufactured by Salisbury.

Salisbury started manufacturing this style of glove approximately 3 years ago.

Shortly after these gloves were distributed, it was discovered the company label (Figure 1) that was being used was too large and was stressing the rubber (Figure 2).

As a result, Salisbury changed the size of the label (Figure 3) and no further problems have been reported.

Action Item: Inspect all high voltage rubber gloves to determine if you have any of this style of gloves with the larger label that fails the visual inspection. If so, consider exchanging them as soon as practical.