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ASTM F496-24 Standard Changes: Knowing When to Retest Rubber Insulating Gloves

  • Feb 12, 2025, 12:03 AM
  • by Lisa Seminara, Senior Marketing Director, Saf-T-Gard International, Inc.

Various ASTM Manufacturing and Acceptance standards mandate the testing of rubber insulating gloves by the manufacturer or supplier prior to the first delivery to the end user. Users also have the option of performing or requiring an acceptance test upon receipt of the goods and prior to placing rubber insulating gloves into service. Once placed into service, there are periodic re-test intervals specified in the ASTM F496 Standard Specification for In-Service Care of Insulating Gloves and Sleeves. Previously, section 7 of ASTM F496 was subject to interpretation and misunderstanding regarding the maximum test interval for either new rubber insulating gloves or in-service rubber insulating gloves.

What was Mentioned in Section 7.1 of the Previous Version of ASTM F496?

“Electrically retest gloves or sleeves issued for service. Base the interval between date of issue and retests on work practices and test experience. It shall not exceed 6 months for gloves and 12 months for sleeves. Gloves or sleeves that have been electrically tested but not issued for service shall not be placed into service unless they have been electrically tested within the previous 12 months.”

Why Was the ASTM F496 Standard Updated?

With the way section 7.1 of the previous version was worded, it was unclear if the user of new gloves (never put into service) had up to 18 months’ service based on the reference to 12 months from previous test plus 6 months until the retest date. In 2024, ASTM Committee F18 (Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers) addressed this issue with an update to the ASTM standard clarifying the difference between new gloves (reference 7.1.1) and gloves previously put into service (reference 7.1.2).

  • 7.1.1 New Gloves . . . that have been electrically tested, including the warranty acceptance test allowed in Specification D120 for gloves . . . sleeves, can be stored as required in 8.6 for up to 12 months before issue to an individual. Gloves . . . considered in-service once issued to an individual for use.
  • 7.1.2 Gloves . . . that were previously in-service and have been electrically retested and stored as required in 8.6 may be placed back in-service within 12 months of the test date. In no case can a glove . . . be used beyond 12 months of the test date.
  • 8.6 Gloves . . . sleeves shall be stored in a location as cool, dark, and dry asVoltgard Leather Protector Storage Bag possible. The location shall be as free as practicable from ozone, chemicals, oils, solvents, damaging vapors and fumes, and away from electrical discharges and sunlight. Gloves shall be stored in their natural shape. Gloves may be kept inside of dry protectors or in a bag, box, or container that is designed for and used exclusively for them. Do not store gloves in wet leather protectors. Gloves . . . shall not be stored folded, creased, inside out, compressed, or in any manner that will cause stretching or compression.



What are the Biggest Differences with the New Version of ASTM F496?

The most critical change is the clear statement: “In no case can a glove or sleeve be used beyond 12 months of the test date.”

Voltgard Glove and Blanket Storage BagWith the addition of Sections 7.1 and 7.2, the usage window for rubber insulating gloves is now more clearly defined. For example, if gloves are tested on January 1st and stored in accordance with Section 8.6, they can be issued for use at any point in the calendar year. If issued in March, they can be used for up to 6 months, requiring retesting in September.

So, it is now clear that rubber insulating gloves, whether new or previously issued (“in-service”) need to be electrically tested 6 months from the issue date or 12 months from the last test date – whichever comes first.

How Can Saf-T-Gard Help?

Electrical Glove Testing MachineAs a leading manufacturer, distributor, and tester of electrical safety products now in our 5th decade of operations, the Saf-T-Gard® Voltgard® Electrical Safety Division is dedicated to serving industries where worker safety and protection from electrical shock are critically important. Our Voltgard® Test Lab is the largest, independent, NAIL4PET-accredited test lab for rubber insulating products in the United States. The Voltgard® Test Lab performs full-service testing and recertification services for users in every industry, including electric utilities, contractors, telecom, municipalities, first responders, and industrial facilities for 12 different categories of rubber goods – all to the following applicable ASTM standards:

Rubber Glove Visual inspectionThe Voltgard® facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for the complete testing of these products, including washing, visual inspecting, and electrical testing. All rubber protective equipment tested by the Voltgard® Test Lab undergoes this rigorous sequence to ensure that your employees are always using safe equipment.

The Saf-T-Gard and Voltgard® team has more than 100 combined years of safety expertise, focusing on industrial and electrical safety. Our team includes ASTM Voting Members, OSHA 30-hour trained safety professionals, Qualified Safety Sales Professionals (QSSP), and NFPA 70E trained safety professionals. The expertise and experience of our team can be an extension of your team when you partner with Saf-T-Gard on your company’s safety program.

Connect with Saf-T-Gard to Learn More

Industrial safety is our legacy going back 9 decades, and electrical safety is our specialty. For an overview of our arc flash and electrical safety products, and to order for immediate shipment, please visit Electrical Safety. For an overview of our Voltgard® Test Lab and to request electrical testing services, please visit Send Us Your Electrical Safety PPE.

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