A high-quality pair of safety gloves should offer the first line of defense against a variety of hazards. Not many other occupations require such precise contact work as in electrical trades. PIP Aust, a wholesale glove Designer and Importer has established a partnership with Swedish Specialised Textile glove manufacturers Eureka Safety AB for distribution of their unique Class leading Flame Retardant and Arc Flash glove range.
These close fitting FR / Arc Flash protection gloves provide the highest level Cut Resistance, grip, feel, comfort and sensitivity that has not been possible until now. What this means is that tasks such as commercial switchboard maintenance can be undertaken with a high degree of precise dexterity, improving safety and productivity.
A spokesperson for PIP Aust said “There are many (lower voltage) applications for these new technology High Flash Point protection gloves which to now, have been approached with the traditional 3 glove process or even at times with no gloves at all due to the bulkiness of the 3 glove programme.”
The new Eureka 13-4 HFR /AF gloves are not to take the place of Voltage insulating gloves. More so they can be worn over the High Voltage Rubber glove instead of the traditional Cow or Dear Hide outer rigger glove. This will greatly enhance the Wet Grip and contact control for the wearer.
The gloves can be worn independently for working around deenergized switchboards or equipment where there is a risk assessment probability that contact arc flash could occur. Obviously, these gloves are to be utilized in conjunction with Heat FR / AF resistant Face Visor and appropriate upper torso garment protection coverage.
Classification of Electrical Safety Gloves
By nature of profession, electricians can work either with or around, live electrical currents. In other words, they can be at risk of electrical shock, also known as electrocution. Hands are the closest part of the body to the electrical work zone, so wearing the correct hand protection is of utmost importance.
Furthermore, there are certain design, care, and use guidelines that all electricians should follow to ensure hand protection during electrical work is adequate and in suitable working order.
Electrical safety gloves are classified by the voltage protection level they provide and whether they offer ozone resistance or not. The classification of electrical safety gloves based on their voltage protection levels is the following:
- Class 00 – maximum use voltage of 500 volts AC, proof tested to 2,500 volts AC and 10,000 volts DC
- Class 0 – maximum use voltage of 1,000 volts AC, proof tested to 5,000 volts AC and 20,000 volts DC
- Class 1 – maximum use voltage of 7,500 volts AC, proof tested to 10,000 volts AC and 40,000 volts DC
- Class 2 – maximum use voltage of 17,000 volts AC, proof tested to 20,000 volts AC and 50,000 volts DC
- Class 3 – maximum use voltage of 26,500 volts AC, proof tested to 30,000 volts AC and 60,000 volts DC
- Class 4 – maximum use voltage of 36,000 volts AC, proof tested to 40,000 volts AC and 70,000 volts DC
Maintenance of Electrical Safety Gloves
Remember that you must maintain and keep your work gloves in a safe condition. Plus, before you use your gloves, you should thoroughly inspect them for any contamination debris like moisture, metal particles or damage like pinholes, material (aging) fatigue tears, rips, etc.
What’s more, make sure that your safety gloves are electronically tested every six months. And, if you are using rubber insulating gloves, air testing should be part of your regular inspection.
Now that you have a refresher on electrical insulation gloves and the all new installation / maintenance Eureka Heat FR / AF gloves, you can check out more information at www.pipaus.com to ensure you’re getting ‘protection for life’.
