The following requirements apply:

1. Rubber gloves shall be of appropriate voltage rating for the work being performed. All rubber gloves shall meet the standards set forth in ANSUASTM D 120.

2. Rubber gloves issued for service shall be tested at appropriate voltage levels at intervals not exceeding 6 months.

3. Leather glove protectors shall be worn over rubber gloves except where leather protectors are not required by 29 CFR 1910.137 or the appropriate ASTM standard.

4. Rubber gloves should be carried cuff down in a bag, box, or container that is designed for this purpose. Rubber gloves may be kept inside of leather protectors.

5. Rubber gloves shall be visually inspected and field air-tested before use each day and at other times if there is cause to suspect damage.

6. Rubber gloves should be uniquely identified (i.e., serial number or other marking). The results of dielectric tests should be documented.

7. Rubber gloves shall be wired clean of any oil, grease, or other damaging substances as soon as possible.

7.4.10 RUBBER LINE HOSE, HOODS, COVERS, SLEEVES, AND BLANKETS

Linemen's rubber insulating sleeves are worn to provide protection from electric shock and burn to the arm and shoulder areas. They are available in several different thicknesses, lengths, and designs, depending on the maximum voltage they are designed to protect against. (See ANSUASTM F496 and D1051).

Insulating line hose (flexible hose) is used as an insulating cover for electric conductors to protect against accidental contacts. A lengthwise slit with overlapping sides permits the hose to be placed on conductors easily. It is available in various diameters, lengths, and compositions. (See ANSI/ ASTM D 1050, and F478).

Insulating covers are used in conjunction with line hose to cover an insulator and the conductor attached to it for protection against accidental contact.

Rubber insulating blankets are molded sheets of insulating rubber or synthetic elastomer, usually square or rectangular in shape, designed to cover energized electrical equipment to prevent direct accidental contact by electrical workers. (See ANSI/ASTM F479 and D1048).

7.4.11 LIVE LINE TOOLS

A careful periodic inspection shall be made of equipment used for handling or testing energized lines or equipment. Such tools shall be examined before each use to make certain they are in good condition.

Particular attention shall be given to preserving the surfaces of wooden and fiberglass tools used around electrical equipment, including ladders, pike poles, switch sticks, live-line tools, and insulating platforms. Only colorless varnish or other appropriate transparent insulating preservative shall be used.

Insulated tools shall be stored in a dry location. Suitable containers or racks shall be provided to protect the tools from mechanical damage and warping. (See ANSI/ASTM F711, 29 CFR1910.269(j) and (n), and IEEE 978-1984, "IEEE Guide for In-Service Maintenance and Electrical Testing of Live Line Tools.")

7.4.12 STOREROOM STORAGE

Since heat, light, oil, and distortion are natural enemies of rubber, rubber protective equipment should be guarded from these as much as possible. Rubber equipment shall not be stored near boiler rooms, steam pipes, or radiators and should be protected from exposure to direct sunlight.

Gloves should be stored in their natural shape in the leather protector. Keep sleeves flat with the inserts left in. Blankets should be stored flat, hung on pegs by the eyelet or rolled up. Line hose should be stored in its natural shape.

7.4.13 TRUCK STORAGE

The storing of rubber protective equipment on the truck should be planned. If possible, separate compartments should be provided for each class of equipment, and each compartment should be of sufficient size to allow the articles to lie in a natural position. Rubber gloves should be stored in glovebags and hung up. If stored in tool bags or inside boxes, nothing should be piled on top to cause distortion. Gloves should not be stored near vehicle heaters.

Sleeves should be stored flat with inserts rolled up lengthwise, or placed in a tube shaped bag. Nothing should be placed on top of sleeves or stored near vehicle heaters.

Blankets should be rolled up and placed in canisters or protective canvas holders. Do not fold, hold together with tape, pile materials on top of, or store blankets near vehicle heaters.

7.4.14 PLACING OF INSULATING GOODS ON CONDUCTORS

When workers are about to begin work that requires the use of rubber goods, they should climb or raise the bucket to a position just below the first line of conductors. When climbing they should then determine their working position and what lines and other conductors should be covered. They should then request the required rubber goods. Before proceeding further, the workers shall put on the rubber gloves and leather protectors and make certain that they are in good order. Rubber goods shall be raised in a secure manner.

As the workers ascend to their working position, they shall cover all conductors which provide a hazard. This should be done from below whenever possible. At no time shall workers pass through energized equipment before it is covered with rubber goods (line guards). All conductors and grounds adjacent to working space shall be considered, including those near any possible change of position that may be necessary. When line hose is applied to vertical or sagging wires, it should be fastened to the line to prevent its slipping from position. When blankets are used for covering items such as dead ends, potheads, secondary racks, and transformers, they should be secured by wooden or plastic clamp pins or tie thongs. After the protective equipment has been placed, care should be taken to prevent damage to the rubber from tie wires, spurs, or other objects.

7.4.15 REMOVING INSULATING GOODS FROM CONDUCTORS

When the job is completed, the protectors should be removed in the reverse order of installation. Remote conductors are removed first and the wires nearest the workers last. After being detached, the equipment should immediately be lowered to the ground.

7.4.16 CLEANING AND INSPECTING

After the rubber goods have been lowered to the ground, they should be cleaned and visually inspected before being placed in the carrier compartments of the truck.