Cleaning and Electrical Testing of PPE

DOE-HDBK-1092-98

2.12.3 CLEANING AND ELECTRICAL TESTING OF PPE

Rubber-insulated PPE issued for use shall receive periodic cleaning and electrical testing in

accordance with the requirements of the appropriate ANSI/ASTM standards listed in the references

of this handbook. The intervals of retest for rubber goods issued for service shall not be more than

6 months for gloves and 12 months for sleeves and blankets. 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 twelve months.

2.12.3.1 TESTING

All testing methods, apparatus, and facilities for such testing shall meet the applicable ANSI/ASTM

Standard and 29 CFR 1910.137. The method used and the results of such tests shall be documented

and made available for inspection.

2.12.3.2 TESTING APPARATUS

Testing apparatus shall be operated and maintained by personnel trained for such work. Calibration

schedules and procedures for calibrating testing apparatus are recommended to be in accordance with

ANSI C39.1.

2.12.3.3 RETESTED PPE

Retested rubber-insulated PPE shall be identified to indicate the date of the latest test or date of retest

in accordance with the appropriate standard. Manufacturer's recommendations on the type of paint

or ink to be used shall be followed.

2.12.4 LIVE-LINE TOOLS

Live-line tools shall be cleaned and inspected before use and receive a dielectric test whenever their

insulating value is suspect. A record of the testing of live-line tools shall be maintained.

2.12.4.1 FIBERGLASS-HANDLED TOOLS

Fiberglass-handled tools shall be tested by the manufacturer at 100 kV per ft of length per 29 CFR

1926.951(d)(i) and ASTM F711. The in-service test shall be 75 kV per ft. per 29 CFR 1910.269

(j)(2)(e). Also, see IEEE Std. 978 for further information.

2.12.4.2 WOODEN-HANDLED TOOLS

Wooden-handled tools shall be tested by the manufacturer to 75 kV per ft of length per 29 CFR

1926.951(d)(ii) and ASTM F711. The in-service test shall be 50 kV per ft. per 29 CFR 1910.269

(j)(2)(e). Also, see IEEE Std. 978 for further information.

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