Inspect your gloves before each use and regularly test them to ensure they are fit for purpose and electrically safe.

Look after your electrically insulated gloves, store them in a decent case and they can easily last you 6-8 years. Do Insulated Gloves have an expiry date? Always keep your gloves in a storage case when not in use to minimise their exposure to a dirty environment and ultraviolet light. Using a UV resistant case/bag bag is essential. The gloves are easily compromised and damaged from sun light, heat and ozone. The best option to keep your gloves safe is storing them in a hard-case. Only wear the gloves when necessary during your work and avoid touching objects, benches, or the floor that may have dirt, dust, grit, grease, solvents or fuel on them.Insulating gloves (see Electrical Gloves) provide personal protection for those at risk of exposure to electrical hazards. Electrically insulating material, such as rubber, prevents dangerous levels of electric current from passing into the glove-wearer’s hand and through their body. Specialist electrical insulating gloves, such as the new Unigloves Sibille Safe range , can protect against voltages up to 36,000 V, depending on the class of glove (see table below).

The UK’s Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 are clear about the need to cut off the power supply to any electrically powered equipment or wiring before working on or near it. In addition, they state that other precautions, including the wearing of suitable protective equipment, should be taken to prevent injury. EN60903 places great importance on the mechanical integrity of insulating gloves, as a puncture, tear or other physical damage can seriously compromise the product’s effectiveness. In the case of standard electrical insulating gloves, leather over gloves are recommended to be worn where added protection against mechanical hazards is required. Every single EN60903 compliant electrical insulating glove sold by Unigloves has been live tested to ensure it provides protection up to the voltage claimed.

Wear leather over gloves over the top of the insulated gloves, especially when in a dirty environment or having to touch or be near sharp objects. Gloves of Class 1,2,3 and 4, have different rules and even those held in storage should NOT be used unless they have been tested within a maximum period of six months.