ASTM Standard Published for Gloves' Arc Rating Thermal Protective Values

A new ASTM standard will provide arc rating thermal protective values for gloves, according to an announcement from J. J. Keller & Associates. The standard was published in response to electrical industry request, as it will allow more gloves to be used inside an arc flash zone when there is no shock hazard.

The standard, ASTM F2675/F2675M, Test Method for Determining Arc Ratings of Hand Protective Products Developed and Used for Electrical Arc Flash Protection, was developed by Subcommittee F18.65 on Wearing Apparel, part of ASTM International Committee F18 on Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers.

With ASTM F2675/F2675M, companies can choose a cut resistant or a chemical resistant glove for one hazard. The same glove could be worn when operating an electrical box if the glove is also arc rated.

"The most common use of the new types of arc rated gloves will be for primary operators rather than electricians," says Hoagland. "Electricians will benefit from research using this standard that could offer options other than leather for protector gloves required to be worn over the rubber insulating gloves...(J. J. Keller & Associates)