Rubber Gloves

[RWD]

OK Folks, here's the deal. I've been tasked with putting together some tool orders. Mostly safety gear for linemen and crews. Depending on how this works I may be drawing on you guys for more opinions... Lets see.

Currently the Pakistani Linemen are provided class 0 gloves. Tested to 1000 volts but rated at 600 volts. They do not work energized on high voltage. Local Voltage on Secondary here is 230/415.

They are supposed to have sleeves as well but I have yet to see a pair.

I was always taught that regardless of the voltage to be worked, the lineman is to wear gloves rated at the highest voltage on the structure. In this case, high voltage is usually 11KV so class 2 gloves would suffice.

This is my dilemma, do I follow local local law, or implement my own rules by purchasing class 2 gloves? Keep in mind there are no glove, sleeve or stick testing facilities in country and no glove rotation. These are hopefully something I can introduce in the next few years. Also note that I'll be looking at an increase in cost from about $20.00 for class 0 gloves to about $160 per pair for class 2 gloves. The gauntlets will cost more as well. Class 2 sleeves run about $275 if you include the straps.

For 20 or 30 line hands this is not an issue... I have been asked to compile a list for about 1200 linemen and my budget is limited.

My list will include everything from belts to hotsticks and grounding sets. Think about the items I'll need. Its a long list.

RWD

[linemanfrog]

Where I work we use the class 0 gloves for secondary voltages. We are not required to wear sleeves on primary or secondary unless working off of a insulated board (baker board, diving board). I personally believe in proper training and proper cover up prevents accidents. Over doing PPE like wearing sleeves when not needed, higher rated gloves than needed, etc etc does not seem to help prevent accidents, if it did then some of the most accident prone companies would not be having accidents. Look at companies like Pike, they require every piece of PPE manufactured but still have many accidents. Teaching employees not only the how of doing things but the why behind it is a much more effective tool than just teaching what to do and overkilling the PPE.

I say give them a choice, some may want the Class II gloves. However I cannot see a use for sleeves while working secondary voltages. Then again, I have seen some rat nests that others have built and some systems where the clearances between secondary and primary was so close that I would not want to work on it energized at all, so not seeing the type of construction and types of material you are dealing with its hard to say just what I would wear for PPE.

[RWD]

Thanks for the note. It actually sounds like we are on the same page...

Remember we are using 415 volts on secondary so its a bit hotter than 120/240. Also these are real rats nests... or worse. All open, uninsulated secondary and coverup is an unknown. I will be trying to introduce cover up as part of the program but I am unsure how the higher management will react.

118 linemen killed last year due to contact. They do not calculate the injured.. major issues to overcome. This is the tip of the iceberg.

RWD

[TUFF LINEMAN]

As far as glove testing there are quite a few glove testing facilities in the country. You can look on line they are on there and will save you quite a bit of money.

[thrasher]

If your men are not working primary then the expense of Class two gloves isn't justified yet. Your probably better off getting some blankets to cover surrounding "rats nests".