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Best Practice: Lock to Lock Use of Rubber Gloves and Sleeves
BEST PRACTICE

SUBJECT: LOCK-TO-LOCK USE OF INSULATING RUBBER GLOVES AND SLEEVES

PRACTICE STATEMENT: Protocols related to effective use of insulating rubber gloves and sleeves.

PRACTICE DESCRIPTION:

1. When employees are working on energized circuits or equipment using the rubber glove method, rubber protective-insulating gloves and sleeves rated for the exposure of the highest nominal voltage shall be worn "lock to lock" when employees are working energized URD equipment. The term “Lock-to-Lock” is used to describe the utilization of rubber gloves and sleeves, when required, prior to the time the pad mounted equipment is unlocked until work is complete and the pad mounted equipment is relocked. Additionally, rubber gloves and sleeves shall be worn when working on or within the extended reach of the conductor or piece of equipment. The term “extended reach” is used to describe being within five feet of energized conductors and/or equipment or having a conductive object within five feet of energized conductors and/or equipment.

2. Electrical class rating of the insulating rubber sleeves shall meet or exceed the electrical class rating of the insulating rubber gloves.

3. When the above conditions cannot be met, alternative work methods ensuring worker safety shall be identified, communicated to all affected workers, implemented and documented as part of the Job Briefing process.

BENEFITS:
  • Provides specific use requirements that are proven methods for reducing electrical contact injuries and fatalities.
  • Provides for uniform use guidelines that can be applied industry wide

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

The ET&D Partnership maintains a Web site in support of this Partnership. For more information on Best Practices visit Powerlinesafety.org

Page last updated: 04/15/2010