Inspection of rubber insulating equipment for electrical work

February 10, 1989

Mr. E.F. Kimball, Jr.
Manager, Safety & Employee Health
Louisiana Power and Light Company
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Kimball:

In response to your request for an interpretation of 29 CFR 1926.951(a)(1)(i), rubber protective equipment shall be in accordance with the provisions of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), ANSI J6 Series as follows:

Rubber insulating gloves
J6.6-1971
Rubber matting for use around J6.7-1935 (R1971) electrical apparatus
Rubber insulating blankets
J6.4-1971
Rubber insulating hoods
J6.2-1950 (R1971)
Rubber insulating line hose
J6.1-1950 (R1971)
Rubber insulating sleeves
J6.5-1971

These ANSI Standards are all manufacturing standards and do not cover care and use of this equipment. You are correct in your interpretation that compliance with 29 CFR 1926.951(a)(1)(ii) and 29 CFR 1926.951(a)(1)(iii) would meet the standards in regard to required inspection during use of this equipment.

As stated in the letter of September 2, 1988 from this office to you, there is now being considered a revision of 1910.137 which would require the dielectric testing of rubber insulating gloves as required in the American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM) standards for Electrical Protection Equipment for Workers, F496.7 and tables 1, 2, 3. (A copy of this ASTM Standard and tables was enclosed in that letter.)

If we can be of any further assistance, just let us know.

Sincerely,
Thomas J. Shepich, Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs