ASTM Approves New Standard for Arc Rated Gloves

A new standard from ASTM International will provide arc rating thermal protective values for gloves, which will allow more gloves to be used inside an arc flash zone when there is no shock hazard. ASTM F2675/F2675M, Test Method for Determining Arc Ratings of Hand Protective Products Developed and Used for Electrical Arc Flash Protection, will be used to determine the arc rating of hand protective products in the form of gloves, glove material, glove material systems or other hand protective products and specifically intended for electric arc flash protection.

"The electrical industry wanted to have the same type of rating on gloves as for clothing and face shields, since the hands are generally closer to the hazard than any other part of the body," says Hugh Hoagland, a member of ASTM's F18 Committee on Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers.

The standard will be primarily used by those in heavy manufacturing, petrochemical and the electric utility industries to protect the hands of workers exposed to potential electrical arc hazards. Many of the products rated by the standard will have applications for flash fire, cut and chemical applications when rated with other standards.