Here’s what you need to know about wearing lineman gloves:

Proof Test Every Six Months

Lineman gloves require proof testing every six months to ensure their integrity. Even a microscopic perforation can compromise the gloves, allowing the wearer to enter into the circuit. Proof testing must be performed by a laboratory accredited by the North American Independent Laboratories for Protective Equipment Testing .

Inspect and Air Test Before Each Use

Physically inspect and air test the gloves using an air testing kit before each use. You’re looking to identify tears, holes, ozone cuts, defects, or material swelling or thinning. Perform air testing in compliance with the glove manufacturer’s recommendations and glove type requirements.

Wear the Correct Class

There are six main classes of lineman gloves: 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. Automotive technicians use Class 00 or Class 0 gloves. Class 00 gloves are rated for 500 V use and Class 0 gloves are rated for 1,000 V use.

Wear with Leather Gloves

Never use lineman gloves without a pair of leather protector gloves over top. They are designed to protect the insulated gloves from wear and tear, such as cuts, abrasions, and punctures. There are limited exceptions to this requirement, but considering the high voltage of electric vehicle batteries, leather protectors are required.

Other Sources for Safety Information

Vehicle and battery manufacturers publish their recommendations for safety precautions, personal protective equipment, and any other administrative or engineering controls. These publications should be your first reference point when you perform maintenance work on an EV high-voltage system.

A dealership should also perform a hazard assessment for electric vehicle work to determine which hazards employees are exposed to and how to control those hazards. You may also reference OSHA 1910.137 – Electrical Protective Equipment and NFPA 70E , though those regulations are not specific to electric vehicles.

Stay on top of EV Safety requirements with KPA.