Leather gloves are not permitted in our Class 10,000 cleanroom, however our qualified employees must go into the cleanrooms to perform troubleshooting on energized equipment at times. We are pursuing Nomex cleanroom garments, etc... and I wanted to know if anyone has addressed the issue of not wearing the leather covers over ruber insulating gloves. I am aware the function of the leather covers is mechanical protection of the rubber insulating gloves, and some beleive they provide additional arc protection (though not rated for that).

One proposal I have made is to wear Nomex gloves over the rubber insulating gloves to provide some protection.

Any thoughts, experience, or cases would be greatly appreciated.

Re; Leather protectors

I would think you could use Nomex gloves (in lieu of leather). 70E is not clear on that see 130.7(C)(6)(a) there is an exception for shock protection but not arc flash. Be curious what you find out.

Arc Flash NFPA 70E Cleanroom issue

NFPA 70E specifically requires leather OR arc rated gloves in most work situations. IF shock is a hazard rubber gloves with leather protection is the only option in NFPA 70E. ASTM standards require using leather protectors ONLY. Nomex doesn't work to cover because of the puncture protection. The ASTM committee talked about this issue in the last meeting. I want a new standard change to allow a specific puncture and arc flash test to be used so a company can solve your issue with an accepted standard.

That isn't an option at this time.

Here are your options.

1. As AHJ make a decision to NOT follow the standard.
2. Use the OSHA and ASTM F496 allowance to remove leather protectors (primarily for dexterity) IF the gloves are dielectrically retested after each use.
3. Make an AHJ decision to retest the gloves on a less frequent basis.

We have full arc flash data on some rubber gloves without the leather protectors available. This data is in our proposed arc flash standard which will be voted on again in April 2010.