New High-Voltage Insulating Glove Subscription Service Available Through GM Global Tools Website

Certified Class “0” insulating gloves rated at 1000V with leather protectors (Fig. 6) provide an insulative barrier between an electrical point and the skin of an individual, and are required when working on any high-voltage system on a GM vehicle.

 

Fig. 6

 

The high-voltage gloves must be worn at all times when working with the high-voltage battery assembly, wires and components, whether the system is energized or not. It’s recommended to use the “one-hand rule” — working with only one hand while the other hand is behind your back — whenever possible.

HV Glove Sets

New HV Glove and Leather Protector Sets are available in the U.S. from gmglobaltools.com. Dealerships must be logged in to the website to see all available glove offers. (Fig. 7)

In Canada, dealership clothing and linen supplier programs may offer purchase and recertification services.

 

Fig. 7

 

The set includes leather protector gloves that offer high dexterity and hand protection while helping provide against cuts, punctures and abrasions to the rubber insulating gloves. Made from natural rubber latex for durability and flexibility, the electrical insulating gloves feature an ergonomic hand-at-rest shape to reduce hand fatigue and a smooth finish for easy donning and doffing performance. (Fig. 8)

 

Fig. 8

 

Glove Replacement Program

To make sure the HV gloves are certified and ready to use, dealerships can enroll in the 6-month insulating glove replacement program, which automatically orders and ships replacement rubber insulating (inner) glove sets in 6-month intervals. (Fig. 9) Each order is documented and certification of the inner glove reorder is sent with every glove.

 

Fig. 9

 

Testing Dates

The leather protector gloves by themselves do not offer any protection against high or low voltage. Always wear the inner rubber insulator gloves inside the outer leather protector gloves.

The rubber insulating gloves include a stamped date that indicates when the gloves were “originally or last tested electrically.” Rubber insulating gloves must be retested electrically by a certified lab 6 months after first use. The lab will restamp the gloves with the new “tested” date. (Fig. 10)

 

Fig. 10

 

New leather gloves and rubber insulating gloves are marked with the date of manufacture or last electrical test and may be opened for first-time use within 12 months of that date. Gloves that are unopened 12 months after the test date must be recertified prior to use. Always record the date of the first time the gloves were opened or used.

Once opened, recertification must occur 6 months from first use. If the first-use date is not known, the gloves must be retested 6 months from the electrical test date stamped on the gloves.

For example, if the manufacture or testing date is April 2024, the gloves have a 1-year shelf life — unopened and unused — until April 30, 2025. Once the gloves are opened and placed into use, they will have 6 months of use. The gloves can be opened on the last day of April 2025 and still have 6 months of use. As soon as the gloves are unsealed, it starts their 6-month use cycle. If the gloves are opened any time after the last day in April 2025, they should be considered expired.

If the gloves certification age range has expired, do not use the gloves. The gloves should be tested and recertified or replaced. For the North America region, visit www.nail4pet.org to find an accredited recertification laboratory.

Glove Inspection

Before each use, the rubber insulating gloves should be removed from their leather protector gloves and visually and functionally inspected. Refer to the High-Voltage Insulation Glove Inspection Procedure in the appropriate Service Information.

Inspect the insulating gloves by trapping air in the glove and sealing the opening to prevent any air loss. While pressing the glove to increase pressure, check for any pin holes, air leaks, wear or abrasions as well as any swelling that could indicate exposure to chemicals. If glove damage is observed, do not use the gloves and have them tested and recertified or replace them.

To learn more about high-voltage insulating glove use, review course 59500.04V, Class 0 High Voltage Insulation Glove Inspection, on the GM Center of Learning (U.S.) In Canada, review course 18400.00W.

– Thanks to Josh Shuck

 

Updated October 16, 2024