ASTM F3258-23

Standard Specification for Protectors for Rubber Insulating Gloves Meeting Specific Performance Requirements

SCOPE
1.1 This specification establishes specifications and test requirements for protectors to be worn over electrical workers’ rubber insulating gloves.  
1.2 It is intended that the protectors specified herein fit snugly over rubber insulating gloves specified in Specification D120 without causing mechanical damage to the rubber insulating glove. Cinching at the wrist is allowed.  
1.3 This specification covers the use of a material or combination of materials which do not compromise the integrity of the rubber insulating glove.  
1.4 Specification F696 was used to establish minimums for this specification.  
1.5 Protectors meeting this specification do not provide any electrical shock protection if used on their own.  
1.6 This specification specifies the response of protectors to electric arc, puncture and cut under controlled conditions.  
1.6.1 Field conditions will not directly correlate to testing methods.  
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard except as noted. See IEEE/ASTM SI-10.  
1.8 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Sections 6 and 7, of this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2023
• ICS: 11.140 - Hospital equipment
• ICS: 83.060 - Rubber
• Technical Committee: F18 - Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers
• Drafting Committee: F18.15 - Worker Personal Equipment

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F3258-21 - Standard Specification for Protectors for Rubber Insulating Gloves Meeting Specific Performance Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM F496-23 - Standard Specification for In-Service Care of Insulating Gloves and Sleeves
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023

Overview

ASTM F3258-23 is the internationally recognized standard specification for protectors designed to be worn over rubber insulating gloves used by electrical workers. Established by ASTM International, this standard details the requirements and test methods for glove protectors to ensure they effectively provide mechanical and thermal protection without compromising the integrity or safety of rubber insulating gloves as described in ASTM D120.

The standard is essential for ensuring worker safety in environments where electrical insulation is critical while also mandating that the protectors fit securely, do not cause mechanical damage, and offer reliable performance against hazards such as arc flash, cuts, and punctures.

Key Topics

• Fit and Compatibility: The protectors must fit snugly over insulating gloves without inducing folds or wrinkles that could impact glove integrity. Cinching at the wrist is allowed for a better fit.
• Material Requirements: Materials or combinations used must not compromise the safety properties of the underlying rubber insulating gloves.
• Mechanical Protection: The standard covers performance against puncture and cut hazards, with required testing for both palm and back surfaces of the protector. A minimum puncture resistance classification of Level 1 is required.
• Arc Flash Protection: Protectors must meet minimum arc rating requirements, tested according to ASTM F2675, with a minimum of 4 cal/cm². They must also withstand ignition during arc exposure.
• Identification and Marking: Each protector is required to be marked with manufacturer information, standard designation, glove size compatibility, overall length, and arc rating.
• Testing and Reporting: Protectors are subjected to standardized design tests every time a design or material change could affect performance. Key properties such as cut resistance, puncture resistance, and arc rating are reported per relevant methods, notably ANSI/ISEA 105 and ASTM F2675.
• Safety and Usage: It is clearly specified that protectors do not provide electrical shock protection if used alone and are intended only as supplementary mechanical and thermal protection.

Applications

ASTM F3258-23 is vital for:

• Electrical Utility and Power Generation: Ensuring maintenance and operations staff are adequately protected while working on or near energized equipment.
• Industrial and Construction Environments: Providing compliance with safety protocols for personnel who may be exposed to electrical and mechanical hazards.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Manufacturing: Guiding manufacturers in designing, testing, and certifying protectors to ensure compatibility with ASTM D120 rubber insulating gloves and adherence to global safety benchmarks.
• Occupational Safety and Health Programs: Supporting training, equipment selection, and safety procedures for workers required to use voltage-rated rubber gloves with mechanical protectors.

Related Standards

Understanding ASTM F3258-23 is enhanced by familiarity with these related documents:

• ASTM D120 - Specification for Rubber Insulating Gloves
• ASTM F496 - Specification for In-Service Care of Insulating Gloves and Sleeves
• ASTM F696 - Specification for Leather Protectors for Rubber Insulating Gloves and Mittens
• ASTM F2675 - Test Method for Determining Arc Ratings of Hand Protective Products Developed for Electrical Arc Flash Protection
• ANSI/ISEA 105 - American National Standard for Hand Protection Selection Criteria
• NFPA 1971 - Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting
• IEEE/ASTM SI-10 - American National Standard for Metric Practice

Following ASTM F3258-23 ensures that glove protectors used in high-risk electrical environments consistently deliver the necessary protection, durability, and fit for optimal worker safety. Employers, PPE manufacturers, and safety professionals all benefit from implementing this standard to maintain compliance and protect their workforce.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3258 − 23
Standard Specification for
Protectors for Rubber Insulating Gloves Meeting Specific
Performance Requirements
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3258; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This specification establishes specifications and test 2.1 ASTM Standards:
requirements for protectors to be worn over electrical workers’ D120 Specification for Rubber Insulating Gloves
rubber insulating gloves. D3389 Test Method for Coated Fabrics Abrasion Resistance
(Rotary Platform Abrader)
1.2 It is intended that the protectors specified herein fit
D3884 Guide for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics
snugly over rubber insulating gloves specified in Specification
(Rotary Platform Abrader Method)
D120 without causing mechanical damage to the rubber
D7138 Test Method to Determine Melting Temperature of
insulating glove. Cinching at the wrist is allowed.
Synthetic Fibers
1.3 This specification covers the use of a material or
F496 Specification for In-Service Care of Insulating Gloves
combination of materials which do not compromise the integ-
and Sleeves
rity of the rubber insulating glove.
F696 Specification for Leather Protectors for Rubber Insu-
1.4 Specification F696 was used to establish minimums for lating Gloves and Mittens
F2675 Test Method for Determining Arc Ratings of Hand
this specification.
Protective Products Developed and Used for Electrical
1.5 Protectors meeting this specification do not provide any
Arc Flash Protection
electrical shock protection if used on their own.
F2992 Test Method for Measuring Cut Resistance of Mate-
1.6 This specification specifies the response of protectors to
rials Used in Protective Clothing with Tomodynamometer
electric arc, puncture and cut under controlled conditions.
Test Equipment
1.6.1 Field conditions will not directly correlate to testing
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 American National Standard for Metric
methods.
Practice
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the 2.2 ANSI Standard:
standard except as noted. See IEEE/ASTM SI-10. ANSI/ISEA 105 American National Standard for Hand Pro-
tection Selection Criteria
1.8 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
2.3 NFPA Standard:
test method portion, Sections 6 and 7, of this specification. This
NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
3. Terminology
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
3.1 Definitions:
regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.1 glove, n—a covering for the hand which has separate
1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-
sections for the thumb and fingers or a mitten which has
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
separate sections for the thumb and multiple fingers.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F18 on Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers and is the direct responsibility of the ASTM website.
Subcommittee F18.15 on Worker Personal Equipment. Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2023. Published January 2024. Originally 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
approved in 2021. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as F3258 – 21. DOI: Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
10.1520/F3258-23. Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3258 − 23
3.2.1 attachments, n—an additional material applied to a resistance in accordance with ANSI 105, and the lowest cut
specific area of protective product to make the portion of the level achieved shall be reported.
protective product more resistant to wear, to fit better, such as
6.1.2 If the palm and the back of the protectors are of the
a cinch or elastic, or to add protection, such as impact
same material and construction, only one side shall be tested.
protection.
6.1.3 When reinforcements are used on the protector design,
3.2.2 protector, n—a glove designed to be worn over dielec- they shall be removed to test only the base layer(s) of material.
tric rubber insulating gloves.
6.2 Arc Rating:
3.2.2.1 Discussion—A protector is designed to provide me-
6.2.1 Arc Testing:
chanical and thermal protection for the dielectric rubber
6.2.1.1 Protectors shall be tested in accordance with Test
insulating glove.
Method F2675 and the arc rating shall be reported in cal/cm .
4. Significance and Use
6.2.1.2 Protectors shall have a minimum arc rating of
4 cal ⁄cm . This has been determined by testing to prevent
4.1 The protector provides resistance to mechanical hazards
ignition of rubber insulated gloves.
such as cut and puncture, for the rubber insulating gloves.
6.2.1.3 Protectors shall be tested in their most basic layer
4.2 Protectors enhance protection from the thermal effects
model to determine the minimum arc rating (other areas of the
of an electric arc and shall not be used alone for electrical
glove may have greater protection but only the minimum
shock protection.
protective area of the hand can receive an arc rating). When
4.3 It is the responsibility of the user of this type of
different areas have different base materials, all areas shall be
protective equipment to effectively train workers on the safe
evaluated. The protector shall be assigned the arc rating of the
use of this equipment.
area having the lowest level of protection.
4.4 Testing is performed on new protective equipment; 6.2.1.4 Where the front and back of a protector have
distinctly different lay up constructions, both need to be tested
users are advised that product performance can be reduced due
in accordance with the requirement above. Where the front and
to routine use or contamination, or both.
back of a glove are different based on reinforcement layers, the
4.5 Launder or recondition protectors according to the
lay up with the fewest layers will only be evaluated based on
manufacturer’s instructions or employer’s procedure, or both.
the requirement above.
(1) When attachments are used on the protector design,
5. Performance Requirements
they shall be removed for the arc rating if the placement of
5.1 Protectors shall conform to the requirements listed in
these attachments can affect the arc rating.
Table 1 as outlined in Section 7.
(2) All protectors and attachments in a configuration as
5.2 All tests in this standard are design tests and shall be sold shall then be evaluated for ignition, melting and dripping
performed on the production design and anytime the design of
by an arc test described in 6.2.2. These could include but are
the protector changes, which could affect the testing results, not limited to cuffs, draw straps, elastics, reflective trim, imp
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F3258 − 21 F3258 − 23
Standard Specification for
Protectors for Rubber Insulating Gloves Meeting Specific
Performance Requirements
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3258; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification establishes specifications and test requirements for protectors to be worn over electrical workers’ rubber
insulating gloves.
1.2 It is intended that the protectors specified herein fit snugly over rubber insulating gloves specified in Specification D120
without causing mechanical damage to the rubber insulating glove. Cinching at the wrist is allowed.
1.3 This specification covers the use of a material or combination of materials which do not compromise the integrity of the rubber
insulating glove.
1.4 Specification F696 was used to establish minimums for this specification.
1.5 Protectors meeting this specification do not provide any electrical shock protection if used on their own.
1.6 This specification specifies the response of protectors to electric arc, puncture and cut under controlled conditions.
1.6.1 Field conditions will not directly correlate to testing methods.
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard except as noted. See IEEE/ASTM SI-10.
1.8 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Sections 6 and 7, of this specification. This
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F18 on Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
F18.15 on Worker Personal Equipment.
Current edition approved May 1, 2021Dec. 1, 2023. Published June 2021January 2024. Originally approved in 2021. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as F3258 – 21.
DOI: 10.1520/F3258-21.10.1520/F3258-23.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3258 − 23
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D120 Specification for Rubber Insulating Gloves
D3389 Test Method for Coated Fabrics Abrasion Resistance (Rotary Platform Abrader)
D3884 Guide for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Rotary Platform Abrader Method)
D7138 Test Method to Determine Melting Temperature of Synthetic Fibers
F496 Specification for In-Service Care of Insulating Gloves and Sleeves
F696 Specification for Leather Protectors for Rubber Insulating Gloves and Mittens
F2675 Test Method for Determining Arc Ratings of Hand Protective Products Developed and Used for Electrical Arc Flash
Protection
F2992 Test Method for Measuring Cut Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing with Tomodynamometer Test
Equipment
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 American National Standard for Metric Practice
2.2 ANSI Standard:
ANSI/ISEA 105 American National Standard for Hand Protection Selection Criteria
2.3 NFPA Standard:
NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 glove, n—a covering for the hand which has separate sections for the thumb and fingers or a mitten which has separate
sections for the thumb and multiple fingers.
3.2 Definitions:Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 protector, n—a glove or mitten designed to be worn over dielectric rubber insulating gloves.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—
A protector is designed to provide mechanical and thermal protection for the dielectric rubber insulating glove.
3.2.1 attachments, n—an additional material applied to a specific area of protective product to make the portion of the protective
product more resistant to wear, to fit better, such as a cinch or elastic, or to add protection, such as impact protection.
3.2.2 protector, n—a glove designed to be worn over dielectric rubber insulating gloves.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—
A protector is designed to provide mechanical and thermal protection for the dielectric rubber insulating glove.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The protector provides resistance to mechanical hazards such as cut and puncture, for the rubber insulating gloves.
4.2 Protectors enhance protection from the thermal effects of an electric arc and shall not be used alone for electrical shock
protection.
4.3 It is the responsibility of the user of this type of protective equipment to effectively train workers on the safe use of this
equipment.
4.4 Testing is performed on new protective equipment; users are advised that product performance can be reduced due to routine
use or contamination, or both.
4.5 Launder or recondition protectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions or employer’s procedure, or both.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
F3258 − 23
5. Performance Requirements
5.1 Protectors shall conform to the requirements listed in Table 1 as outlined in Section 7.
5.2 All tests in this standard are design tests and shall be performed on the production design and anytime the design of the
protector changes, which could affect the testing results, including but not limited to material changes, coating changes, thread
changes (if sewn) and any design change which could affect the testing results.
6. Test Methods
6.1 Cut Resistance:
6.1.1 Both the palm and the back of the protector (if the materials or construction are different) shall be tested for cut resistance
in accordance with ANSI 105, and the lowest cut level achieved shall be reported.
6.1.2 If the palm and the back of the protectors are of the same material and construction, only one side shall be tested.
6.1.3 When reinforcements are used on the protector design, they shall be removed to test only the base layer(s) of material.
6.2 Arc Rating:
6.2.1 Arc Testing:
6.2.1.1 Protectors shall be tested in accordance with Test Method F2675 and the arc rating shall be reported in cal/cm .
6.2.1.2 Protectors shall have a minimum arc rating of 4 4 cal cal/cm⁄cm . This has been determined by testing to prevent ignition
of rubber insulated gloves.
6.2.1.3 Protectors shall be tested in their most basic layer model to determine the minimum arc rating (other areas of the glove
may have greater protection but only the minimum protective area of the hand can receive an arc rating). When different areas have
different base materials, all areas shall be evaluated. The protector shall be assigned the arc rating of the area having the lowest
level of protection.
TABLE 1 Requirements for Protectors
Characteristics Test Standard Requirement
ANSI 105 Section 5.1.1 using Test Method F2992 Report Level(s)
Cut Resistance
and report the ANSI 105 level.
ANSI 105 Section 5.1.1 using Test Method F2992 Report Level(s)
Cut resistance
and report the ANSI 105 level
Puncture Resistance ANSI 105 Section 5.1.2 Minimum Level 1 Report Level from ANSI 105
Puncture resistance ANSI 105 Section 5.1.2 Report Level from ANSI 105
palm of hand
Test Method F2675 AR is minimum 4 cal/cm .
Arc Rating (AR) Report AR in whole numbers, cal/cm
(round down and to the nearest whole number)
Test Method F2675 AR is minimum 4 cal/cm
Arc Rating (AR) Report AR in whole numbers, cal/cm
(round down and to the nearest whole number)
Average Afterflame time Test Method F2675 Maximum 15 s average afterflame time
in Arc Test for any component within 20 % of the AR
Average afterflame ti
...