​Care and Storage of Gloves, Blankets, and Sleeves
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Electrical PPE in good condition is designed to protect the worker from the potential danger of electrical shock.  It is very important for workers to maintain the integrity of the equipment they use.



Gloves can be damaged by a variety of chemicals including (but not limited to) gasoline, hydraulic fluid inhibitors, hand creams, pastes and salves.  Only manufacturer’s glove powder should be used, NOT baby powder as it may cause damage to your gloves.



Gloves should NOT be stored in extreme HOT or COLD environments, and they should be kept out of direct sunlight and damp conditions. Rubber insulating gloves should ALWAYS be worn in conjunction with leather protectors, and stored in a glove bag when not in use.

Sleeves and blankets should NEVER be folded for storage or shipment.  This can cause creasing and cracking resulting in machine or visual failures.  Blankets and sleeves should be kept out of extreme HOT or Cold environments as well as out of sunlight.  Sleeves should be stored in a protective bag when not in use.  Blankets are to be rolled and stored in a blanket canister.

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ALL electrical PPE should be visually inspected for holes, abrasions, and discoloration before EVERY use. PPE that is found to be damaged should not be used in the field for any reason, and should be marked and discarded or removed from the your work site.



Be sure to have your equipment regularly tested and certified, and follow these simple guidelines to prolong the life of your electrical PPE.

Shipping of Gloves, Blankets, and Sleeves for Testing

Proper packaging of your Electrical PPE for shipping will ensure that it arrives safely through transport to our facility for testing.

To ship gloves, package loosely or bagged as pairs in an appropriately sized box. Check to make sure box and gloves are free of any debris or particulates that could damage gloves during shipping. Any excessive room in larger boxes should be loosely packed with paper or bubble wrap, especially when shipped in conjunction with solid items such as hard hats or face shields. Please NEVER tape pairs together, as adhesives can compromise the integrity of rubber goods. For extra protection and added convenience on your site, gloves can be sent in their canvas storage bags or manufacturer’s boxes; at Elwood Safety we will gladly match and repackage your gloves to the individual boxes or bags you send them in so that you don’t have to!
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To ship sleeves and blankets use shipping containers that are long enough to avoid folding equipment, as folding can cause creasing and cracking that can cause failures. Check box and equipment for any loose debris that can cause damage to rubber. Sleeves should be sent flat or gently rolled, lengthwise. Blankets should be securely rolled and sent in long boxes or blanket storage canisters. Rolled blankets or paired sleeves should NEVER be secured with tape, if necessary fabric strips can be used to tie rolled blankets.​



Care and storage of Hot Line Tools



Hot sticks are essential tools to be utilized in your protection on the job. With proper care, maintenance, and storage, you will not only ensure your safety but will be working to preserve the longevity of your equipment.



In both use and storage it is vital to avoid moisture build-up or contamination of your hotline tools. This can be prevented by ALWAYS storing your hot sticks in a closed, dry, environment, sheltered from the elements. Exposure to moisture on the job site is not always avoidable in inclement weather; however, steps can be taken to evade excessive exposure by NEVER laying your hot line tools directly on the ground or leaving them exposed to humid or precipitant weather when not in use.



ALL hotline tools should be cleaned, waxed, and thoroughly inspected for damage before EVERY use. Cleaning hot sticks not only allows for a better visual inspection but a glossy, clean, surface is simultaneously vital in repelling water on those days you’re caught working in dismal weather.