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Bangor Hydro´s Safety Test Lab observes the highest standards for quality control and maintains strict adherence to OSHA and ASTM safety standards.
The Test Lab, in operation since 1982, utilizes state-of-the-art equipment for all testing. We guarantee prompt personal service to our customers and can tailor a testing program for your individual needs. Test Lab personnel have worked in the field performing the very jobs where protective equipment is used and have a thorough understanding of the critical responsibility we have to our customers.
Dielectric testing with AC (up to 100kv AC) current is also available for insulated aerial lifts (bucket trucks and digger trucks) at our facility or your fleet headquarters.
Testing of gloves, sleeves and blankets begins with installation of a non-conductive label that identifies a particular item. This label is used for tracking and documentation and also allows the protective equipment to be assigned to specific user-employees by a personal number and a customer code. Gloves and sleeves are first washed in a mild soap solution and dried. The items are then inflated and carefully inspected for cuts, tears, punctures, scratches, abrasions, or any other conditions that could adversely effect the dielectric integrity of the item. If any of these conditions are present, the item fails the visual inspection and is rejected and immediately rendered unusable to prevent accidental reuse. Gloves, sleeves, and blankets then undergo an electrical test as specified by the "class rating" of the item and the ASTM and OSHA Standards (maximum 40kv A.C.). Again, any item that fails the electrical test is rejected and immediately rendered unusable.
A complete record of the testing is documented on a test result sheet. One copy of the results are returned with the test order and a copy is kept at the Test Lab in a file maintained for each customer.
Any item that is rejected can be returned to the customer or disposed of by us depending on the individual customer´s needs. For the convenience of our customers, you may choose to replace rejected gloves or sleeves from our inventory and avoid lengthy factory lead times. OSHA requirements in 29CFR 1910.137(b) cover the "in-service care and use" of rubber insulating equipment. This section lists testing criteria and establishes minimum test intervals in Table I-6.
Note: ASTM F496-91 Section 7.3 permits gloves that are used in industries such as telecommunications, where the gloves are used as protection against unintentional contact, to be retested at up to nine-month intervals. Allow us to be of service to you by meeting all your rubber safety equipment testing needs. We welcome all inquires and will be happy to provide quotes or program proposals tailored to your specific needs. Please contact us at: Bangor Hydro-Electric
Company Safety Test Lab Email: glovetest@bhe.com George Crouse,
(207) 973-2702 or fax 973-2746
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