How often should you inspect your insulated gloves?

• A. Every year.
• B. Every quarter.
• C. Before every use.
• D. Only after damage is observed.

Answer: (C)

Insulating gloves must be checked for defects before each use to ensure they will provide the intended protection. Over time, gloves can deteriorate from storage, handling, or aging—tiny cuts, cracks, pinholes, moisture, or stiffness may develop that aren’t obvious at a glance but can compromise insulation. A pre-use check combines a quick visual inspection with a leak test (often an air test or submersion in water) to detect any damage before you rely on them for electrical work. Waiting for damage to appear or doing the check only at longer intervals means a damaged glove could be used, creating a real shock risk. If any defect is found, the glove should be removed from service and replaced or retested according to standards.