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: F1236 − 16

Standard Guide for

Visual Inspection of Electrical Protective Rubber Products1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1236; 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 3.1.2 age cracks—surface cracks that may look like the
1.1 The purpose of this guide is to present methods and crazing of glazed ceramics and become progressively worse
techniques for the visual inspection of electrical protective with time (see Fig. 3).
rubber products. This guide also includes descriptions and 3.1.2.1 Discussion—It is normally a slow oxidation process
photographs of irregularities found in these products. caused by exposure to sunlight and ozone in the atmosphere
NOTE 1—It is not the purpose of this guide to establish the acceptance and starts in areas of the rubber that are under stress.
level of any irregularity described herein. That shall be established by the 3.1.3 breakdown— the electrical discharge or arc occurring
standard for each product.
between the electrodes and through the equipment being tested
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded (see Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6).
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only 3.1.4 chemical bloom—a white or yellowish discoloration
and are not considered standard. on the surface of a rubber product caused by the migration to
the surface of chemical additives used in the manufacture of
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the the finished product (see Fig. 7).
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.1.5 color splash—a spot or blotch on the surface of a
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- rubber product that occurred during the manufacturing process
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. when a contrasting colored particle of unvulcanized rubber
became embedded into the finished product (see Fig. 8).
2. Referenced Documents 3.1.6 cuts—smooth incisions in the surface of the rubber
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 that are usually caused by a sharp-edged object that can
F496 Specification for In-Service Care of Insulating Gloves increase in size when they are placed under strain (see Fig. 9).
and Sleeves
3.1.7 depressions or indentations—a shallow recess in the
F819 Terminology Relating to Electrical Protective Equip-
surface of the rubber that exhibits a thinner rubber thickness at
ment for Workers
the bottom of the depression than in the surrounding areas (see
3. Terminology Fig. 10).
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 3.1.8 detergent cracks—cracks that appear on the inside
3.1.1 abrasions and scratches—surface damage that nor- surface of a glove or sleeve that encircle the outline of a spot
mally occurs when a product makes contact with an abrasive of detergent residue that was not removed during the cleaning
surface (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2). and rinsing of the form prior to the dipping process.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—Scuff-like damage can also occur from 3.1.9 embedded foreign matter—a particle of non-rubber
a brush contact with a hot object such as a soldering iron. This material that has been molded into the finished product and
can sometimes look like the graining on leather. may appear as a bump when the rubber is stretched (see Fig.
11).
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F18 on Electrical
3.1.10 form marks—a raised or indented section on the
Protective Equipment for Workers and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee surface of the rubber that was caused by an irregularity in the
F18.60 on Terminology. form.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2016. Published November 2016. Originally
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as F1236 – 15. DOI: 3.1.11 glove discoloration—a non-harmful surface discolor-
10.1520/F1236-16.
2
ation on a rubber insulating glove caused by the leaching of the
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
tanning chemicals in leather protectors when protectors are left
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on on the rubber insulating glove for an extended time; this is
the ASTM website. accelerated when the protectors are wet (see Figs. 12-14).

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 F1236 − 16
3.1.16 parting line or flash line—a ridge of rubber left on
finished products occurring at mold joints during the manufac-
turing process.
3.1.17 pitting—a pit-like depression in the surface of the
rubber that may have been created by the rupturing of an air
bubble at or near the surface of the rubber during the
manufacturing process (see Fig. 25).
3.1.18 protuberance—bulge or swelling that protrudes
above the surface of the rubber that may have occurred during
manufacture (see Fig. 26).
3.1.19 puncture—penetration by a sharp object through the
entire thickness of the rubber product (see Fig. 27).
3.1.20 repair marks—an area on the surface of the finished
product that has a different texture due to the repair or
reworking of an irregularity in the mold or form (see Fig. 28).
3.1.21 runs—raised flow marks that may occur on the
fingers of rubber gloves during the dipping process.
FIG. 1 Abrasion
3.1.22 skin breaks—cavities in the surface of the rubber
with filmy ragged edges and smooth interior surfaces that are
normally caused by embedded dirt specks during manufacture.
3.1.23 soft spots—surface areas of the rubber that have
become soft and sometimes tacky as a result of exposure to
heat, oils, or chemical solvents.
3.1.24 tears—a separation of the rubber through its entire
thickness, usually at an edge, that has been created by a
forceful pulling apart of the rubber (see Fig. 29 and Fig. 30).
3.1.25 tracking—the formation of a carbonized path on the
surface of a solid insulating medium, resulting from excessive
current leakage over the surface (see Fig. 31, Fig. 32, and Fig.
33).
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This guide provides inspection techniques that may be
used to examine electrical protective rubber products for
irregularities. The methods have applications in manufacturing
locations, testing facilities, and in the field where the products
are used.
4.2 This guide also contains photographs that supplement
the descriptions of terms listed in Section 3 and in Definitions
FIG. 2 Scratches
F819.
5. Inspection Methods
3.1.12 hard spot—a hardened area on the rubber surface that
is usually caused by exposure to high heat or chemical attack 5.1 Rolling:
(see Figs. 15-18). 5.1.1 Inspect glove and sleeve surface areas by gently
rolling their entire outside and inside surface areas between the
3.1.13 mold marks—a raised or indented section on the
hands. This technique requires gently squeezing together the
surface of the rubber that was caused by an irregularity in the
inside surfaces of the glove or sleeve to bend the outside
mold (see Figs. 19 and 20).
surface area and create sufficient stress to inside surfaces of the
3.1.14 nicks, snags, or scratches—angular tears, notches, or glove or sleeve to highlight cracks, cuts, or other irregularities.
chip-like injuries in the surface of the rubber that have been When the entire outside surface area has been inspected in this
caused by barbed wire, sharp pointed tools, staples, splinters or manner, turn the glove or sleeve inside-out and repeat the
similar sharp edged hazards (see Fig. 2, Fig. 21, and Fig. 22). inspection on the inside surface (now on the outside). If
3.1.15 ozone cracks—a series of interlacing cracks that may necessary, a more careful inspection of suspicious areas can be
start at stress points and quickly worsen as a result of rapid achieved by gently pinching and rolling the rubber between the
oxidation in a highly concentrated ozone atmosphere usually fingers (see Fig. 34). Never leave a glove or sleeve in an
produced by electrical arcing (see Fig. 23 and Fig. 24). inside-out condition. Stretch the thumb and finger crotches by

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 F1236 − 16

FIG. 3 Age Cracks

FIG. 5 Breakdown (Dielectric Failure Blanket: Front)

foot down the hose and then, with both hands firmly gripping
FIG. 4 Breakdown (Dielectric Failure Blanket: Back)
the hose, simultaneously move the left hand up and the right
hand down to pass this section over the crown of the bend for
pulling apart adjacent thumb and fingers to look for irregulari- inspection. Slide the right hand up the hose to the left hand.
ties in those areas (see Fig. 35, Fig. 36, Fig. 37 and Fig. 38). Hold the hose firmly with the right hand while the left hand
5.1.2 Place rubber blankets on a clean, flat surface and roll again slides another foot down the hose. Repeat the inspection
up tightly starting at one corner and rolling toward the and, in this way, the entire length of hose passes through the
diagonally opposite corner. Inspect the entire surface for hands from one end to the other (see Fig. 40).
irregularities as it is rolled up. Unroll the blanket and roll it up 5.2 Inflation:
again at right angles to the original direction of rolling. Repeat 5.2.1 Punctures and other small holes in rubber insulating
the rolling operations on the reverse side of the blanket (see gloves can be found by inflating the gloves with air pressure.
Fig. 39). Gloves can be inflated manually by grasping the side edges of
5.1.3 Examine the inside surfaces of the insulating line hose the glove opening (see Fig. 41) and stretching gently, side-by-
by holding the hose at the far end from the lock and placing side, to close and slightly seal the open end, (see Fig. 42). Roll
both hands side-by-side palms down around the hose. With the up the gauntlet end about 11⁄2 in. (38 mm) toward the palm by
slot at the top and the long free end of the hose on the left, twirling the glove in a rotating motion using the rolled edges of
slowly bend the two ends of the hose downward while forcing the glove opening as an axis. Grasp the rolled up end in one
the slot open with the thumbs. The hose should be open at the hand to contain the entrapped air in the palm and fingers (see
bend, exposing the inside surface. Slide the left hand about a Fig. 43). Hold the inflated glove close to one ear and, with the

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 F1236 − 16

FIG. 6 Breakdown (Dielectric Failure)

FIG. 8 Color Splash

FIG. 7 Chemical Bloom

free hand, squeeze the glove palm to increase the air pressure
while listening and feeling for pinhole leaks (see Fig. 44).
Release the entrapped air.
5.2.2 To entrap air in heavy weight gloves, it may be
necessary to lay the glove on a flat surface, palm up, and press
the open end closed with the fingers, (see Fig. 45). While
holding the end closed, tightly roll up about 11⁄2 in. (38 mm) of
the gauntlet (see Fig. 46 and Fig. 47). Grasp the rolled-up end
and inspect for small holes in accordance with 5.2.1 (see Fig.
48 and Fig. 49). FIG. 9 Cuts
5.2.3 Mechanical glove or sleeve inflaters may also be used
to inspect the surface areas of the products (see Fig. 50 and Fig. 5.3 Lighting—The visual inspection of electrical protective
51). rubber products requires good lighting and the products should
5.2.4 Take care not to over inflate the gloves and sleeves as be thoroughly cleaned before inspection. The light source
noted in Specification F496, since their physical characteristics should be at least 200 fc (2152.81x) with a reflector and should
may be adversely affected by over inflating. Type 1 gloves and be adjustable for different lighting conditions. Some irregulari-
sleeves shall not be inflated or stretched to more than twice ties can be more easily seen with the light shining down on the
their normal size. Type 2 gloves and sleeves shall not be surface being examined; other irregularities require a low angle
inflated or stretched to more than 1.25 times their normal size. of light to allow the defect to cast a shadow in order to be seen.

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 F1236 − 16

FIG. 10 Depressions

FIG. 13 Glove Discoloration

FIG. 11 Foreign Matter

FIG. 14 Glove Discoloration

FIG. 12 Glove Discoloration

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 F1236 − 16

FIG. 15 Hard Spot

FIG. 17 Hard Spot

FIG. 16 Hard Spot

FIG. 18 Hard Spot

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 F1236 − 16

FIG. 22 Snag

FIG. 19 Mold Marks

FIG. 23 Ozone Cracking

FIG. 20 Mold Marks

FIG. 24 Ozone Cracks

FIG. 21 Nick

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 F1236 − 16

FIG. 27 Puncture
FIG. 25 Pitting

FIG. 28 Repair Marks

FIG. 26 Protuberance

FIG. 29 Tear Rubber Glove

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 F1236 − 16

FIG. 33 Tracking—Contaminated Dielectric Fluid

FIG. 30 Tear

FIG. 31 Tracking—Burned Rubber Sleeve

FIG. 34 Inspection – Sleeve Pinch Rolling

FIG. 32 Tracking—Insufficient Immersion Depth

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 F1236 − 16

FIG. 35 Hand Rolling

FIG. 38 Inspection – Between Fingers/Twirled Glove

FIG. 36 Pinch Rolling

FIG. 39 Blanket Rolling

FIG. 37 Inspection – Between Fingers

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 F1236 − 16

FIG. 42 Stretching

FIG. 40 Inspection – Inside Line Hose

FIG. 43 Twirling

FIG. 41 Grasping

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 F1236 − 16

FIG. 46 Rolling – Sealing the Edges

FIG. 44 Listening and Feeling

FIG. 47 Rolling – Trapping the Air

FIG. 45 Pressing

FIG. 48 Inspection

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 F1236 − 16

FIG. 49 Inspection – 14 in. Glove Length

FIG. 51 Inflator – 11 in. Glove Length

NOTE 1—Glove inflated to maximum allowable degree.

FIG. 50 Inflator (Glove Inflated to Maximum Allowable Degree)

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 F1236 − 16
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