Rubber Insulating Protective equipment is designed and used for linemen's personal protection. If it fails in use, a serious personal injury may result.

The ASTM specifications for In-Service Care of Rubber Protective Equipment stress visual inspection in the field as an important requirement in providing protection from electric shock.

Rubber Protective equipment manufactured of Type I natural or Polyisoprene synthetic rubber is subject to ozone and corona deterioration. Equipment manufactured from Type II SALCOR elastomeric compounds is not affected by this particular deterioration.

Linemen's Rubber Protective Equipment may be subject to chemical deterioration and possible loss of insulating properties after prolonged exposure to ozone, heat, sun, oil and grease, or general weathering. Therefore, it is recommended that, in addition to regular electric tests and visual inspection for physical defects such as holes, tears, punctures and cuts, it also be visually inspected at regular intervals for signs of possible chemical deterioration. These signs are: corona cutting, ozone or sun checking, texture changes such as swelling, softening, hardening or becoming sticky or inelastic.

Because of the potential loss of electrical resistance due to reversion or other deterioration, it is recommended that the equipment be withdrawn from service upon the first indication of such chemical deterioration.

All Salisbury rubber protective equipment is marked or labeled with color coded labels as required by ASTM Specifications.

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Rubber Insulating Line Hose and Covers should be thoroughly inspected inside and out for cuts, scratches, corona cutting, holes, tears and punctures, aging, rope or wire burns, aged rubber, and texture changes, such as swelling, softening, hardening, becoming sticky sticky or inelastic, which are signs of chemical deterioration, the affected hose or covers should be removed from service. Type II SALCOR elastomeric compound materials are not. Line Hose and Covers should be wiped clean of any petroleum base product or other damaging substances as soon as practicable after contact. They should be stored in a relaxed position, that is, without distortion and mechanical stress. Tape should not be used to secure line hose or covers when shipped or stored.

Frequent field inspections should be made by the individual users. Type I material should not be left in service on energized lines any longer than necessary. Extended exposure may result in ozone checking, corona cutting or excessive weathering.

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