§ 3407. Hand and Wrist Protection.

(a) Protective gloves shall be provided for each fire fighter when exposed to the hazards of structural fire fighting activity. Such protective gloves shall be properly sized and suitable to the hazards encountered in fires and fire related emergencies.

(b) Protective gloves for fire fighters shall be made of durable outer material designed to withstand the effects of flame, heat, vapor, liquids, sharp objects and other hazards that are encountered in fire fighting.

(c) Thermal insulation for protective gloves shall be sufficient to limit the inside surface temperature of the glove material (in contact with the hand) to no more than 111 degrees F (44 degrees C) when subjected to the tests specified in subparagraphs 1, 2 and 3:

(1) Gloves shall be preconditioned in accordance with Federal Test 191, Method 5903.2.

(2) The palm of the glove shall be exposed to a conductive heat load of 932 degrees F (500 degrees C) for a period of 5 seconds at 4 psi pressure using an object made of iron with 3.14 in ² surface area and sufficient mass to induce the pressure without assistance.

(3) The back of the glove shall be exposed to a stable 1.0 watt/cm² radiant heat load for a period of 1 minute.

(d) Protective glove material and pattern shall allow the dexterity of hand and finger movement, a sense of feel for objects, when handling fire fighting equipment, and a satisfactory grip when handling halyards. Gloves shall have separate finger compartments and shall have an integral wristlet not less than 4 inches in length unless other wrist protection is provided as permitted in Section 3407(e).

(1) Dexterity. Dexterity shall be evaluated using a standardized procedure known as the Bennett Dexterity Test. No more than 130% of baseline time shall be accomplished.

(2) Grip Test. Grip testing shall be evaluated with the use of a 3/8-inch diameter Manila halyard attached to a spring scale. Bare-handed lift capability shall be baseline weight. Weight pulling capacity dry shall be no less than 80% of baseline. Weight pulling capacity wet shall be no less than 70% of baseline. Gloves and halyards shall be preconditioned dry and wet prior to test.

(3) Preconditioning:

Dry -Gloves and halyards shall be preconditioned at 25 degrees C. for a period of 4 hours.

Wet -Gloves and halyards shall be thoroughly soaked by immersing in water for a minimum of 30 minutes prior to testing.

(4) Test Requirements. Gloves shall be tested dry, then water soaked as required and tested (without re-drying) within one minute after removal from the soak.

(e) Protection against burns or injury to the wrist shall be provided by one or more of the following means or other equivalent methods:

(1) A minimum 4-inch wristlet attached to the gloves.

(2) An extended wristlet of sufficient length, attached to the sleeve of the turnout coat, to completely cover the wrist area under all conditions.

(f) Fabric specified in this section shall be constructed and tested in accordance with the provisions of Section 3406, Body Protection.

(g) A durable label shall be permanently attached to each glove. Labeling may be accomplished by stamping, embossing, affixing, or other suitable method and shall include the following information:

(1) Lot Number;

(2) Reference to specified test; and

(3) Date of successful test.

HISTORY

1. Amendment of subsection (e) filed 4-27-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 17).

2. Amendment filed 9-11-80; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 80, No. 37).

3. Amendment of subsection (c)(1) filed 7-30-81; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 81, No. 31).

4. Amendment of subsections (c)(2) and (g) filed 4-29-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 18).

Note

Note: Authority and reference cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code.