A training company asked OSHA whether rubber insulating gloves that were tested and issued for first-time service, then retested six months later, have up to 12 months to be placed back into service — or whether the six-month clock keeps running.
OSHA's answer was direct: once rubber insulating gloves have been issued for service for the first time, they must be tested every six months (29 CFR 1910.137(c)(2)(viii)). Testing is required at six-month intervals regardless of prior testing schedules, so a retest does not buy extra time before the next one.
The letter also noted the other triggers for testing beyond the calendar: gloves must be tested upon indication that the insulating value is suspect, after repair, and after use without protectors. As with all interpretation letters, OSHA emphasized this does not create new requirements — it explains how the existing rule applies.