Understanding ANSI/ISEA Impact Standards

Over the last few years we have seen several changes to the ANSI standards for hand protection.  The newest addition to the standard being ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 or American National Standard for Performance and Classification for Impact-Resistant Gloves.  As I talk with both distributors and end users of our impact products the same questions keep popping up.  So, let's breakdown what ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 has to say.   

What is the purpose of the new standard? 

• The purpose of this standard is to provide manufacturers with a mechanism to classify their products for specified impact protection. The information from this testing and classification can be used to help users to select appropriate gloves.

How many points are tested, can results vary per point?

• 8 points are tested for knuckle impact protection
• 10 points for finger and thumb impact protection
• Yes, results can vary at each location tested

How are impact level established and classified?

• When tested the performance level of the glove shall be classified against the performance levels in the table below. The overall performance level of the glove is determined by the lowest performance level recorded.

• For example, if the fingers and thumb are rated as performance level 1, but the knuckles are performance level 2, then the entire glove is rated as performance level 1.
• Impact is classified by a numerical representation representing the impact protection offered by a glove. A higher performance level indicates a greater degree of protection (reduced transmitted force).

  How do I choose the right glove for my application?

• Does your current glove perform to your expectations?
• Do you need a higher impact level?
• Higher impact levels can add bulk, will this put employees at risk or add a new hazard? 
• Does added bulk decrease compliance by employees because they can't perform job tasks? 
•  Contact us today to schedule your site assessment

Understanding your job specific tasks / applications is a key factor in deciding what glove, cut level, puncture level, and impact level are needed. 

• Does more equal less or does less equal more? 

 Contact us today to schedule your site assessment