ANSI/ISEA 105-2024: The American National Standard for Hand Protection Classification

“As a manufacturer that continues focusing its product development efforts on cut resistant gloves, the 2016 standard helped close the gaps between cut levels, particularly the A4 and A5 ranges. Furthermore, the added cut levels allow us to build products across all levels, while maintaining a focus on maintaining groundbreaking technological advancements in hand and arm protection. Our labeling practices comply with the 2024 update to the standard.” Armor Guys, (301) 505-1380,
https://armorguys.com

This standard was developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA). It focuses on the classification and testing of protective gloves for various tasks and environments and provides guidelines for the performance requirements of gloves used to protect against different hazards, including cuts, punctures, abrasions, and chemical exposure. The standard aims to enhance safety in the workplace by ensuring that gloves provide adequate protection against various hazards, thereby reducing the risk of injury. It is widely referenced in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare, where hand protection is critical.

By promoting the use of adequately tested and certified protective clothing, the standard helps reduce the risk of injuries in the workplace. This not only protects workers but also decreases the costs associated with workplace accidents and injuries.

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2024 Update

ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 was updated in 2024. There were no major changes made to test methods or levels of protection. The update addressed product labeling that shows protection levels. It specifies the use of a new pictogram label in the form of a pentagon badge, with the glove’s abrasion, cut, and puncture ratings displayed inside.

The standard also specifies the positioning of the label’s elements within the pentagon:

• The Cut rating symbol is in the top center.
• The Abrasion rating symbol is on the left.
• The Puncture rating symbol is on the right.
• An ‘X’ can be applied in place of a rating to indicate the classification was not tested or is not applicable.

The new approach provides uniformity, as opposed to the previous practice of having manufacturers use their own graphics to indicate protection levels.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics¹, workers suffered 238,000 hand injuries and 63,340 wrist injuries in 2023. These included cuts and lacerations; puncture wounds; strains, sprains and tears; traumatic injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints; and traumatic injuries to bones and nerves.

Key Aspects of ANSI/ISEA 105

1. Classification: The standard categorizes gloves based on their performance levels for specific hazards, allowing users to select appropriate gloves for their tasks. The classification system includes ratings for cut resistance, abrasion resistance, puncture resistance, and more.
2. Testing Methods: ANSI/ISEA 105 outlines the testing methods used to evaluate the performance of gloves. These tests assess various factors such as the glove material’s resistance to cuts, impacts, and chemicals.
3. Performance Levels: The standard specifies performance levels for different types of hazards, enabling manufacturers to label their gloves accordingly. This helps consumers make informed decisions based on their specific needs and the risks associated with their work environment.
4. User Guidance: ANSI/ISEA 105 provides guidance on how users can select the right gloves based on the tasks they will perform, considering factors like dexterity, comfort, and protection required.

The standard addresses the classification and testing of hand protection for specific performance properties. Gloves are classified to a performance level ranging from 0 to 6 based upon their performance when evaluated against defined industry test methods for:

• Mechanical protection (cut-resistance, puncture resistance and abrasion resistance).
• Chemical protection (permeation resistance, degradation)
• Other performance characteristics such as ignition resistance and vibration reductions

Testing Protocols

• Cut resistance to glass, knives, sheet metal, bladed tools and other sharp objects is tested using the ASTM F2992-15 test method and TDM (Tomodynamometer) cut test machine. A straight-edge blade is run over the material used in protective clothing until it cuts through. Multiple iterations are performed, using new blades and different loads. The resulting resistance ratings range from A1 (very minor cuts) to A9 (highest cut danger).
• Abrasion resistance is tested using the Taber Abrasion equipment following the ASTM D3389-10 and D3884-09 test methods.
• Puncture resistance tests material with a hypodermic needle under pressure, following the ASTM F2878 test method.
• Chemical protection testing is in accordance with the ASTM F 739 method, in which a piece of the exterior side of glove material is exposed for a period of time to a certain chemical, and the interior side is examined at intervals to determine if the material has been permeated.
• Flame resistance testing is performed per the methodology provided in ASTM F1358-16.
• Heat resistance is tested in accordance with ISO 17493:2016.
• Conductive heat resistance of cut resistant gloves are tested per ASTM 1060-08.
• Vibration reduction testing is done according to ANSI S2.73-2002 / ISO 10819:2013 and results in only pass or fail classifications.

ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of workers by providing a reliable framework for the performance evaluation of cut-resistant clothing, ultimately leading to reduced injuries and enhanced workplace safety.

Additional Resources:

Get the standard at: https://isea.safetyequipment.org/atlas/ecommerce/item/35

The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) has developed an on-line tool to help manufacturers, material suppliers and test labs accurately calculate the glove’s cut-resistance classification outlined in the standard. Access it at: https://selectsafety.net/cut-resistant-glove-levels/ wmhs