ANSI/ISEA 138-2019: The American National Standard for Performance and Classification for Impact-Resistant Gloves

January 8, 2025|Compliance, Hand, PPE, Safety

“At Mechanix Wear, safety isn’t just a standard—it’s who we are. Over 30 years ago, we began designing gloves for NASCAR pit crews, where impact resistance became a priority. That same dedication drives us today. Our VP of R&D, Paul Harris, and former employee Brian Lunniss helped write the ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 standard. For us, meeting this benchmark isn’t just about compliance—it’s about empowering workers with the confidence to perform safely. Every glove we create reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting hands in the harshest environments through thoughtful design, rigorous testing, and the highest-quality materials.” Mechanix Wear, 1-877-278-5822, b2b.mechanix.com

Hand injuries in the workplace are a significant concern, particularly in industries such as warehousing, manufacturing, automotive, cargo handling, oil/gas, towing/transportation, mining, agriculture and construction, where heavy machinery and equipment are used during manual handling tasks. Hand injuries can lead to severe trauma, fractures, or even amputations. The impact of such injuries extends beyond the physical harm; they can result in substantial medical costs, lost productivity, and emotional distress for the affected employees. Preventative measures, including proper training, the use of personal protective equipment, and adherence to safety protocols, are crucial in mitigating the risks associated with crushing hand injuries, ultimately fostering a safer work environment.

Why is Impact-Resistant Hand Protection Important?

The bones and soft tissues in the back of the hand are all vulnerable to impact injuries, varying from bumps and bruises to contusions, lacerations and severe fractures. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) compilation of nonfatal occupational illnesses by major industry sector and category of illness, workers suffered 238,000 hand injuries and 63,340 wrist injuries in 2023.¹

Impact-resistant gloves are specifically designed to protect the hands from a variety of hazards, making them essential for individuals working in environments where hand injuries are a risk. These gloves feature reinforced padding and advanced materials that absorb and dissipate the force from impacts, reducing the likelihood of bruises, fractures or other injuries.

By providing a barrier against sharp objects and heavy equipment, they enhance grip and dexterity while allowing workers to perform tasks safely and efficiently. Their ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended use, promoting better hand positioning and reducing fatigue, ultimately contributing to a safer workplace and minimizing downtime due to injuries.

What is the Purpose of ANSI/ISEA 138-2019?

Standards and guidance have been in place for certain types of hand injuries such as those caused by cuts, punctures and chemical exposure; yet there has been no standardized approach to address dorsal or back-of-hand injuries such as bone breakage and fractures, bruising and finger pinching. The predominant hand protection standard in Europe, EN 388, addresses impact performance in gloves for the knuckles.

ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 was developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA). The standard provides a basis for evaluating and classifying gloves ‘for their capability to dissipate impact forces on the knuckles and fingers.’ The standard includes the following provisions regarding back-of-the-hand impact protection:

A requirement that products be tested in a laboratory having a certificate of accreditation meeting the requirements in ISO/IEC 17025:2017, General Requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
Specifications for required testing equipment and method
Classification and labeling requirements
A performance level scale that provides employers with the information they need to compare products select gloves that are a fit for the application-specific hazards in their workplaces
A required pictogram mark for each of the defined levels for compliant gloves

Manufacturers use various features and materials to give gloves dorsal impact protection, including foam padding, shock-absorbing cushioning pads on the back of the hand, and thermoplastic rubber (TPR) or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). As with all forms of occupational hand protection, impact-resistant gloves must be comfortable and flexible enough to allow the wearer to complete necessary work tasks, or the worker will be tempted to remove the gloves – and lose, at least temporarily, their protective qualities. In environments where a number of hazards are present, gloves that combine impact resistance with other qualities – such as chemical-, heat- and cut-resistance, insulation from cold temperatures and waterproofing – should be chosen.

Compliance and Implementation

Machinery with moving parts, including the power shear equipment, punch presses and brake presses that are common in the manufacturing industry, account for many crush incidents. At construction sites, heavy construction materials constitute a danger to hands. Being stuck between two heavy moving objects, such as a power-driven vehicle, is another hazard. Crushing injuries can have both an immediate impact and long-term effects ranging from weakness, loss of motion, numbness, tingling and cramping.

Following first aid and an evaluation of the extent of the damage, treatment for hand crush injuries can range from pain management and physical therapy to surgical procedures for repairing broken bones, tendons or ligaments. Rehabilitation is essential for restoring function and strength, and may involve exercises tailored to the individual’s recovery needs. Timely and appropriate treatment is critical to maximizing recovery and minimizing long-term complications associated with hand crush injuries.