The American National Standard Institute (ANSI), together with the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), has developed the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard, which specifies the requirements for hand protection PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
This standard is a critical document for industries where workers are exposed to various hazards that can injure hands, such as chemical burns, abrasions, cuts, and punctures.
By providing a detailed classification system for glove performance, the ANSI/ISEA 105 gives manufacturers and safety professionals a means to assess the capability of gloves to protect against specific risks, ensuring that the right type of hand protection is used for the right job.
Testing methods are an integral aspect of ANSI/ISEA 105 as they establish a uniform criterion for evaluating the durability and resistance of gloves to particular hazards.
Performance levels are determined for different protective qualities, such as cut resistance, abrasion, puncture resistance, and chemical permeation, among others.
As hand protection technologies advance, the standard is periodically reviewed and updated to incorporate new testing methods and to reflect changes in industry best practices.
Understanding ANSI/ISEA 105-2016
The ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 standard serves as a guide for the classification and testing of hand protection, catering to various performance properties such as cut, abrasion, and puncture resistance.
Performance Classifications
Under ANSI/ISEA 105-2016, glove performance is systematically categorized to aid in the correct specification and selection of gloves according to the risks present in different work environments.
Standardized test methods, such as ASTM F2292-15, are utilized to assess gloves’ resistance levels.
Specifically, these classifications are integral for determining a glove’s cut resistance, which involves a test that measures the weight needed to cut through the material with a blade.
Similarly, for abrasion and puncture resistance, the standard provides a rating system that reflects the durability of the gloves under those specific stresses.
Glove Materials and Construction
The construction and materials of safety gloves are diverse, with options ranging from natural fibers to engineered yarns. Materials such as Kevlar are renowned for their high cut resistance, while coated gloves might prioritize grip or chemical protection.
The ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 standard addresses both the material composition and the design aspects, presenting a clear framework for understanding how different gloves perform under various hazardous conditions.
It is essential to match glove materials—for instance, leather, cotton, synthetic yarns, or rubber—with the specific risks identified in the workplace to ensure adequate protection.
Testing Methods and Performance Measurement
The ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 standard utilizes specific test methods to measure the performance of hand protection products. These methods provide a consistent approach to determining the protective qualities of gloves, particularly in the areas of abrasion, cut, puncture, and chemical resistance.
Abrasion and Cut Resistance
Abrasion Resistance is evaluated in terms of cycles completed by a glove until a hole appears. The performance levels are determined according to the number of cycles of resistance, with higher numbers indicating stronger resistance.
| Level | Abrasion Cycles | Recommended Usage |
| 0 | <100 | Light tasks |
| 1 | ≥100 | Precision work |
| 2 | ≥500 | Light fabrication, assembly |
| 3 | ≥1000 | Construction, mechanized logging |
| 4 | ≥3000 | Mining, oil drilling |
| 5 | ≥10000 | Asphalt paving, heavy manufacturing |
| 6 | ≥20000 | Extreme environments |
For Cut Resistance, the ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 standard has adopted the ASTM F2992-15 test method using the TDM-100 machine. Gloves are subject to a straight-edge blade under variable load.
The cut score is derived from the distance traveled by the blade before it cuts through the glove material, with the unit of measure being grams (g) or newtons (N). The ratings range from A1 for light cut hazards (200 g) up to A9 for high cut hazards, which represents a cut score of over 6000 grams.
| Cut Level | Weight (Grams) | Hazard Level | Recommended Usage |
| A1 | ≥200 | Light | Food processing, light assembly |
| A2 | ≥500 | Light-Medium | Wire harness assembly, metal stamping |
| A3 | ≥1000 | Medium | Automotive manufacturing, construction |
| A4 | ≥1500 | Medium-Heavy | Glass manufacturing, metal fabrication |
| A5 | ≥2200 | Heavy | Cutting high-risk materials |
| A6 | ≥3000 | Very Heavy | Cutting extremely tough materials |
| A7 | ≥4000 | Extremely Heavy | Cutting extremely tough materials |
| A8 | ≥5000 | Severe | Cutting advanced composites, plastics |
| A9 | ≥6000 | Extreme | Extreme environments, cryogenic cutting |
Puncture and Chemical Protection
Puncture Resistance measures the force required to penetrate the glove with a specified stylus. This is quantified in newtons (N), the amount of force needed to breach the glove.
| Level | Force (Newton) | Recommended Usage |
| 0 | <10 | Handling soft materials |
| 1 | ≥20 | Product assembly |
| 3 | ≥60 | Construction tasks |
| 4 | ≥100 | Heavy industries |
| 5 | ≥150 | Extreme force protection |
The standard assesses Chemical Protection via two metrics: permeation resistance and degradation. Permeation resistance indicates how long it takes for the hazardous material to pass through the glove, while degradation measures the physical changes in the glove material after chemical exposure.
| Level | Breakthrough Time (minutes) | Recommended Work Types |
| 0 | <10 | Non-hazardous materials handling |
| 1 | ≥10 | Low-risk chemical handling |
| 2 | ≥30 | Pharmaceutical manufacturing |
| 3 | ≥60 | Chemical processing |
| 4 | ≥120 | Hazardous waste remediation |
| 5 | ≥240 | Extreme chemical environments |
| 6 | ≥480 | Specialty chemical manufacturing |
The EN 388 standard may also be referenced for additional performance measurements, particularly in European markets.
Industry Applications and Best Practices
The ANSI/ISEA 105 standard offers essential guidance for selecting appropriate hand protection, which is crucial for safety across diverse industries. It provides a framework for both manufacturers to design gloves and for employers to choose the right protection for employees.
Employer Guidelines and OSHA Compliance
Employers are responsible for the safety of their employees, and selecting hand protection compliant with ANSI/ISEA 105 can be a part of meeting Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.
Safety managers should assess potential hazards in workplaces like construction, automotive, manufacturing, mining, and landscaping sectors to determine the appropriate hand protection classification. It is recommended to:
1.Identify the specific hazards in the work environment (e.g., cuts, abrasions, chemical exposure).
2.Consult the ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 standard for performance criteria relevant to these hazards.
3.Select gloves that meet or exceed the necessary performance levels as delineated by the standard.
By following these steps, employers can ensure OSHA compliance and employee safety.
Specific Industry Needs
Industries have unique requirements based on the risks associated with their specific work tasks. Manufacturers create gloves that cater to these needs, often using the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard as a benchmark for performance.
●Construction: Faces risks of cuts and bruises from sharp tools and heavy materials. Requires durable, reinforced gloves with dexterity.
●Automotive: Exposed to grease, chemicals, and cuts during maintenance work. Needs oil and cut resistant gloves with a grip.
●Manufacturing: Interacts with hazardous machinery and sharp objects. Calls for highly cut resistant gloves.
●Mining: Handles rough mineral materials that can puncture the skin. Demands maximum puncture protection.
●Landscaping: Exposed to soil, plants, and gardening chemicals. Requires durable, chemical resistant gloves with good grip.
For employers in these sectors, they must ensure that the selected hand protection meets these specific characteristics, contributing to reduced workplace injuries and increased productivity.
Advancements in Hand Protection Technologies
In recent years, the marketplace has seen significant developments in glove technologies aimed at preventing hand injuries and enhancing user safety. Manufacturers have tailored gloves and sleeves to provide improved mechanical protection, such as cut, puncture, and abrasion resistance.
These advancements are in line with the American National Standard for Hand Protection, ANSI/ISEA 105, which offers detailed performance criteria for protective gloves.
Mechanical Protection
●Cut Resistance: Gloves are now designed with advanced materials, such as high-performance polyethylene fibers and engineered yarns that achieve higher ANSI/ISEA cut-level ratings.
●Puncture Resistance: Reinforced coating technologies have been integrated to provide robust barriers against sharp objects.
Chemical and Heat Safety
●Ignition Resistance: New materials prevent ignition and slow down the burning process, thus offering users more response time during fire hazards.
Ergonomic and Comfort Considerations
●Vibration Reductions: Gloves are equipped with padding that absorbs and disperses vibrations to protect users from the long-term effects of vibration exposure.
The ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 standard has played a pivotal role in guiding these enhancements. The introduction of a single test method for cut resistance has harmonized the rating system, bringing clarity to the end-users in terms of the safety levels they can expect from their hand protection gear.
Manufacturers continue to innovate, relying on market data to address the specific needs of various industries. By focusing on tangible performance characteristics, they ensure hand protection technologies not only comply with standards but also meet the practical demands of occupational safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some common queries related to the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard, which specifies glove safety requirements for cut, abrasion, puncture, and heat resistance.
What do the different ANSI cut levels indicate for gloves?
The ANSI cut levels, ranging from A1 to A9, indicate a glove’s ability to withstand blade cuts. For example, A1-rated gloves can withstand up to 200 grams of cutting load, while A9-rated gloves can endure over 6,000 grams.
How does ANSI 105 determine puncture resistance for safety gloves?
ANSI 105 assesses puncture resistance by measuring the force required to push a specified stylus through the glove material. Gloves are graded on a scale, with higher numbers signifying greater puncture resistance.
Can you explain the criteria for ANSI abrasion levels in hand protection gear?
ANSI abrasion levels, numbered 0-6, are based on the number of wear cycles a glove can withstand before wearing through. A level 1 rating means the glove can survive at least 100 cycles, while a level 6 rating can withstand more than 20,000 cycles.
In what ways do ANSI 105 and EN 388 standards differ regarding protective gloves?
ANSI 105 and EN 388 standards differ in test methods and scoring. ANSI 105 uses a nine-level cut resistance scale and includes impact protection testing, while EN 388 uses a six-level scale and additional tests for impact resistance, known as the Puncture Resistance (PR) rating.
What are the recent updates in the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard for 2024?
The latest published version of the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard is from 2016, with no additional updates released in 2024 as of now. It is recommended to check the ANSI and ISEA websites and publications for the most up-to-date information.The latest published version of the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard is from 2016, with no additional updates released in 2024 as of now. It is recommended to check the ANSI and ISEA websites and publications for the most up-to-date information.
How are heat resistance levels classified under ANSI/ISEA 105?
Heat resistance under ANSI/ISEA 105 involves testing the material’s ability to withstand certain temperature levels for a specific time without melting, igniting, or conducting heat. Test methods like ASTM F1060 are used. The performance classification is recorded in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit to denote the threshold temperatures handled.