Hand protection is crucial for any job. Protection for the back of the hand is especially important. The back of the hand is the more vulnerable side. Accidents like fractures often occur more easily on the back of the hand. Impact-resistant gloves primarily protect the back of the hand. The United States updated ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 in 2019. This revision addresses shortcomings in evaluating impact-resistant glove performance. Below is an explanation of its information and features. It also outlines differences from other standards.
What does the impact resistance rating protect? It primarily protects the metacarpophalangeal joints (where fingers connect to the palm). It protects the dorsal side of the proximal phalanges (the back of the bones near the palm on fingers).
What are the standards for impact-resistant gloves?
Currently, the primary standard for evaluating impact resistance is ANSI/ISEA 138-2019. In Europe, the CE EN388:2016 standard is predominantly used.
Both standards are employed to test whether impact-resistant gloves meet the required specifications. Manufacturers produce gloves tailored to customers’ impact resistance level requirements. They undergo testing as required before entering the market.
At M-tide, our project managers emphasize glove testing for every client. We stress the importance of achieving standard certification.
What is the ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 Standard?
If you are a frequent user of protective gloves.You will notice the “ANSI/ISEA 138-2019” marking on the glove label.What does this marking signify?
- ANSI: This stands for the “American National Standards Institute.”It is a certified non-profit organization.
- ISEA: This stands for the “International Safety Equipment Association.”It is one of the standards-setting bodies recognized by ANSI.
- Initial Release: Developed by ISEA and approved by ANSI in 2015. The current version is the 2019 update.
- Evaluation Standard: On February 27, 2019, ISEA released the 138-2019 standard.
- Standard Requirements: This standard specifies the minimum requirements for protecting fingers and knuckles from impact and blows. It outlines the minimum performance, labeling, and classification requirements for gloves.
Impact Resistance Levels Specified:
| Impact Level | Mean Transmitted Force | Impact Resistance Force |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | ≤ 9 N | < 11.3 kN |
| Level 2 | ≤ 6.5 N | ≤ 8.1 kN |
| Level 3 | ≤ 4 N | ≤ 5 kN |
- Level 1: Average force felt ≤9N. Maximum force transmitted ≤11.3kN
- Level 2: Average force felt ≤6.5N. Maximum force transmitted ≤8.1kN
- Level 3: Average force felt ≤9N. Maximum force transmitted ≤5kN
- Average Perceived Force: Represents the force felt by both hands inside the gloves. Lower values indicate stronger impact resistance.
- Impact Force Resistance: Represents the impact force permitted to reach the hands through the gloves. Lower values indicate stronger impact resistance.
How to Select Impact-Resistant Gloves of Different Levels?
Learn how to choose the appropriate level of impact-resistant gloves in just 1 minute. ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 classifies impact resistance into three categories. Select based on the potential impact intensity and frequency in the workplace. Prioritize TPR work gloves.
| Impact Level | Mean Peak Force ≤ | Applicable Risk Scenarios |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 9 kN | Daily tasks with minor impact risk |
| Level 2 | 6.5 kN | General manufacturing, logistics, and medium-risk work |
| Level 3 | 4 kN | Heavy machinery operation, heavy object handling, and high-risk tasks |
-
Level 1 (Basic Protection):
Suitable for routine tasks with minor impact risks. -
Level 2 (Medium Protection):
Suitable for general manufacturing, logistics, and other medium-risk scenarios. -
Level 3 (High Protection):
Ideal for high-risk tasks, such as using heavy machinery or lifting heavy objects.
Note: Higher levels may affect hand dexterity. Please buy according to actual needs!
What materials are typically used to achieve impact resistance ratings?
Gloves that meet corresponding impact resistance ratings generally use:
TPR (thermoplastic rubber). Knitted gloves with 13 or 15 gauge nylon liners. Primarily nitrile or latex dip coating. Providing abrasion resistance, slip resistance, and puncture resistance.
How is the ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 standard's product testing for impact-resistant gloves implemented?
To ensure gloves meet specifications. We prove the testing method to clients authentically:
- One pair of gloves is required before testing. First, cut the gloves into two pieces. Then place them on an anvil.
- Mark each location requiring testing. Secure the test glove. Then, hit it with a weight. Use the same force, speed, and height each time.
- Conduct many impact tests on knuckles and other critical areas.
- Record the force sensor readings beneath the anvil after each impact.
- Finally, calculate the average value from all tests.
- This represents the maximum impact force the glove can withstand.
What are the differences from the EN 388:2016 standard?
ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 and EN 388:2016 differ significantly. Differences exist in testing, results, and application.
Core Protection Focuses Differently
- ANSI 138: Specifically targets impact (anti-collision) risks.
- EN 388: Provides a comprehensive assessment of general mechanical hazards.
Testing Methods Differ
- ANSI 138: Uses a TDM (Tensile Dynamic) tester. Simulates dynamic impact cutting scenarios.
- EN 388: Primarily uses a CPM (Continuous Perforation) tester (for the cut section). Simulates repeated cutting by a blade.
Rating System Differences
- ANSI 138: Uses independent performance levels 1-3 (Level 3 being highest).
- EN 388: Employs a four-digit code (e.g., 4-1-2-X). Each digit represents protection levels against four distinct hazards. If the cut test fails, a fifth letter grade (A-F) is appended.
Different Application Focuses
- ANSI 138: Good for industries with high impact cutting risks. This includes metalworking, glass handling, and food slaughtering.
- EN 388: Good for places with risks from abrasion and cutting. Examples include construction, logistics, and manufacturing.
M-tide: The Premier Supplier of Impact-Resistant Gloves
We commit to providing every customer with exceptional service and products. Whatever your needs may be, we are here to meet them. Our impact-resistant gloves have achieved standard certification. You can buy and use them with confidence. If you have any issues while buying or using, please contact us. We will resolve them for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why You Need Impact-Resistant Gloves?
Currently, hand injuries rank as the second most common workplace injury. This trend is confirmed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In a single year, up to 143,100 workplace accidents involving hand injuries occurred. This further underscores the critical importance of hand protection. Impact-resistant gloves protect hands from impacts, crushing, fractures, and injuries. This helps lower risks. When doing heavy work or in tough conditions, choosing the right gloves is key.
What exactly are the OSHA standards for protective gloves?
OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration. This is a government regulatory agency. Its primary responsibility is to draft and enforce laws and regulations. These regulations concern the safety conditions of workers’ jobs. OSHA, ISEA, and ANSI have a clear relationship. OSHA can make safety standards from ANSI, ISEA, and others legally valid. That is, these safety standards and regulations must be recognized by OSHA. These three agencies were established to provide workers with safer working environments. They collectively bear responsibility for workers’ safety and well-being.
What is the ANSI Safety Rating?
This is not a single certification standard. It means the safety standards and rules that industries set for manufacturing. ANSI is a U.S.-based non-profit private standards organization. It doesn’t set safety standards just for the glove industry. Similar standards exist in many other fields. This helps protect workers’ rights.
What role do standards play?
Everything needs clear standards and guidelines. This stops developments from going beyond what people expect. The ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 standard for impact-resistant gloves shows this well. M-tide’s impact-resistant gloves fully follow this standard. They meet all glove requirements. We make every effort to protect your hands.
