Why is choosing impact-resistant gloves essential for workplace safety?

Impact resistance is critical because the back of the hand, knuckles, and fingers are highly susceptible to crush and pinch injuries from common workplace hazards like dropped tools, machinery, and heavy equipment. Selecting the right protection can significantly reduce the risk of severe injuries.

What is the primary standard used in the U.S. to classify a glove's impact protection?

The main standard is ANSI/ISEA 138-2019. This standard was developed to create a uniform system for evaluating and labeling a glove's ability to dissipate force from impacts to the back of the hand, fingers, and knuckles.

How are a glove's impact performance levels determined under the ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 standard?

The test involves dropping a weighted striker onto the glove and measuring the amount of force transmitted through the material. The lower the transmitted force, the higher the performance level rating assigned to the glove.

What are the three performance levels in the ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 standard?

Level 1:  kilonewtons (kN)
Baseline protection for minor bumps and scrapes. 
Level 2:  kilonewtons (kN)
Moderate protection for common industrial impacts.
Level 3:  kilonewtons (kN)
The highest level of protection, designed for high-impact and extreme conditions. |

Is the ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 standard required by OSHA?

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has not adopted ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 as a legal standard. However, OSHA regulations still require employers to select and provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on a hazard evaluation, making the use of gloves that meet the ANSI/ISEA 138 standard a recognized best practice.

Which impact level is appropriate for general handling tasks and light assembly?

Level 1 is recommended. These tasks primarily involve a risk of incidental bumps, and a lightweight, flexible glove with minimal padding is sufficient where high dexterity is needed.

Which impact level is best for moderate-risk jobs like construction and manufacturing?

Level 2 is recommended. It offers a good balance between protection and dexterity for workers who frequently handle materials, operate power tools, and face a moderate risk of being struck by falling objects or getting hands pinched.

Which impact level is required for high-risk jobs like heavy equipment operation or oil and gas drilling?

Level 3 protection is essential. These environments pose a high risk of severe crushing injuries from heavy tools and equipment, and the robust protection of Level 3 is necessary to prevent serious fractures and hand trauma.

What is the main trade-off when selecting gloves with a higher impact resistance rating?

The primary trade-off is reduced dexterity. More padding and heavier materials can make it difficult to perform intricate tasks. Additionally, thicker gloves may be bulky, uncomfortable, and potentially cause hand fatigue over long periods.

What are the key benefits of using gloves with a higher impact rating?

  • Enhanced Protection: Better defense against severe injuries, reducing the likelihood of fractures and crushed bones.

  • Injury Reduction: Can lead to a significant decrease in hand injuries and associated costs (medical bills, lost productivity).

  • Peace of Mind: Boosts worker confidence, allowing them to focus on the task at hand.

What is the primary purpose of a palm coating on an industrial glove?

The palm coating's primary purpose is to elevate a glove from simple coverage to specialized protection. It enhances key performance features like grip, abrasion resistance, cut protection, and chemical resistance, tailoring the glove for specific work environments and hazards.

What are some of the most common types of palm coatings used on industrial gloves?

The most common types include Nitrile, Polyurethane (PU), Latex (Natural Rubber), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), Silicone, and Neoprene coatings.

What are the main benefits of a standard Nitrile coating?

Nitrile is a popular all-rounder known for its excellent resistance to punctures, tears, and abrasions. It also offers good resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including oils and greases, making it durable and reliable for general-purpose work.

What is the difference between Flat Nitrile and Foam Nitrile coatings?

  • Flat Nitrile has a smooth, solid coating and provides an effective grip best suited for dry conditions or slightly oily conditions.

  • Foam Nitrile has a porous, sponge-like texture. It offers superior grip in wet or oily conditions by absorbing liquids, which allows the glove to maintain contact with the surface. It is also more breathable.

Which nitrile variant offers the best grip in extremely wet or oily environments?

Sandy Foam Nitrile provides the most aggressive grip. It has a more sandy or granular texture embedded within the foam, creating additional friction for exceptional grip in extremely wet or oily environments (e.g., offshore oil and gas, handling slippery objects).

Which nitrile variant is best for tasks requiring high precision and tactile sensitivity?

Micro Foam Nitrile is ideal for precision tasks like electronics assembly or intricate wiring. Its very fine, almost imperceptible foamed texture maximizes dexterity and tactile sensitivity while still providing good grip in light oil or dry conditions.

Why would I choose a Polyurethane (PU) coating?

PU coatings are chosen when high dexterity and precision are paramount. They are typically very thin, lightweight, and flexible, offering excellent tactile sensitivity and good abrasion resistance, making them ideal for delicate tasks like electronics assembly, inspection, or intricate wiring.

What is the main advantage of Latex coatings, and what is a key consideration when using them?

Latex (Natural Rubber) coatings offer superior grip—a strong, tacky grip in both wet and dry conditions—along with excellent elasticity and cut resistance. The key consideration is that Latex can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Which type of coating is best for applications involving strong chemicals like caustics and acids?

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) coatings are known for their strong resistance to certain chemicals, particularly caustics and acids, and good resistance to oils and greases. However, they are less flexible than nitrile or PU and can become stiff in the cold. Neoprene is also a strong choice, offering broad resistance to oils, acids, solvents, and some caustics.

When are Silicone coatings the most appropriate choice?

Silicone coatings should be chosen for applications requiring high heat resistance or a superior, non-slip grip on smooth or polished surfaces like glass. They are also highly flexible and durable.

What safety standards are relevant for selecting gloves with palm coatings?

The main relevant standard is ANSI/ISEA 105-2016, which classifies and rates gloves based on performance characteristics, including:

  • Abrasion Resistance (Levels 0-6)

  • Cut Resistance (Levels A1-A9)

  • Tear Resistance (Levels 0-4)

  • Puncture Resistance (Levels 0-5)

Employers must also adhere to OSHA regulations, which mandate providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), guided by consensus standards like ANSI/ISEA 105.

What exactly is abrasion resistance in the context of industrial gloves?

Abrasion resistance is a glove's fundamental ability to withstand scraping, rubbing, and friction without wearing through. In industrial environments, this directly translates to how long the glove will protect a worker's hands from cuts, scrapes, and punctures when handling abrasive materials like concrete, rough metals, wood, or repeatedly gripping tools.

What are the main industry standards used to evaluate glove abrasion resistance?

The two most recognized standards are:

  1. ANSI/ISEA 105: The primary benchmark used in North America.

  2. EN 388: The widely recognized standard in Europe. Both standards classify gloves based on various protective properties, including their abrasion resistance.

How is the ANSI/ISEA 105 abrasion resistance level determined and what is the highest rating?

The ANSI/ISEA 105 standard measures abrasion resistance on a scale from Level 0 to Level 6. The rating is determined by testing the number of cycles an abrasive wheel takes to wear through the glove material under specific loads. Level 6 offers the maximum abrasion resistance and longest durability for extreme conditions.

Does OSHA require employers to use a specific abrasion resistance level for hand protection?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standard 1910.138 mandates that employers select and require employees to use appropriate hand protection when exposed to hazards, including severe abrasions. While OSHA does not set specific abrasion levels, it references ANSI standards as generally accepted safety guidelines for risk assessment and suitable PPE selection.

Should I always choose the industrial glove with the highest possible abrasion resistance?

Not necessarily. Selecting the right level is a calculated choice that requires a careful assessment of the specific task, the materials involved, and the duration of exposure. While a higher rating provides greater protection and durability, selecting an unnecessarily high rating for a low-hazard task can result in decreased dexterity, reduced comfort, and wasted resources.

What are the primary trade-offs when choosing gloves with very high abrasion resistance?

While higher abrasion resistance offers enhanced hand protection and an increased glove lifespan, it comes with several disadvantages:

  • Decreased Dexterity: Thicker materials reduce tactile sensitivity and fine motor control.

  • Reduced Comfort: Heavier, less flexible materials can cause increased hand fatigue.

  • Lower Breathability: Denser materials can trap heat and moisture, leading to sweaty hands.

  • Higher Initial Cost: Superior abrasion-resistant gloves typically have a higher upfront price tag.

What is the main consideration when selecting cost-effective industrial gloves?

The main goal is a crucial balancing act: weighing protection and ease of use against cost value. True cost-effectiveness means making smart choices that reduce risks and extend the life of your gear.

Is it always best to choose the most expensive gloves with the highest safety ratings?

No. It's a common mistake to assume this. An overly thick, highly-rated glove may restrict dexterity and cause user frustration, making it less effective if a lower rating is all that is truly required for the task.

What are the risks of defaulting to the cheapest industrial gloves?

Choosing the absolute lowest price is a gamble that can lead to costly consequences. Many cheap manufacturers have been known to falsify protection ratings, claiming certified ANSI level protection without proper third-party testing. This creates a false sense of security, putting workers at risk.

How can I ensure I am buying a glove with verified protection?

Always confirm that your gloves are third-party rated for the correct ANSI level protection. Don't just rely on the manufacturer's claim; you must ask for their test documents.

What features make an industrial glove more durable and cost-effective in the long run?

Longevity is a key cost-saving factor. Look for gloves with high abrasion resistance for manual labor and power tool applications. Additionally, good water and oil resistance can significantly extend the glove's useful life when exposed to those elements.

Most of our gloves are thrown away because they are dirty. How can we reduce replacement costs?

Implement a simple process for cleaning or laundering gloves. Most gloves are disposed of because they're dirty, not damaged. Having workers rinse off gloves at the end of the day and leaving them to dry can dramatically extend their useful life.

Why should we consider replacing older, bulkier glove styles with newer types?

Thicker doesn't always mean safer. Replacing older, bulky styles with thinner, more dexterous dipped gloves can offer the same or better resistance. The increased dexterity and ease of use encourages workers to actually wear the protection, which is the ultimate goal.

How does worker comfort affect the cost-effectiveness of a glove?

If you force workers to wear an excessively thick or less dexterous glove than is required (e.g., a Cut Level A5 for an A3 task), they will take them off often. This increases the risk of accidents and means the glove you bought isn't being used effectively. Select gloves that offer the minimum required protection with maximum comfort and dexterity.

Why is training workers on proper glove use so important?

Training is essential because a "one-size-fits-all" glove is unlikely for every worker or every task. Training ensures workers know which glove provides the correct type of resistance, amount of protection, and dexterity for the specific job, which prevents misuse and early disposal.

If I'm concerned about cost, should I avoid well-known name brands?

You should be open to alternative brands. If an alternative manufacturer provides third-party documentation for their ANSI certified ratings, you may find a less expensive, yet equally protective, option that delivers better overall value than a well-known name brand.

What is the primary regulation governing the use of hand protection in the workplace?

The primary governing standard is mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 29 CFR 1910.138. This regulation requires employers to select and ensure employees use appropriate hand protection when exposed to hazards, basing the selection on an evaluation of the glove’s performance characteristics relative to the task, conditions, duration of use, and identified hazards.

What is the role of the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard in glove selection?

The ANSI/ISEA 105 is a voluntary-yet-essential standard that provides a classification system for measuring glove performance. It tests and rates gloves against three categories of hazards:

  • Mechanical Hazards (cut, puncture, and abrasion resistance)

  • Chemical Hazards (permeation and degradation resistance)

  • Thermal Hazards (heat, ignition, and cold resistance)

How do I select a glove for protecting against sharp objects like metal sheets or glass?

You must choose gloves with high cut and puncture resistance, often made from materials like engineered fibers or metal mesh. You should refer to the ANSI/ISEA 105 cut level (A1-A9), where a higher number indicates greater resistance.

When selecting gloves for chemical exposure, what are two common materials and their typical uses?

Selection must always be based on the specific substance's Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Generally:

  • Butyl rubber is often used for highly corrosive acids.

  • Nitrile offers good general resistance to oils and many solvents.

What type of specialized glove is mandatory for high-voltage electrical work?

Insulating rubber gloves are required, and their use must comply with OSHA 1910.137. These gloves are graded by voltage class and must be regularly inspected and tested.

What glove feature is essential when working in wet or oily conditions?

A glove with high Oil Resistance and a specialized coating is essential to prevent tool slippage. Foamed or sponge nitrile coatings are often recommended as they provide superior grip by drawing liquid away from the surface.

What is the single most important factor influencing a glove's dexterity?

The most important factor is the Glove Gauge, which measures the number of stitches or knits per inch.

  • A higher gauge (e.g., 13-18) means a thinner, more flexible glove with better dexterity, ideal for handling small parts and precision work.

  • A lower gauge (e.g., 7-10) means a thicker glove with lower dexterity but higher durability for general handling.

What are the two most widely recognized standards for rating puncture resistance in industrial gloves?

The two most widely recognized standards are the ANSI/ISEA 105 (primarily used in the United States and North America) and EN 388 (the primary standard for gloves in Europe, also recognized internationally).

How do the ANSI/ISEA 105 and EN 388 standards differ in their testing methods?

While both standards use a similar test with a 4.5 mm stylus for blunt puncture resistance, the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard also includes an additional, separate test for hypodermic needle puncture resistance using a much finer 25-gauge needle. The EN 388 standard does not have a separate test for fine-point hazards like hypodermic needles.

What are the numerical rating scales for blunt puncture resistance under each standard?

  • ANSI/ISEA 105 uses a more granular 5-level scale (1-5) for blunt puncture resistance, with ratings based on force ranging from 10 Newtons (N) for Level 1 to 150+ N for Level 5.

  • EN 388 uses a concise 4-level scale (1-4) for blunt puncture resistance, with ratings based on force ranging from 20 N for Level 1 to 100+ N for Level 4.

Is it possible to directly convert a puncture rating from the ANSI standard to the EN 388 standard?

No. A direct conversion is not possible because the standards use different methodologies and scales. A high rating under one standard does not automatically guarantee the same performance under the other.

What does a Level A5 rating mean on the ANSI Puncture Resistance scale, and what environments is it suited for?

A Level A5 rating means the glove resists 150+ Newtons (N) of force. This level is recommended for heavy industrial work, demolition, and high-risk environments with significant puncture hazards, such as handling scrap metal, broken glass, or other heavy, sharp materials.

Beyond the puncture resistance rating, what other factors should be considered when selecting an industrial glove?

Other crucial factors include:

  • Dexterity: Higher resistance often reduces dexterity, so a balance is needed for tasks requiring fine motor skills.

  • Grip: Ensure the glove provides adequate grip, especially in oily or wet conditions.

  • Comfort and Fit: Ill-fitting gloves are less likely to be worn consistently.

  • Other Hazards: Consider multi-hazard protection against cuts, abrasions, chemicals, or extreme temperatures.

  • Durability: Assess the glove's tear and abrasion resistance for longevity in the work environment.

What are the two primary international standards used to measure cut resistance in industrial gloves?

The two primary international standards used to measure cut resistance are the ASTM/ANSI 105 and the EN388 standard. The ASTM/ANSI 105 is prevalent in North America, while EN388 is the European equivalent.

How does the ASTM/ANSI 105 standard measure cut protection?

The ASTM/ANSI 105 standard uses a TDM-100 machine to measure the exact force (in grams) required for a blade to cut through the glove material. The result is then assigned a precise nine-level letter grade, ranging from A1 (Low Risk) to A9 (Extreme Risk).

What is the EN388 standard, and how has its cut resistance testing been updated?

The EN388 standard is the European standard that focuses more broadly on mechanical risks, including abrasion, tear, puncture, and cut resistance. Historically, it used a "Coupe Test" for cut resistance. However, a significant update in 2016 introduced a TDM-100 test (similar to ANSI) for higher cut levels, indicated by a letter grade (A-F) after the initial four digits in the rating (e.g., in "4X42F," the "F" represents the high cut resistance level).

What is the key difference between the ASTM/ANSI 105 and EN388 standards?

The primary difference is the focus and the granularity of the rating. ASTM/ANSI 105 focuses solely on cut resistance using a more precise nine-level scale (A1-A9). EN388 provides a broader assessment of multiple mechanical risks.

How do the ANSI Cut Levels typically match up with real-world tasks?

The ANSI Cut Levels (A1-A9) are categorized by risk:

  • Low Risk (A1/A2): Suitable for general assembly, light material handling, and warehousing.

  • Medium Risk (A3/A4): Appropriate for construction, light metal fabrication, maintenance, and small glass handling.

  • High Risk (A5/A6): Recommended for tasks involving metal stamping, general sheet metal work, and automotive manufacturing.

  • Extreme Risk (A7-A9): Required for specialized tasks involving razor-sharp edges, extensive sheet metal work, or demolition with sharp debris.

What three key factors should be assessed when choosing a cut protection glove?

A strategic approach requires assessing three key factors:

  1. Environment: Determine if you are working with oily materials (which can affect protection), if there is a risk of puncture, and if extreme temperatures are a factor.

  2. Material Being Handled: Assess the sharpness, weight, size, and presence of burrs or rough edges on the material.

  3. Cut Level Required: Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify all potential cut hazards, and always choose a higher cut level if there is any doubt about the risk.