ISEA is in the process of updating the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard on hand protection selection criteria to reflect current technologies, applications and use and to harmonize the criteria with international standards.
The standard addresses the classification and testing of hand protection for specific performance properties related to mechanical protection (cut-resistance, puncture resistance and abrasion resistance), chemical protection (permeation resistance, degradation) and other performance characteristics such as ignition resistance and vibration reductions.
Gloves are classified to a performance level ranging from 0 to 6 based upon their performance when evaluated against defined industry test methods. Such ratings can assist users to select appropriate gloves for known specific hazards in the workplace.
Cut-resistance testing and classification is a key area of focus for this revision including the use of a single test method for testing in effort to provide consistent meaning of the ratings from the end-user perspective and possible expansion of the classification levels address the disparate gap among certain levels seen in earlier versions and to model the approach used in similar international standards.
Another area for consideration is the incorporation of a needlestick puncture test, recognizing that this is a common potential exposure for the medical, sanitation and recycling industries.
As part of the development process, standards drafted by ISEA product groups become American National Standards through a consensus process that involves reviewers outside the association. These reviewers submit comments and vote on approval of the standard; they are the final authority in determining whether a standard is submitted to ANSI for acceptance as an American National Standard.
Consensus panel members may fall into one of four categories:
· Producer – A manufacturer of the product covered by the standard or components thereof
· User – An organization that uses, specifies or purchases the product covered by the standard
· Government – An agency or department that has a regulatory or other interest in the product (government agencies that use the product fall under the User category)
· General Interest – An organization that has a special interest in this standard due to safety, technical or other requirements or an individual expert with knowledge in the area(s) covered by the standard, but who neither produces nor uses products covered by the standard.
Consensus balloting of the proposed update is expected to begin in September. If you are interested in serving on a consensus panel for this document, contact Cristine Fargo at ISEA for details.
