ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 Hand Protection Classification
ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 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 hand protection for known specific hazards in the workplace.
One of the major changes in ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 surrounds the determination of classification for cut-resistance, including the use of a single test method for testing in an effort to provide consistent meaning of the ratings from the end-user perspective. Classification levels have been expanded to address the disparate gap among certain levels seen in earlier versions and to model the approach used in similar international standards.
Additional updates include the incorporation of a needlestick puncture test, recognizing that this is a common potential exposure for the medical, sanitation and recycling industries.
Resources
Clarification for abrasion testing for leather glove (View document here.)
Clarification on testing protocol for evaluating gloves to determine the appropriate classification for abrasion testing (View document here.)
ISEA Cut-Resistance Calculator Template (click on the link to download the template)
To assist manufacturers, material suppliers and test labs, ISEA has developed an on-line tool that can be used to easily and accurately calculate the glove’s cut-resistance classification outlined in the standard.
(The template is intended to work with newer versions of Excel, but should work with the 2010 version of Excel. As such, there may be Macro Security restrictions, and Macros may need to be enabled in order to use it.)