Hand injuries are a problem that many have within the workplace, especially manufacturers, construction workers, masons and more.
It’s important to have the best protective gloves when it comes to the workplace. That way you keep your employees safe and at less risk of a headache in HR.
The Impact Standard - ANSI/ ISEA 138
Intended to protect hands where heavy tools and equipment are involved, ANSI/ISEA 138 is the impact standard across all industries such as automotive, construction, and manufacturing to name but a few. There are three designated performance levels of impact protection.
As the American National Standard for Performance & Classification of Impact-Resistant Work Gloves, gloves are measured on their ability to help with impact forces on both knuckles of fingers. Depending on the environment and industry will depend on the impact glove level required.
How Gloves Are Tested Through ANSI Grading
Gloves are impact tested at two points, the fingers and the knuckles. The impact machine then tests the impact on the glove using a steel striker.
Prep for the Finger Test
The thumb, index, and ring finger impact sites are measured from the fingertip down to the middle of the finger.
Prep for the Knuckle Test
The impact sites for the knuckle are determined through a gripping motion on a bar. The most prominent points of each of the knuckles are then marked on the glove for purposes of the impact machine.
The impact machine is released along a vertical path with a 5.5-pound steel striker. The glove sample is impacted with this force of 5 ±.02 J. This is then placed on a test anvil for a recorded measurement.
What Are ANSI Grade Levels?
ANSI Grade levels are a system that helps allocate the most appropriate hardware specified for the application required. In the case of gloves, this same system is applied and depending on the work required, depends on what grade level gloves your staff need.
There are three levels of cut protection in total. The higher the number, the more protective the glove is from heavy impact.
When it comes to measuring the performance of the impact that the glove has, the overall impact performance level is determined by the lowest recorded performance level. This is rated on a level of between 1-3. Here’s a useful table for each performance level:
|
Performance Level |
Mean [kN] |
All Impacts [kN] |
|
ANSI Level 1 |
<9 |
<11.3 |
|
ANSI Level 2 |
<6.5 |
<8.1 |
|
ANSI Level 3 |
<4 |
<5 |
Protect Your Hands with ANSI Grade Level Impact Gloves
When it comes to wearing protective gloves, it’s imperative to have the right gloves for your trade to protect you from the tasks you will be carrying out every day. Safety TUFF’s High Quality Impact Gloves we supply will cater to all environments depending on your ANSI Grade level requirements. Our gloves are engineered to withstand an impressive 500 pounds of direct pressure, ensuring you're covered in even the most demanding situations.