Selecting the right industrial glove requires a thorough assessment of workplace hazards, and impact resistance is a critical factor often overlooked. The back of the hand, knuckles, and fingers are highly susceptible to crush and pinch injuries from dropped tools, machinery, and heavy equipment. Choosing gloves with appropriate impact protection can significantly reduce the risk of severe injuries.
Understanding Impact Resistance Standards
The primary standard for classifying impact-resistant gloves in the U.S. is ANSI/ISEA 138-2019, which was developed to create a uniform system for evaluating and labeling impact protection. This standard tests a glove's ability to dissipate force from impacts to the back of the hand, fingers, and knuckles. The test involves dropping a weighted striker on the glove and measuring the amount of force transmitted through the material.
The ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 standard assigns one of three performance levels, which must be clearly marked on the glove. The lower the transmitted force, the higher the rating.
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Level 1: Transmitted force is ≤ 9.0 kilonewtons (kN). This provides a baseline of protection for minor bumps and scrapes.
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Level 2: Transmitted force is ≤ 6.5 kN. This offers moderate protection for common industrial impacts.
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Level 3: Transmitted force is ≤ 4.0 kN. This is the highest level of protection, designed for high-impact and extreme conditions.
While OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has not adopted ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 as a legal standard, its regulations require employers to select and provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including hand protection, based on an evaluation of workplace hazards. This means that even without a specific OSHA standard for impact resistance, employers have a legal and ethical obligation to protect workers from potential hand injuries, and using gloves that meet the ANSI/ISEA 138 standard is a recognized best practice.
Choosing the Right Impact-Resistant Glove
Selecting the correct impact resistance level depends entirely on the specific tasks and hazards involved. A proper hazard assessment is crucial for making the right choice.
|
Task/Environment |
Recommended Impact Level |
Rationale |
|
Light Assembly & General Handling |
Level 1 |
These tasks involve a risk of incidental bumps or minor contact with stationary objects. High dexterity is often needed, and a lightweight, flexible glove with minimal padding on the back of the hand is sufficient. |
|
Construction & Manufacturing |
Level 2 |
Workers frequently handle materials, operate power tools, and work around machinery where there's a moderate risk of being struck by falling objects or getting hands pinched. Level 2 gloves provide a good balance between protection and dexterity. |
|
Oil & Gas Drilling, Heavy Equipment Operation |
Level 3 |
These environments have a high risk of severe crushing injuries from heavy tools, pipes, and equipment. The robust protection of a Level 3 glove is essential to prevent serious fractures and hand trauma. |
Standard ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 Impact Resistance Level Markings
Pros and Cons of Increasing Impact Resistance
|
|
Pros |
Cons |
| Increased Levels |
Enhanced Protection: Higher ratings mean better defense against severe injuries, reducing the likelihood of fractures and crushed bones. |
Reduced Dexterity: More padding and heavier materials can make it difficult to perform intricate tasks. |
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Injury Reduction: Investing in higher-rated gloves for high-risk jobs can lead to a significant decrease in hand injuries and associated costs like medical bills and lost productivity. |
Bulk & Comfort: Thicker gloves can be bulky, uncomfortable, and cause hand fatigue over long periods, which may tempt workers to remove them. |
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Peace of Mind: Knowing they have the right protection can boost worker confidence, allowing them to focus on the task at hand. |
Higher Cost: Gloves with higher impact ratings are generally more expensive due to advanced materials like Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR). |
Always err on the side of caution. If there's uncertainty, choose a higher level of protection.
A solid understanding of impact resistance ratings is essential for ensuring workplace safety. By understanding ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 standards and conducting a thorough assessment of your unique hazards, you can select gloves that deliver the right protection for your team. Ultimately, the most effective glove is the one employees will wear—so give priority to fit, comfort, and comprehensive protection to safeguard your most important assets and keep productivity high.
goSafe offers a wide variety of Hand Protection suitable for every task imaginable. Contact Us for more information about our Hand Protection selections or any questions related to safety and safety-related products.
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