The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) updates Hand Protection Classification standard, with key updates for cut-resistance testing and corresponding classification levels.

ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 was prepared by the Hand Protection Group of the ISEA and reviewed by a consensus panel of key stakeholders representing construction, healthcare, sanitation and recycling facilities, end users, testing and certification organizations, and government agencies.

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 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.

“The 2016 version reflects a proactive process to include state of the art material performance and technology and to harmonize with other existing standards. The updates will assist end users and specifiers in properly selecting appropriate hand protection based on testing and classification,” said Brent Lohrmann, Vice President of HexArmor and Chairman of the ISEA Hand Protection Group.