Publish Time: 2025-11-28 Origin: Site
When it comes to workplace safety, selecting the right gloves can be a challenge. How do you know if your gloves offer the right level of protection? The ANSI/ISEA 105 standard provides a clear, standardized system for classifying gloves based on their cut resistance. In this post, we’ll explore the significance of the ANSI/ISEA cut resistance levels, how they work, and why understanding them is essential for worker safety.
The ANSI/ISEA cut resistance system was updated in 2016, shifting from a 5-level scale to a more precise 9-level (A1–A9) system. The previous 5-level system had significant gaps in classification, making it harder to select the right gloves for specific risks. The updated 9-level system narrows these gaps, providing more accurate protection matching. For example, an A5 glove offers medium-high protection, while an A9 glove offers extreme protection, addressing the diverse needs across industries like construction, metal fabrication, and food processing.
ANSI/ISEA cut resistance levels play a crucial role in personal protective equipment (PPE) selection. Workers in industries like glass handling or metalworking need gloves that can withstand different levels of cut force. The ANSI/ISEA system ensures employers can match gloves to specific tasks. It helps avoid over-protection, which could lead to unnecessary costs, or under-protection, which can result in workplace injuries. By understanding the cut resistance levels, employers can provide the appropriate gear for worker safety while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
The cut resistance of gloves is measured by how much force (in grams) is required to cut through the glove material. The testing process uses a machine called the TDM-100 Tomo Dynamometer. A sample of the glove material is placed under a sharp blade, and the amount of weight needed to slice through it is recorded. This process is repeated several times to ensure accuracy. The average weight needed to cut through the material is then mapped to an ANSI level (A1–A9), offering a quantifiable measure of the glove’s cut resistance.
ANSI Level | Gram Range | Typical Applications | Example Use Case |
A1 | 200–499g | Light material handling, assembly | Handling cardboard, small parts |
A5 | 2,200–2,999g | Sheet metal work, glass handling | Cutting sheet metal, carrying glass panes |
A9 | 6,000g+ | Extreme hazards, industrial blade work | Operating metal shears, handling sharp scrap |
The accuracy of ANSI/ISEA cut resistance levels is guaranteed through standardized testing protocols. The key tool used in this process is the TDM-100 Tomo Dynamometer, which adheres to the ASTM F2992-15 method. This machine is the benchmark for testing gloves and other protective materials for their ability to resist cuts. The TDM-100 ensures consistent testing conditions across all tests, eliminating variations that could arise from different testing machines or methods. This uniformity is crucial for comparing cut resistance across various manufacturers, ensuring that a glove rated as A5 in one brand offers the same protection as an A5 from another.
The testing process begins with preparing a sample of the glove material. A 20mm-wide piece is cut from the palm area, which typically experiences the most wear. This sample is then securely placed in a holder designed to keep it taut during the test. A sharp, straight-edge blade is used to apply force to the sample, with increasing weights gradually pulling the blade across it. As the force builds, the point at which the blade penetrates the material is noted. To ensure accuracy, each sample is tested five times at three different loads, and the average weight needed to cut through the material is recorded. This "gram rating" is then used to determine the glove's resistance level, which is mapped to one of the ANSI/ISEA levels (A1 to A9).
To guarantee reliable results, third-party labs play an essential role in verifying the test outcomes. These accredited labs conduct the tests in line with ANSI/ISEA protocols, and their independent verification adds an extra layer of trust. Consistent testing methods and third-party oversight ensure that a glove labeled A6 from one brand will have the same performance characteristics as an A6 glove from another. This consistency across different manufacturers is vital for employers and workers to confidently select the correct PPE for their specific needs.
Step | Description |
Sample Preparation | A 20mm-wide sample from the palm area is cut and placed securely in a holder. |
Blade & Force Application | A sharp, straight-edge blade is used to apply increasing force to the sample. |
Data Collection | The sample is cut five times at different weights to determine the average grams needed to cut. |
Level Assignment | The average grams required to cut through the material are mapped to an ANSI/ISEA level (A1-A9). |
These levels are suitable for tasks where the risk of cut injury is minimal to moderate. Gloves rated from A1 to A3 provide protection against light hazards, such as general material handling, packaging, and assembly tasks. For instance, workers in warehouses handling cardboard boxes or plastic components can rely on A1 gloves, which resist 200–499 grams of force. A3-rated gloves, which offer protection against 1,000–1,499 grams of force, are ideal for slightly more demanding tasks, such as handling thin metal sheets or cutting duct insulation.
As the risk of injury increases, so does the need for higher cut resistance. Gloves rated A4 and A5 are designed for industries where the materials being handled are sharper or more abrasive. These gloves are commonly used in sheet metal work, glass handling, food processing, and other medium-risk industries. For example, A4 gloves (1,500–2,199 grams) are suitable for tasks such as slicing vegetables or handling glass jars. A5 gloves, which resist 2,200–2,999 grams, are ideal for workers handling sheet metal or panes of glass, offering extra protection against sharp edges.
When the work environment involves heavy materials or tasks with higher risks, A6 and A7 gloves are essential. These levels are ideal for industries like metal stamping, aerospace, and recycling. Workers in metal stamping may use A6 gloves (3,000–3,999 grams) to protect against sharp metal edges. A7 gloves, rated at 4,000–4,999 grams, are better suited for more hazardous jobs such as sorting metal scrap or working in aerospace where precision and protection are crucial. These gloves offer strong protection against significant risks without compromising dexterity.
For extreme hazards where cut resistance is a top priority, A8 and A9 gloves provide the highest level of protection. These gloves are typically used in industries like mining, demolition, and industrial blade work, where workers face constant exposure to sharp metal, heavy machinery, and extreme conditions. A8 gloves (5,000–5,999 grams) are ideal for handling thick metal scrap or mining tools, while A9 gloves, rated for 6,000+ grams, are designed for the most dangerous tasks, such as operating industrial metal shears or dealing with sharp, jagged scrap metal.
ANSI Level | Gram Range | Typical Applications | Example Use Case |
A1 | 200–499g | Light material handling, assembly | Handling cardboard boxes |
A5 | 2,200–2,999g | Sheet metal work, glass handling | Carrying sheet metal, cutting glass |
A9 | 6,000+g | Heavy-duty metal fabrication, industrial blade work | Operating industrial metal shears |
It's crucial to understand the distinction between "cut-resistant" and "cut-proof" when selecting gloves. No glove, regardless of its ANSI/ISEA rating, is completely "cut-proof." Even the highest-rated gloves, such as A9, which are designed for extreme hazards, can still be penetrated by sharp objects, especially in cases of extreme force. The term "cut-resistant" means the glove can withstand a certain amount of force before being cut, but it doesn’t guarantee total protection in all circumstances. For example, industrial shears or serrated blades may still cut through even the toughest materials. Always evaluate the nature of the hazard and the environment in which the gloves will be used.
Choosing the right ANSI/ISEA cut resistance level is about balancing protection and dexterity. Over-protection can result in discomfort and reduced mobility, while under-protection can increase the risk of injury. For example, using A9 gloves for low-risk tasks, like packaging, is unnecessary and will result in wasted resources and less tactile control. Conversely, using A3 gloves for tasks such as metal stamping or glass handling (which requires A6 or higher) can lead to serious injuries. It's essential to assess the specific tasks and match them with the correct glove rating. For instance, light assembly or handling non-sharp materials typically requires A1–A3, while heavier work such as sheet metal fabrication calls for A5–A7 gloves.
While ANSI/ISEA levels are widely recognized in North America, they differ from European standards like EN388. ANSI/ISEA measures force in grams, while EN388 uses newtons as the unit of measurement. This difference in units means that an A3-rated glove in the ANSI system (requiring 1,000–1,499 grams of force to cut through) may not correspond directly to an equivalent rating in EN388. Additionally, ANSI/ISEA uses a more granular system (A1–A9), offering more precise protection matching compared to the older EN388 4-level system. Therefore, when purchasing gloves for international use or in compliance with regional safety standards, it's crucial to verify the specific ratings and ensure that the gloves meet the applicable regulations in your area.
Understanding ANSI/ISEA cut resistance levels is crucial for workplace safety. Proper glove selection helps prevent injuries while ensuring compliance with safety regulations. It also plays a key role in optimizing costs by avoiding over-protection or under-protection. For businesses, selecting the right gloves based on these levels provides reliable protection and ensures cost-effective solutions. Companies like Hycom offer products that help meet these standards, providing both safety and value to workers and businesses alike.
A: ANSI/ISEA cut resistance levels are a standardized system used to classify gloves based on their ability to resist cutting forces, ranging from A1 (light protection) to A9 (extreme protection).
A: Cut resistance is measured using the TDM-100 Tomo Dynamometer, which tests the grams of force required to cut through the material of a glove. The result determines the glove's ANSI/ISEA level.
A: Selecting the correct cut-resistant glove ensures proper protection against workplace hazards, reduces injury risk, and helps comply with safety standards. Over- or under-protection can lead to inefficiency or injury.
A: ANSI/ISEA levels are different from EN388 ratings, as they use grams to measure cut resistance, while EN388 uses newtons. Always verify compliance with regional standards.