ANSI/ISEA has released a new edition of the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard (2024 ed). The changes include a new standardized glove label for easier identification of key protection levels for both distributors and end-users. The new pentagon marking was created to simplify and standardize the identification of protective glove performance levels, including abrasion, cut, and puncture resistance. By consolidating this information into a single, easily recognizable label, it improves usability for workers and reduces the risk of selecting inadequate protection. Learn more.

The ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 standard outlines test methods for abrasion and is scored from 0-6. The ASTM D3389-10 is used for uncoated gloves and the end point (failure) is the number of abrasion cycles when the first thread or yarn is broken. The larger numbers of cycles indicates greater abrasion resistance of the product and a higher Abrasion Level.

The ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 blunt force puncture testing uses a probe to simulate a tear or burst hazard. The test measures the amount of force needed for a blunt probe to pierce through PPE material. Results are given in Newtons, which is converted into a 1-5 scale and spans from 10 newtons (Level 1) to 150+ newtons (Level 5) of puncture resistance.

EN 388 is a European Standard. Cut Level is determined by the number of cycles it takes a spinning circular blade, that is pulled across the material under a constant weight of 500 grams, to cut the fabric. As the number of cycles increase, so does the glove's ratings. Click here for more information about the EN 388 2016 standard.

The EN 511 standard specifies the requirements and performance levels of work gloves against cold as low as -50°C. Protective devices against: convective cold, contact cold and water penetration. Convective and contact tests are graded on a scale from 0 to 4, with 0 signifying that the glove failed the test, and 4 demonstrating it has achieved the maximum resistance in that specific area. Water permeation is grade on a scale of 0 to 1 where 0 indicates “water penetration after 30 minutes” and 1 indicates “no water penetration after 30 minutes”.