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U.S. Hand Protection Standard

ANSI/ISEA 105 Gloves

Understand ANSI/ISEA 105 hand protection classifications, including cut, abrasion, puncture, chemical, and heat-related performance considerations, so your team can evaluate gloves against the hazards of the work being performed.

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Technical Guide

What does ANSI/ISEA 105 mean?

ANSI/ISEA 105 is an American National Standard for the classification and testing of hand and arm protection for specified performance properties.

  • Performance classification
  • Cut resistance
  • Abrasion resistance
  • Puncture resistance
  • Hazard-based glove selection
Quick answer: ANSI/ISEA 105 is used to classify the performance of hand and arm protection against specified hazards and performance characteristics. It gives buyers and safety professionals standardized performance information that can help them compare and select appropriate protective gloves for particular work exposures. The current edition is ANSI/ISEA 105-2024.

What Is ANSI/ISEA 105?

ANSI/ISEA 105 is the American National Standard for Hand Protection Classification. It provides a framework for classifying and testing specified performance properties of hand and arm protection.

For industrial buyers, the standard is useful because glove performance should be evaluated against the actual hazards, tasks, and working environment rather than selected from a generic description such as “safety glove.”

01

Classification

Performance classifications provide a standardized way to communicate results for specified glove properties.

02

Testing

Covered performance properties are evaluated using standardized test methods referenced by the standard.

03

Selection

Classification information can help employers, procurement teams, and glove users evaluate protection for specific workplace exposures.

ANSI Cut Levels: A1–A9

ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 uses nine cut-resistance classifications, from A1 through A9. The level should be considered together with the task, blade exposure, material being handled, glove construction, dexterity requirements, and other relevant hazards.

ANSI Cut Level Cut Resistance Range General Protection Category Example Work Considerations
A1 200–499 g Lower cut resistance Light-duty handling and assembly
A2 500–999 g Lower cut resistance General handling applications
A3 1,000–1,499 g Lower-to-moderate Tasks involving greater edge exposure
A4 1,500–2,199 g Moderate Construction, glass and metal handling considerations
A5 2,200–2,999 g Moderate-to-higher Higher cut exposure applications
A6 3,000–3,999 g Higher Sharp material handling
A7 4,000–4,999 g High Heavy industrial cut exposure
A8 5,000–5,999 g Very high High-risk sharp-material applications
A9 6,000+ g Highest classification Extreme cut exposure considerations

Cut classifications should not be interpreted as a guarantee against injury. Select hand protection according to the actual workplace hazard assessment and applicable requirements.

ANSI/ISEA 105 Performance Properties

ANSI/ISEA 105 covers multiple performance characteristics. The relevant classification depends on the hazard and the property being evaluated.

Cut Resistance

Evaluates resistance to blade-cut hazards using the applicable standardized test method.

Abrasion Resistance

Helps characterize how hand protection performs against specified abrasive conditions.

Puncture Resistance

Addresses resistance to specified puncture hazards.

Chemical Protection

The standard includes specified chemical permeation and degradation performance classifications.

Heat-Related Properties

Applicable classifications include specified ignition, burning, degradation, and conductive heat properties.

Needle Puncture

The standard includes a specific performance property addressing hypodermic needle puncture resistance.

ANSI Ratings Do Not Mean One Glove Protects Against Everything

A glove’s classification relates to the particular performance property tested. A glove classified for cut resistance should not automatically be assumed to provide equivalent protection against chemicals, puncture, heat, impact, or other hazards.

Buyers should review the complete product specification, applicable test data, intended application, and workplace hazard assessment before selecting PPE.

Evaluate the Complete Protection Profile

  • Identify the actual workplace hazard
  • Determine the relevant performance property
  • Review applicable classification information
  • Consider grip and dexterity requirements
  • Evaluate fit and comfort
  • Review the work environment
  • Confirm applicable employer requirements

How to Select Gloves Using ANSI/ISEA 105 Information

ANSI classifications are most useful when they are connected to the actual work being performed. A procurement team should start with the hazard rather than choosing a glove based only on its marketing name.

Identify the Task

Determine what workers are handling and which hand movements are required.

Identify the Hazard

Consider cut, abrasion, puncture, chemical, thermal, vibration, impact, or other relevant exposures.

Review Performance

Compare the applicable glove classifications and product specifications.

Confirm Fit

Check sizing, dexterity, grip, comfort, and compatibility with the work environment.

Where Protekta Can Help

Protekta develops and manufactures professional hand-protection products for industrial and commercial applications. Depending on the application and verified product specifications, buyers can discuss product development, sampling, customization, packaging, and manufacturing requirements with the Protekta team.

If you require a glove with a specific ANSI/ISEA performance classification, provide the required specification when contacting Protekta so the applicable product documentation can be reviewed.

B2B Glove Development & Supply

  • Industrial glove manufacturing
  • Custom glove development
  • Product sampling
  • Customization
  • Packaging support
  • OEM manufacturing
  • International supply
  • After-sales support

Explore Related Hand Protection Solutions

ANSI/ISEA 105 is a technical classification framework, not a replacement for application-specific product selection. Explore the relevant Protekta glove range based on your workplace requirements.

Cut Resistant Gloves

Explore hand protection options for applications where cut exposure is an important selection factor.

Explore cut-resistant options →

Industrial Working Gloves

Review industrial glove solutions for different work environments and handling requirements.

Explore industrial gloves →

Custom Glove Manufacturing

Discuss product development, specifications, customization, sampling, and manufacturing requirements.

Explore manufacturing →

ANSI/ISEA 105 Gloves FAQs

Answers to common questions about ANSI/ISEA 105 classifications and glove selection.

What is ANSI/ISEA 105?
ANSI/ISEA 105 is an American National Standard for classifying and testing specified performance properties of hand and arm protection.
What are ANSI cut levels A1 through A9?
A1 through A9 are the nine ANSI/ISEA 105 cut-resistance classifications. Higher levels correspond to greater measured cut resistance under the applicable standardized test method.
Does a higher ANSI cut level mean the glove protects against every hazard?
No. A cut classification describes cut-resistance performance. Other hazards such as puncture, chemicals, heat, abrasion, and impact require consideration of the relevant performance properties and product specifications.
Is ANSI/ISEA 105 the same as CE or EN 388?
No. ANSI/ISEA 105 and European standards such as EN 388 are different standards and classification systems. Buyers should identify which requirements apply to their market, workplace, and purchasing specification.
How should I choose an ANSI-rated glove?
Start with the workplace hazard and task. Then identify the relevant performance properties, review available classification and test information, and consider fit, dexterity, grip, comfort, durability, and environmental conditions.
Can Protekta develop customized industrial gloves?
Protekta’s business capabilities include custom glove development, sampling, customization, OEM manufacturing, packaging, and manufacturing support. Contact Protekta with your requirements to discuss the appropriate development process.
Can Protekta provide gloves for a specific ANSI requirement?
If you require a particular ANSI/ISEA 105 classification, provide the required specification when contacting Protekta. Product-specific classifications and test documentation should be verified before making a purchasing decision.
Technical note: ANSI/ISEA 105 classifications describe specific tested performance properties. They should not be interpreted as a guarantee that a glove will prevent injury in every situation. Product-specific ratings, test data, applicable standards, workplace hazards, and employer requirements should be verified before selecting PPE.

Need Help Selecting the Right Glove?

Share your application, workplace hazards, required performance characteristics, customization needs, or product specifications with Protekta.