ANSI/ISEA 105
ANSI/ISEA 105 Explained: Hand Protection Ratings
Understand how ANSI/ISEA 105 classifies abrasion, cut and puncture resistance—and how buyers can use those ratings to select appropriate workplace hand protection.
Defined performance
Ratings describe specific tested characteristics—not one overall safety score.
Hazard-focused
Choose protection based on the actual task, exposure and workplace risk.
Buyer clarity
Compare product documentation and ratings more consistently across suppliers.
What is ANSI/ISEA 105?
ANSI/ISEA 105 is a U.S. hand-protection classification standard that helps compare glove performance against defined workplace hazards, including abrasion, cut and puncture resistance.
The standard is not a single “safety glove score.” A glove can have one abrasion rating, another cut rating and another puncture rating. Each property measures a different type of resistance.
The current edition identified by ISEA is ANSI/ISEA 105-2024. Its major visible change is a more uniform labeling approach for the relevant protection classifications.
Image 1 — Ratings overview
Technical illustration showing abrasion, cut and puncture testing concepts.
ALT: ANSI ISEA 105 hand protection ratings for abrasion cut and puncture resistance
The Main ANSI/ISEA 105 Protection Categories
Each rating addresses a particular performance property. Buyers should interpret the relevant classifications separately and match them to the actual hazard.
Abrasion
Resistance to wear caused by rubbing or repeated friction against surfaces.
Cut
Resistance to a defined cutting test, relevant to sharp-edge hazards.
Puncture
Resistance to penetration by a defined probe, relevant to penetration hazards.
| Rating | What it measures | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasion | Resistance to wear caused by rubbing. | Helps assess repeated contact, handling and friction. |
| Cut | Resistance to a defined cutting test. | Helps assess sharp-edge hazards. |
| Puncture | Resistance to penetration by a defined probe. | Helps assess penetration hazards. |
Important: An abrasion, cut or puncture rating alone does not establish chemical resistance. Chemical protection requires appropriate chemical-performance information.
What Changed in ANSI/ISEA 105-2024?
The 2024 revision introduced a more uniform labeling approach. ISEA describes a pentagon badge displaying abrasion, cut and puncture ratings together.
CutA4
Abrasion4
Puncture3
How the label is organized
The cut rating is shown at the top center, abrasion on the left and puncture on the right. The values in this illustration are examples only.
A rating describes a tested performance characteristic. It does not mean the glove is suitable for every hazard.
Labeling principle: The new pentagon helps buyers recognize the relevant classifications more consistently. It is not an overall “quality score.”
Image 2 — Label layout
Original educational diagram explaining the 2024 pentagon label.
ALT: ANSI ISEA 105 2024 glove rating label layout
ANSI/ISEA 105 Cut Ratings
The cut-resistance classification uses A1 through A9. These levels distinguish different degrees of cut resistance based on a defined test.
| Cut level | Classification range in gf | Typical interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 200–499 | Light cut hazards |
| A2 | 500–999 | Light cut hazards |
| A3 | 1,000–1,499 | Light/medium cut hazards |
| A4 | 1,500–2,199 | Medium cut hazards |
| A5 | 2,200–2,999 | Medium/heavy cut hazards |
| A6 | 3,000–3,999 | High cut hazards |
| A7 | 4,000–4,999 | High cut hazards |
| A8 | 5,000–5,999 | High cut hazards |
| A9 | 6,000+ | High cut hazards |
gf means grams-force. The values above should be verified against the official ISEA 2024 classification resource before publication.
Does a higher cut rating mean the glove is better?
Not necessarily. A higher cut rating means greater resistance to the defined cut test. It does not automatically mean better dexterity, comfort, grip, heat protection or chemical resistance.
Image 3 — Cut resistance infographic
Original A1–A9 progression graphic with hazard categories and test values.
ALT: ANSI ISEA 105 cut resistance levels A1 to A9 explained
ANSI/ISEA 105 Abrasion Ratings
Abrasion resistance describes how a glove performs against wear caused by rubbing. The classification uses levels 0 through 6, with different test loads and revolution thresholds.
| Level | Classification | Test-load context |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | < 100 revolutions | 500 g |
| 1 | ≥ 100 revolutions | 500 g |
| 2 | ≥ 500 revolutions | 500 g |
| 3 | ≥ 1,000 revolutions | 500 g |
| 4 | ≥ 3,000 revolutions | 1,000 g |
| 5 | ≥ 10,000 revolutions | 1,000 g |
| 6 | ≥ 20,000 revolutions | 1,000 g |
Why abrasion resistance matters
Abrasion is relevant where gloves repeatedly contact rough or abrasive surfaces. Examples include handling, construction, parts assembly and other work involving repeated friction.
Abrasion resistance should not be confused with cut resistance. A glove can perform well against wear but still be unsuitable for a sharp-edge hazard.
ANSI/ISEA 105 Puncture Ratings
Puncture resistance measures a glove’s resistance to penetration by a defined probe. The classification uses levels 0 through 5, with thresholds expressed in Newtons (N).
| Level | Puncture force threshold |
|---|---|
| 0 | < 10 N |
| 1 | ≥ 10 N |
| 2 | ≥ 20 N |
| 3 | ≥ 60 N |
| 4 | ≥ 100 N |
| 5 | ≥ 100 N |
What puncture resistance does—and does not—mean
A puncture rating indicates resistance to the specified puncture test. It does not mean that the glove is impervious to every needle, nail, sharp object or penetration hazard.
Image 4 — Puncture test concept
Technical illustration of a glove material sample and puncture probe.
ALT: ANSI ISEA 105 puncture resistance test concept for safety gloves
How Are ANSI/ISEA 105 Ratings Determined?
ANSI/ISEA 105 ratings are based on defined test methods and classification criteria. The standard provides a common basis for comparing glove performance.
Test method
The defined procedure used to evaluate a particular property.
Performance level
The classification assigned based on the test result.
Test report
Documentation of the tested product or material and its results.
Buyer reminder: Do not infer a rating from a glove’s appearance, material name or intended application. Confirm the actual rating, applicable test method and product identity.
How to Read an ANSI/ISEA 105 Glove Label
The 2024 label is designed to show the abrasion, cut and puncture classifications together. Use the following process when reviewing a glove specification.
- Identify the standard edition. Confirm whether the product is labeled to ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 or an earlier edition.
- Find the abrasion rating. Understand its test context.
- Find the cut rating. Check the A1–A9 classification.
- Find the puncture rating. Check the 0–5 classification.
- Compare the ratings with the work hazards. A high cut rating does not automatically address chemical or impact hazards.
- Verify the product documentation. Confirm the product model and relevant test information.
Example of interpretation
A glove labeled with a cut rating of A4 should be understood as having a particular tested cut-resistance classification. It should not be described as “the safest glove” or assumed to protect against every sharp object.
ANSI/ISEA 105 in the U.S. Market
ANSI/ISEA 105 is used as a classification reference for hand protection in the United States. It supports manufacturers, importers, distributors, procurement managers and employers who need to compare glove performance.
OSHA’s hand-protection rule, 29 CFR 1910.138, requires hand protection to be selected based on workplace hazards. ANSI/ISEA 105 provides classification information that can support product selection, but it is not a substitute for a workplace hazard assessment or applicable OSHA requirements.
Standards comparison: ANSI/ISEA 105 and EN 388 are separate standards with their own classification systems and test methods. Do not assume a rating under one standard is directly interchangeable with a rating under the other.
How to Choose Gloves Using ANSI/ISEA 105 Ratings
Use the ratings as part of a structured selection process—not as a replacement for understanding the work.
Identify the hazard
Determine whether abrasion, cut, puncture, chemical, heat, impact or another risk is present.
Match the rating
Choose the relevant classification based on the actual hazard and required performance.
Verify the specification
Review material, liner, coating, fit, coverage and relevant documentation.
What B2B buyers should check
- Exact glove model and product identity
- Material and liner construction
- Relevant abrasion, cut and puncture ratings
- Grip, fit and dexterity requirements
- Chemical compatibility where relevant
- Impact protection where relevant
- Test reports and documentation required for the target market
- Approved sample before bulk production
Why Manufacturing Expertise Matters
A rating is useful only when the product being supplied matches the specification being purchased.
For an industrial glove manufacturer, relevant expertise includes material selection, glove construction, product development, sampling and quality assurance. These areas help translate a buyer’s requested performance requirements into a consistent product specification.
Protekta Gloves can use this educational page to explain how buyers should evaluate mechanical-protection ratings and how those ratings relate to product development and sourcing. Product-specific claims, test results and certifications should be included only where supported by actual documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ANSI/ISEA 105?
ANSI/ISEA 105 is the American National Standard for Hand Protection Classification. It provides a system for classifying glove performance against defined hazards, including abrasion, cut and puncture resistance.
What do ANSI 105 glove ratings measure?
ANSI 105 glove ratings measure specific performance properties such as abrasion, cut and puncture resistance. Each rating addresses a different hazard, so a glove should not be judged by one number alone.
What is the highest ANSI cut rating?
The ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 cut classification uses levels A1 through A9. A9 is the highest classification level in that cut-rating system.
Is a higher ANSI cut rating always better?
Not always. A higher cut rating means greater resistance to the defined cut test, but it does not automatically mean better overall protection, comfort, dexterity or suitability for every job.
What is the difference between abrasion and cut resistance?
Abrasion resistance relates to wear caused by rubbing, while cut resistance relates to resistance against a defined cutting test. A glove may perform differently in these two categories.
What does an ANSI puncture rating mean?
An ANSI puncture rating indicates how a glove performs against a defined puncture test. It should be interpreted according to the test method and the actual penetration hazard.
Does ANSI/ISEA 105 cover impact resistance?
Impact-resistant gloves have a separate standard, ANSI/ISEA 138-2019. Buyers should check the relevant impact-performance information when impact protection is required.
Is ANSI/ISEA 105 the same as EN 388?
No. ANSI/ISEA 105 and EN 388 are separate standards with their own classification systems and test methods. Ratings should be interpreted within the standard to which they refer.
Do ANSI/ISEA 105 ratings guarantee OSHA compliance?
No. Ratings can support glove selection, but employers must still select hand protection based on workplace hazards and applicable requirements.
What should B2B buyers ask a glove manufacturer?
Ask for the exact glove model, relevant performance ratings, applicable test information, product specifications and any documentation required for your market. For bulk orders, confirm the approved sample matches the requested specification.
Need the right glove specification for your application?
Discuss your required protection levels, materials, construction and bulk-order requirements with Protekta Gloves.
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