What Is ANSI/ISEA 138?

ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 is an American standard for the performance, classification, and labeling of impact-resistant gloves. It evaluates how effectively a glove’s back-of-hand protection dissipates impact forces around the knuckles and fingers.

The standard gives PPE buyers a common way to compare impact protection rather than relying only on marketing descriptions. It is specifically concerned with impact-resistant gloves.

Why the Standard Matters

Before ANSI/ISEA 138-2019, impact-resistant glove claims were harder to compare because there was no U.S. standard specifically classifying dorsal impact protection.

The standard was developed to help employers make more informed glove selections for work involving impact hazards. It is relevant to applications such as automotive work, construction, heavy equipment, cargo handling, oil and gas, and towing or transportation.

It is important to distinguish ANSI/ISEA 138 from ANSI/ISEA 105, which addresses hand-protection selection criteria including cut, abrasion, chemical, and flame resistance. ANSI/ISEA 138 is specifically concerned with impact-resistant gloves.

How the ANSI/ISEA 138 Impact Test Works

The standard evaluates protection over the knuckles and fingers/thumb separately. A controlled impact is applied to the protective material, and the force transmitted through it is measured.

A typical test description uses a 2.5 kg mass and 5 joules of impact energy. Testing is performed at multiple locations on the fingers and knuckles, and the results are used to determine the glove’s classification.

Why are knuckles and fingers tested separately?

The back of the hand is not one uniform protection zone. A glove may perform differently around the knuckles, finger joints, and thumb. Separate testing helps identify those differences rather than treating all areas as identical.

ANSI/ISEA 138 Impact Protection Levels

ANSI/ISEA 138 uses three performance levels. The classification is based on transmitted force: the lower the measured force, the higher the protection level.

These are the published ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 classification thresholds. They are not percentages of protection and should not be interpreted as a direct guarantee of injury prevention.

Level 1: Basic impact performance

Level 1 is the lowest classification in the ANSI/ISEA 138 scale. It represents gloves that meet the standard’s lower impact-performance threshold. It may be suitable where the assessed impact hazard is relatively limited, but selection should still be based on the actual task and risk assessment.

Level 2: Intermediate impact performance

Level 2 indicates stronger impact performance than Level 1, with a lower transmitted-force threshold. It is a useful classification for buyers comparing gloves intended for more demanding impact exposure. The correct choice still depends on the work hazard, glove construction, and other required protection.

Level 3: Highest impact performance

Level 3 is the highest ANSI/ISEA 138 classification. It has the lowest permitted transmitted-force thresholds of the three levels. This makes it the strongest classification for impact performance under the standard, but it does not automatically mean the glove is suitable for every industrial hazard.

How to Read an ANSI/ISEA 138 Glove Rating

A compliant impact glove should have the relevant impact-performance marking on the glove or its attached label. The rating helps identify the glove’s classification, but buyers should also review the underlying test documentation.

Example: Knuckle and finger results

Imagine a glove’s test report shows:

• Knuckle performance: Level 3
• Finger/thumb performance: Level 2

The glove’s overall classification is Level 2, because the lower-performing area determines the glove’s classification.

What Is TPR and Why Is It Used?

TPR stands for thermoplastic rubber. It is commonly used as molded impact-protection material on the back of industrial work gloves. TPR can be formed into protective zones over the knuckles and fingers, helping the glove absorb and distribute impact energy.

However, TPR itself is not an ANSI/ISEA 138 rating. The rating belongs to the tested glove and its impact-protection performance. A glove with TPR should not automatically be assumed to meet Level 1, 2, or 3.

ANSI/ISEA 138 and Other Glove Ratings

Impact protection is only one part of glove selection. A glove can have a strong impact rating but still be unsuitable for a task involving cuts, punctures, chemicals, heat, or other hazards.

Do not assume that an EN 388 impact rating and an ANSI/ISEA 138 impact level are interchangeable. They are separate standards with different classification systems.

How to Choose the Right Impact Glove

The correct impact level should be selected according to the hazards of the job, not simply by choosing the highest number available. A hazard assessment should identify the type of impact exposure and determine which combination of protection is required.

Practical selection checklist

1. Identify the impact hazard. Is the work exposed to struck-by objects, pinch points, heavy equipment, or other back-of-hand impact risks?
2. Check the required protection zones. Confirm whether the glove’s knuckles, fingers, and thumb are tested and how they are classified.
3. Review the actual rating. Look for the ANSI/ISEA 138 marking and supporting test documentation.
4. Check other hazards. Determine whether cut, abrasion, puncture, chemical, thermal, or other protection is also needed.
5. Confirm the glove’s fit and usability. Protection must be compatible with the worker’s task, dexterity needs, and working conditions.
6. Ask for product evidence. For bulk purchases, request the relevant test report and verify that the supplier’s claim matches the documented performance.

Example: Comparing two impact gloves

A procurement team is comparing two gloves for a work environment with back-of-hand impact exposure.

• Glove A: ANSI/ISEA 138 Level 1
• Glove B: ANSI/ISEA 138 Level 3

Glove B has the higher impact-performance classification under the standard. However, the buyer should still compare fit, other hazard protection, product specifications, and whether the glove is appropriate for the specific task.

Product Examples and Buyer Questions

For Protekta’s product range, relevant examples may include impact-resistant work gloves, TPR-backed industrial gloves, and other glove designs intended for applications where back-of-hand impact protection is required.

Product-level claims should be supported by the actual specification and test documentation for each glove.

What should a buyer ask a glove supplier?

• What ANSI/ISEA 138 level does this specific glove achieve?
• Are knuckle and finger/thumb results available separately?
• What is the tested glove model or product reference?
• Can you provide the relevant test report?
• Which other protection ratings apply to this glove?
• Is the glove intended for a particular industry or hazard?
• Are material, construction, and customization details documented for the supplied product?

Why Manufacturing Expertise Matters

For B2B glove buyers, manufacturing expertise matters because impact performance depends on the complete glove design, not just the appearance of a molded protective panel. Material selection, construction, product development, and quality assurance all contribute to a glove’s suitability for its intended application.

Protekta Gloves can use its manufacturing, OEM, ODM, private-label, sampling, and quality-assurance experience to support buyers with product development and sourcing decisions where relevant. Specific performance claims should be tied to the actual product specification and supporting documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions