Impact gloves
Impact Gloves: Complete Guide to Impact Protection
Understand how impact gloves protect the hands, how TPR impact zones work, what ANSI/ISEA 138 means, where impact-resistant gloves are used, and how to select the right protection for industrial applications.
Quick Answer
The essential information buyers need to understand impact gloves.
Impact gloves are work gloves designed to help reduce the force transmitted to protected areas of the hand during impacts. Many designs use TPR or similar protective structures across the knuckles, fingers, thumb, or back of the hand.
However, a glove should not be considered technically equivalent to another simply because both use TPR. Buyers should evaluate the actual protection zones, applicable testing, performance classification, fit, grip, and additional hazards involved in the job.
Impact Glove Product Image
Recommended: dorsal + palm views showing TPR protection,
palm construction, cuff and reinforcement.
Recommended visual: Modern industrial impact glove showing the main
impact-protection and construction zones.
01 — Fundamentals
What Are Impact Gloves?
Impact gloves are protective work gloves designed to help manage impact forces during tasks where the hands may be struck, squeezed, or exposed to moving equipment, tools, materials, or other objects.
A typical impact glove can combine an impact-protection structure with palm materials and construction selected for grip, abrasion, cut resistance, dexterity, durability, and other application-specific requirements.
Impact Protection
Protective structures help manage impact forces over vulnerable areas of the hand.
Grip & Durability
Palm materials and reinforcement can provide grip and resistance to everyday wear.
Task-Specific Protection
Additional cut, abrasion, puncture, thermal, or other protection may be required depending on the workplace.
02 — Protection Technology
How Do Impact Gloves Protect the Hands?
Impact gloves generally work by placing a protective structure between the hand and the source of impact.
The design is particularly important around the dorsal side of the hand, including the knuckles and fingers. ANSI/ISEA 138 provides a standardized approach for evaluating back-of-hand impact protection.
TPR Impact Zones
Help dissipate impact forces over protected areas.
Knuckle Protection
Adds protective coverage over exposed dorsal knuckle areas.
Finger Protection
Provides additional coverage depending on the glove design.
Palm Construction
Supports grip, durability, abrasion resistance and handling.
03 — Material
What Is TPR in Impact Gloves?
TPR stands for thermoplastic rubber. In impact gloves, TPR can be molded or constructed into protective zones across areas such as the knuckles, fingers, thumb, or back of the hand.
Its flexibility makes it useful for glove designs that need to combine protection with hand movement.
Flexible Protection
TPR can be integrated into flexible glove-back constructions while maintaining protective coverage.
Anatomical Coverage
Protective zones can be positioned around knuckles, fingers, thumb areas and other exposed dorsal zones.
Important Distinction
The presence of TPR alone does not establish a specific impact performance rating.
Important: TPR is a construction material. Verified impact performance depends on the applicable testing, classification and product documentation.
04 — Construction
Common Impact Protection Zones
Impact protection is normally concentrated on parts of the hand that are vulnerable to external contact.
1
Knuckles
Prominent dorsal areas that may be exposed during mechanical work.
2
Fingers
Protection may extend along portions of the fingers.
3
Thumb
Some designs extend protective structures around the thumb.
4
Back of Hand
A major focus of ANSI/ISEA 138 impact evaluation.
05 — Standards
ANSI/ISEA 138 for Impact Gloves
ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 is the American National Standard for the performance and classification of impact-resistant gloves.
The standard establishes testing, classification and labeling requirements for occupational gloves providing back-of-the-hand impact protection. It evaluates the glove’s ability to dissipate impact forces around the knuckles and fingers. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
ANSI
138
138
ANSI/ISEA 138-2019
Performance and Classification for Impact-Resistant Gloves
| Impact Level | Mean Peak Transmitted Force | All Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | < 9 kN | < 11.3 kN |
| Level 2 | < 6.5 kN | < 8.1 kN |
| Level 3 | < 4 kN | < 5 kN |
Under the ANSI/ISEA 138 classification system, lower transmitted force corresponds to greater impact attenuation. Level 3 therefore represents greater impact attenuation than Level 1. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
06 — Standards Comparison
ANSI/ISEA 138 vs. Other Glove Standards
Impact protection should not be confused with other glove-performance classifications. ANSI/ISEA 138 specifically addresses impact-resistant gloves, while other hand-protection standards address different performance characteristics. ISEA currently lists ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 alongside ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 for hand protection. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Impact
Evaluate the applicable impact test and classification.
Cut
Evaluate the relevant cut-resistance test and rating.
Abrasion
Consider abrasion performance for high-wear applications.
Puncture
Evaluate puncture resistance when sharp-point hazards exist.
Chemicals
Evaluate chemical compatibility and relevant breakthrough data.
Thermal
Evaluate heat or cold protection according to the application.
07 — Applications
Where Are Impact Gloves Used?
Impact-resistant gloves are commonly used in industries including automotive, heavy equipment, construction, cargo handling, oil and gas, and towing/transportation. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Construction
Handling tools, materials, pipes, components and equipment where hand impacts can occur.
Automotive
Mechanical work involving tools, engines, components and confined work areas.
Heavy Equipment
Maintenance and operation around heavy machinery and mechanical systems.
Oil & Gas
Handling equipment, components and tools where impact hazards exist alongside other workplace risks.
Cargo Handling
Loading, unloading, moving and positioning materials and equipment.
Transportation
Vehicle, component and cargo handling where hand-impact hazards are present.
08 — Buyer Guide
How to Choose Impact Gloves
Start with the job and hazard assessment—not simply the appearance of the glove.
1
Identify the Impact Hazard
Determine what can strike the hand, how frequently impacts can occur, which hand areas are exposed, and whether tools, equipment or moving objects are involved.
2
Determine Additional Hazards
Evaluate whether workers also face cuts, abrasion, puncture, chemicals, heat, cold, vibration, oil or wet conditions.
3
Check Tested Performance
If a procurement specification requires ANSI/ISEA 138, request documentation for the exact glove model.
4
Evaluate Protection Coverage
Check the knuckles, fingers, thumb, back of hand and transitions between protective zones.
5
Check Fit
Evaluate hand size, finger length, cuff security, closure adjustment, flexibility and dexterity.
6
Evaluate Grip
Determine whether the application requires dry, wet, oily or task-specific grip performance.
7
Verify Product Documentation
Request product specifications, applicable standards, test documentation, ratings, materials and model information.
09 — Ergonomics
Fit and Comfort in Impact Gloves
Impact protection should be evaluated together with fit and usability. A glove that is too loose can affect control and dexterity, while one that is too tight can restrict movement and become uncomfortable during prolonged work.
Hand Size
Select an appropriate size for the intended user population.
Finger Length
Ensure fingers are neither excessively compressed nor loose.
Cuff Security
The cuff and closure should help maintain a secure fit.
Dexterity
Protection should still allow the worker to perform the required task.
10 — Important Limitations
Limitations of Impact Gloves
They Do Not Eliminate the Hazard
Gloves are PPE and do not replace engineering controls, machine guarding, safe work practices or training.
Impact Is Not Automatically Crush Protection
An impact-resistant glove should not automatically be interpreted as protection against every crushing or caught-between hazard.
Impact Does Not Automatically Mean Cut Resistance
A glove can have impact protection without providing the required level of cut resistance.
Impact Does Not Automatically Mean Chemical Protection
TPR protection does not establish chemical resistance. Chemical glove selection requires separate evaluation.
Additional Protection Can Affect Dexterity
Additional protective structures can influence flexibility, bulk, weight and tactile performance.
Selection Must Be Task-Specific
OSHA requires hand-protection selection to consider the task, conditions, duration and identified hazards. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
11 — B2B Procurement
Impact Gloves for Industrial Buyers and OEM Programs
For distributors, importers, industrial buyers and private-label brands, selecting an impact glove involves more than choosing a product photograph. A professional specification should define the intended application, protection requirements, construction, sizing and documentation.
| Requirement | Buyer Consideration |
|---|---|
| Application | Construction, automotive, oil & gas, maintenance, etc. |
| Impact Protection | Required protection zones and applicable rating. |
| Palm | Leather, synthetic, coated or other construction. |
| Grip | Dry, wet, oily or general handling requirements. |
| Additional Protection | Cut, abrasion, puncture, heat or other requirements. |
| Fit | Target users and required size range. |
| Branding | Logo, label, colors and packaging. |
| Testing | Applicable market and product requirements. |
| Sampling | Physical evaluation before bulk production. |
What Should Buyers Ask an Impact Glove Manufacturer?
- What impact protection does this exact glove provide?
- Which standard was used to evaluate the impact performance?
- What is the documented impact classification?
- Which areas of the hand are covered?
- What materials are used for the impact protection?
- What other protection characteristics does the glove provide?
- What sizes are available?
- What palm material and grip construction are used?
- Can samples be provided?
- Can the manufacturer support custom branding or packaging?
- What product documentation is available?
- Are the stated ratings specific to the exact model being purchased?
12 — Manufacturing Perspective
Protekta’s Impact Glove Manufacturing Perspective
Protekta manufactures industrial hand-protection products in Sialkot, Pakistan, including impact gloves. Its impact-glove range includes designs using TPR protection, leather palms, padding, elastic cuffs and hook-and-loop closures for industrial applications.
For buyers evaluating an impact glove, product-specific protection ratings, certifications, test results, materials and technical specifications should always be confirmed against the exact model and current documentation.
The goal should be a glove specified around the actual hazard, application and required performance—not simply a glove marketed as “impact resistant.”
13 — Buyer Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are impact gloves?
Impact gloves are work gloves designed to help reduce the force transmitted to protected areas of the hand during impacts. Many designs use TPR or similar protective structures over knuckles, fingers, thumb or the back of the hand.
What is TPR in impact gloves?
TPR means thermoplastic rubber. It is commonly used to create flexible protective structures on the back of impact gloves. The presence of TPR alone does not establish a particular impact-performance rating.
What is ANSI/ISEA 138?
ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 is the American National Standard for Performance and Classification of Impact-Resistant Gloves. It establishes testing, classification and labeling requirements for occupational gloves providing back-of-hand impact protection.
What are the ANSI/ISEA 138 impact levels?
ANSI/ISEA 138 uses Levels 1, 2 and 3. The classification is based on transmitted impact force, with Level 3 representing the lowest transmitted-force threshold and greater impact attenuation than Level 1.
Are impact gloves also cut resistant?
Not necessarily. Impact protection and cut resistance are separate performance characteristics. A glove should only be considered cut resistant at a particular level when the relevant testing and documentation support that claim.
Are impact gloves suitable for construction?
They can be suitable for construction tasks involving relevant impact hazards. The glove should still be selected according to the specific construction task and other hazards present.
Are impact gloves suitable for oil and gas work?
Impact-resistant gloves can be used in oil and gas applications where hand-impact hazards exist. Other hazards such as chemicals, cuts, abrasion, heat and grip should also be evaluated.
How should impact gloves fit?
Impact gloves should fit securely without unnecessarily restricting hand movement. Finger length, palm width, cuff fit, closure adjustment, dexterity and protective-zone positioning should all be evaluated.
Do impact gloves protect against crushing injuries?
Impact protection should not be interpreted as universal crush protection. Crushing and caught-between hazards require a specific hazard assessment and appropriate engineering and PPE controls.
Can impact gloves be customized for private-label programs?
Depending on the manufacturer and project, customization can include product characteristics, branding, labeling, sizing, packaging and other manufacturing requirements.
14 — References
Sources & References
- ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 — Performance and Classification for Impact-Resistant Gloves.
- International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) — Hand Protection Standards.
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.138 — Hand Protection and selection requirements.
- OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Standards — General PPE and hand-protection guidance.
Need Impact Gloves for Your Application?
Define your application, protection requirements, materials, sizing and branding requirements before selecting an industrial impact-glove solution.
Discuss Your Glove Requirements
Antivibration Gloves
Beekeeping Gloves
CE Certified Gloves