ISEA is in the process of updating the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard on hand protection selection criteria to reflect current technologies, applications and use and to harmonize the criteria with international standards.

The standard addresses the classification and testing of hand protection for specific performance properties related to mechanical protection (cut-resistance, puncture resistance and abrasion resistance), chemical protection (permeation resistance, degradation) and other performance characteristics such as ignition resistance and vibration reductions. 

Gloves are classified to a performance level ranging from 0 to 6 based upon their performance when evaluated against defined industry test methods.  Such ratings can assist users to select appropriate gloves for known specific hazards in the workplace.

Cut-resistance testing and classification is a key area of focus for this revision, including the use of  a single test method for testing in an effort to provide consistent meaning of the ratings from the end-user perspective and possible expansion of the classification levels to address the disparate gap among certain levels seen in earlier versions and to model the approach used in similar international standards.

Another area for consideration is the incorporation of a needlestick puncture test, recognizing that this is a common potential exposure for the medical, sanitation and recycling industries.