The bones and soft tissues in the back of your hand are all vulnerable to impact injuries. These injuries can range from a bump or bruise to a severe bone fracture.

A new U.S. voluntary standard on the performance and classification for impact-resistant gloves is on the way – ISEA (International Safety Equipment Association) Standard 138.

The standard is based on an existing standard for motorcycle impact hand protection, but will specifically focus on industrial work gloves. In recent years, the impact glove market has grown rapidly due to technological advances in materials available – different types of foam, thermoplastic rubber, silicones and proprietary materials.

The proposed ISEA Standard 138 will provide test criteria to measure how different dorsal protection gloves reduce peak impact force across the hand. Three levels of performance will be defined for end-users.

Currently, the European standard EN 388 specifies pass or fail for impact protection cover only the knuckles. The ISEA standard will cover knuckles, and also test protection of multiple places on the fingers.