ANSI Glove Ratings: More Than Cuts
In high-risk industries, protecting your hands isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re on a construction site, in a machine shop, or handling sharp and abrasive materials daily; choosing the right gloves can prevent serious injury. Fortunately, ANSI glove ratings give safety professionals and workers a reliable system to evaluate and compare glove performance.
This guide will help you understand how ANSI ratings apply specifically to abrasion resistance, puncture resistant gloves, and impact gloves—and how to choose the best option for your job.
Abrasion Resistance: Defend Against Daily Wear
Abrasion resistance is critical for any task that involves frequent contact with rough or coarse materials. Construction workers, landscapers, and material handlers all benefit from gloves that can stand up to surface friction without breaking down prematurely.
ANSI/ISEA 105 rates abrasion resistance on a scale from 0 to 6, based on how long a glove can withstand sandpaper rubbing under pressure:
- Level 0: No resistance.
- Level 1–2: Minimal protection for light-duty tasks.
- Level 3–4: Moderate durability for medium-risk work.
- Level 5–6: High resistance, ideal for harsh environments and industrial applications.
If your gloves frequently wear out at the palms or fingertips, you likely need a higher abrasion resistance rating. Look for materials like Kevlar® blends or gloves coated with nitrile or polyurethane—both excellent for extending glove life and enhancing grip.
Not all abrasion resistant gloves are equal, so pairing the right rating with the task is key. For example, impact gloves with high abrasion resistance are especially valuable for those who both handle rough materials and face physical impact hazards.
Puncture Resistant Gloves: Blocking Sharp Threats
No matter the industry, encountering sharp objects is a common hazard. Puncture resistant gloves are designed to protect your hands from threats like nails, splinters, glass, or wires—preventing painful and potentially dangerous injuries.
The ANSI/ISEA 105 standard tests gloves for puncture strength using a blunt probe, simulating real-world threats. Gloves are rated from 0 to 5:
- Level 0: No measurable protection.
- Level 1 (10–19 newtons): Basic protection against light hazards.
- Level 2–3 (20–99 newtons): Suitable for moderate risk.
- Level 4 (100–149 newtons): Strong defense for industrial use.
- Level 5 (150+ newtons): Maximum protection in high-risk environments.
Puncture resistant gloves are especially important in industries like recycling, construction, HVAC, or glass handling. Keep in mind that standard puncture tests do not account for ultra-fine threats like needles. For those situations, gloves must be tested separately for hypodermic puncture resistance.
Look for puncture resistant gloves made with layered fabrics, dense weaves, or special reinforcement materials. These gloves often also include abrasion resistance, creating a multi-threat barrier for your hands.
Impact Gloves: Protection Against Blunt Force
Unlike punctures or scrapes, impact injuries result from blunt trauma—like a tool striking your hand or material dropping unexpectedly. These injuries can cause fractures, deep bruising, or long-term damage to bones and nerves.
That’s where impact gloves come in. Evaluated under the ANSI/ISEA 138 standard, these gloves are rated based on how much force they absorb and disperse. Ratings range from Level 1 to Level 3:
- Level 1: Entry-level impact protection for low-risk tasks.
- Level 2: Suitable for moderate hazards in construction or manufacturing.
- Level 3: Maximum defense against repeated or heavy blows in industrial environments.
Impact gloves are usually equipped with TPR (thermoplastic rubber) padding over the knuckles, fingers, and back of the hand. This flexible but tough material helps to absorb shocks and protect vulnerable areas from injury.
For jobs in oil and gas, demolition, or automotive repair, impact gloves with high abrasion resistance and puncture resistance offer comprehensive protection in one piece of gear. Even better, modern impact gloves are now available with touchscreen compatibility and breathable materials—enhancing comfort without compromising safety.
The Right Glove Makes All the Difference
Understanding ANSI glove ratings is the first step toward reducing hand injuries and creating a safer work environment. When you know what to look for in impact gloves, puncture resistant gloves, and gloves with strong abrasion resistance, you're better equipped to match gear with the hazards of the job.
Don’t settle for one-size-fits-all protection. Instead, evaluate your specific risks and choose gloves that meet or exceed ANSI performance levels. The right combination of durability, puncture resistance, and impact absorption can be the difference between a productive day and a trip to urgent care.
Your hands are your tools—protect them with gloves that work as hard as you do.