Summary – The updated ANSI/ISEA standards significantly expand the definition for cut resistance gloves, introducing new protection levels ranging from A4 through A9 to better address advancements in PPE technology.

What is ANSI/ISEA?

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has been instrumental in overseeing and coordinating the United States' voluntary standardization system within the private sector for over a century.

Founded in 1918 by a coalition of five prominent engineering societies and three government agencies, ANSI operates as a private, non-profit membership organization. It continues to be supported by a diverse array of organizations spanning both the private and public sectors.

ANSI works in partnership with organizations like the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) to develop and publish standards for safety equipment, including cut-resistant gloves and other essential personal protective gear.

Who is ISEA?

The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) is a trade association in North America that represents manufacturers of safety and personal protective equipment. ISEA plays a crucial role in the development of safety standards, often collaborating with ANSI to create comprehensive and up-to-date guidelines for various types of safety equipment.

What is the New ANSI/ISEA Standard?

The latest ANSI standard for cut resistance now features an expanded scale of 9 cut levels, a significant increase from the previous 5 levels. This expansion aims to minimize the noticeable gaps in protection between each level, particularly for gloves and sleeves offering the highest levels of cut resistance, as indicated by their gram scores.

Under the new ANSI classification, each cut level will be identified by an “A” followed by a numerical score (A1 through A9). This new system provides a more granular and precise way to assess and categorize the cut resistance of gloves.

Furthermore, the revised ANSI Standards mandate a new, standardized test method for determining these cut scores. This updated method specifies the use of only one type of testing machine, ensuring greater consistency and comparability of gram scores across different materials. The previous ANSI standard allowed for testing on multiple machine types, which could lead to variability in results.

Why is a New ANSI/ISEA Standard Needed?

The primary driver behind the updated ANSI/ISEA standard was the recognized need to bridge the gap with European safety standards, particularly EN388, and to establish a more consistent and accurate testing methodology.

Here are the key reasons for these important changes:

• Bridging the Gap with European Standards: The US and European standards for cut resistance classification and testing methods have historically differed significantly. While both utilized a 1-5 ranking scale, the underlying criteria varied, leading to potential confusion when comparing products across regions. The new ANSI standard takes steps to align more closely with international practices, although complete uniformity is not yet achieved.
• Addressing Advances in PPE Technology: The original ANSI standards for cut resistance were established before significant advancements in the materials and manufacturing of PPE. These older standards did not adequately address the performance characteristics of modern, high-cut-resistant materials. The new 9-level system is designed to better categorize and differentiate these advanced protective materials. [PLACEHOLDER FOR EXAMPLE OF ADVANCES IN PPE TECHNOLOGY]
• Reducing Gaps in Protection Levels: The previous 1-5 scale in both EN388 and the old ANSI/ISEA 105 included substantial performance gaps between some levels. This could potentially lead to the use of PPE that offered insufficient protection for specific tasks. The expanded 9-level scale significantly reduces these gaps, providing a more nuanced and safer selection process.

How are Cut Resistant Gloves Tested?

Under the new ANSI standard, the cut resistance of a glove sample is determined through a controlled cutting test. A sharp, straight-edge blade, under a specific load, is moved linearly across the glove material. This process is repeated five times on the sample using three different loads, with a fresh blade for each cut. The collected data is then used to calculate the force required to cut through the material at a defined reference distance. This calculated force, known as the cutting force, is directly correlated to the new ANSI cut levels.

Understanding Gram Scores and the New Cut Levels

The cutting force is often measured in grams (though the standard uses Newtons). A higher gram score indicates a greater force is required to cut through the material, signifying a higher level of cut resistance. The new ANSI cut levels (A1-A9) are directly linked to specific ranges of these cutting forces.

New ANSI Cut Level	Gram Score Range	Example Applications
A1	201-499	Light assembly, general maintenance
A2	500-999	Packaging, warehousing
A3	1000-1499	Light metal fabrication, automotive repair
A4	1500-2199	Glass handling, sheet metal work
A5	2200-2999	Automotive assembly, construction, recycling
A6	3000-3999	Heavy metal fabrication, meat processing
A7	4000-4999	Pulp and paper, heavy construction
A8	5000-5999	Surgical instrument manufacturing, high-risk recycling
A9	>6000	Very high cut risk environments, severe glass handling

Navigating the Transition: Old vs. New ANSI Cut Levels

Liberty Glove, among other manufacturers, produces high-quality cut protection gloves that adhere to these standards. To help you understand how the new levels might affect your current PPE selection, please refer to the chart below:

Potential Impact and Next Steps

With the introduction of these new, more stringent cut level classifications, it's crucial to re-evaluate your current cut protection needs. The expanded scale and refined testing methods may necessitate an adjustment in the cut level of gloves you select to ensure adequate protection for the specific hazards in your workplace.

Where to Learn More

• Official ANSI/ISEA Standard: For the most accurate and detailed information, refer to the official ANSI/ISEA 105 standard document.
• Liberty Glove: Explore Liberty Glove's range of high-quality cut-resistant gloves designed to meet the new ANSI/ISEA standards.

Conclusion

The updated ANSI/ISEA standards for cut resistance gloves represent a significant step forward in providing clearer, more accurate, and more comprehensive protection for workers. By understanding these changes and utilizing the expanded 9-level system, safety professionals can make more informed decisions about selecting the appropriate cut protection for their specific applications, ultimately leading to safer workplaces.