In 2019, a new regulatory standard, ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 American National Standard for Performance and Classification for Impact-Resistant Gloves, was introduced to address gaps in evaluating the performance of anti-impact gloves.
This regulatory standard states, "minimum performance, classification, and labeling requirements for hand protection products designed to protect the knuckles and fingers from impact forces, while performing occupational tasks." Three performance levels are used to reflect numerical representation as an indication of the glove's protection it provides. Level one will be the lowest rating for impact protection, and level three will be the highest.
According to EN388, qualities such as abrasion resistance, cut resistance, tear resistance, puncture resistance, and impact protection are tested and rated.
The performance scores are presented for each test by four numbers and two letters under the EN388 symbol. The EN388 standard is intended to be used in conjunction with EN420:2003 + A1:2009, which is designed to ensure that the gloves do not jeopardize the safety and comfort of workers who are using them. These testing standards are new to the EN 388:2016 standard and are optional. It should only be included for gloves that claim specific impact-resistant properties.
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