ANSI/ISEA 105 helps you compare industrial gloves and sleeves by tested performance rather than by appearance or marketing language. The current ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 edition covers mechanical properties such as cut, abrasion, and puncture resistance, along with selected chemical, heat and flame performance classifications. Its most visible change is a standardized pentagon label that places abrasion, cut and puncture ratings in a consistent layout.
You should use these ratings as part of a task-specific risk assessment. A higher number only means higher performance in the stated laboratory test. It does not prove that one glove is suitable for every hazard, chemical, or machine.
What Is ANSI/ISEA 105-2024?
ANSI is the American National Standards Institute. ISEA is the International Safety Equipment Association. ANSI/ISEA 105 provides a classification system for hand and arm protection used in occupational work. It allows glove manufacturers, safety managers, and buyers to describe performance using recognized test methods and defined levels.
The standard includes classifications for several properties. The ratings most buyers see on general industrial gloves are:
- Cut resistance: ANSI A1 through A9.
- Abrasion resistance: levels based on the number of abrasion cycles under a specified load.
- Puncture resistance: levels based on force measured in newtons for a non-hypodermic probe.
- Needlestick puncture resistance: a separate test for hypodermic needle hazards.
Other properties within the wider standard can include chemical permeation and degradation, ignition resistance, burning behavior, heat degradation and conductive heat resistance. Only use a rating that is supported by the relevant test report.
What Changed in ANSI/ISEA 105-2024?
The 2024 edition retains the established performance levels for the main mechanical hazards while standardizing how key results are displayed. Conforming products should use a pentagon-shaped label with the abrasion rating on the left, cut rating at the top, and puncture rating on the right. An “X” can appear when a property was not tested or is not applicable.
This matters when you compare samples from different suppliers. Older gloves may show separate shields or custom graphics. The standardized label gives you a quicker way to identify the three ratings, but you should still request the laboratory report and verify the exact product style, coating, size range, and test method.
For official background, see the ISEA announcement for ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 and its hand protection classification guide.
How to Read ANSI Cut Levels A1–A9
ANSI cut ratings are based on the force required to cut through the tested material using the specified laboratory method. The result is expressed in grams-force and assigned to levels A1 through A9.
| ANSI cut level | Minimum cut resistance | Typical risk range |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 200 gf | Light cut hazards and general handling |
| A2 | 500 gf | Light to medium cut hazards |
| A3 | 1,000 gf | Light to medium cut hazards with sharper edges |
| A4 | 1,500 gf | Medium cut hazards |
| A5 | 2,200 gf | Medium to heavy cut hazards |
| A6 | 3,000 gf | High cut hazards |
| A7 | 4,000 gf | High cut hazards |
| A8 | 5,000 gf | Very high cut hazards |
| A9 | 6,000 gf | Very high cut hazards requiring task-specific assessment |
Do not select a glove from the number alone. You also need to consider blade shape, edge condition, applied force, contact frequency, hand movement, grip, glove wear, and the consequences of failure. Our cut-resistant glove level guide explains how to connect the rating with the task. For medium cut risks, see the practical ANSI A4 glove selection guide.
Abrasion Ratings: Check the Load as Well as the Level
Abrasion testing measures how many cycles the glove material withstands before failure. ANSI/ISEA 105 uses different loads within the classification system. When you compare two abrasion claims, confirm the reported level, the test load, and the tested area.
Abrasion performance is useful for handling cartons, castings, rough building materials, and metal parts, but it does not predict cut resistance. A glove can perform well against surface wear while offering a lower cut level.
Puncture and Needlestick Ratings Are Different
The standard distinguishes puncture by a blunt industrial probe from puncture by a hypodermic needle. This distinction is critical for recycling, waste handling, sanitation and medical waste tasks.
A glove with a strong industrial puncture rating may still provide limited resistance to a fine needle. If needlestick exposure exists, request the specific needlestick test result. Do not infer it from the cut level or standard puncture rating.
ANSI/ISEA 105 and ANSI/ISEA 138 Measure Different Hazards
ANSI/ISEA 105 covers hand protection classifications that include cut, abrasion, and puncture performance. ANSI/ISEA 138 addresses back-of-hand impact protection. A glove used in oil and gas, mining, heavy construction, or material handling may need ratings under both standards.
If impact is part of your risk assessment, read our ANSI/ISEA 138 impact glove guide. Do not describe an impact level as a cut level or assume that TPR protection improves palm-side puncture resistance.
Can You Convert ANSI Ratings Directly to EN 388?
You should not present ANSI and EN 388 ratings as exact equivalents. The systems use different classifications, markings and test details. EN 388 reports several mechanical properties in one code and may include both the Coupe test and ISO 13997 cut result. ANSI/ISEA 105 uses its own performance classifications for the North American market.
When a buyer needs both systems, request test reports for both claims. Compare the actual methods and results rather than relying on an unofficial conversion chart. See our EN 388 ratings guide for the European marking structure.
How to Use ANSI Ratings When Buying Work Gloves
- Define the hazard. Identify the edge, object, force, frequency, environment and possible injury.
- Choose the required properties. Cut, abrasion, puncture, impact, chemical, heat and cold risks require separate evidence.
- Check the exact style. Confirm that the report matches the glove model, liner, coating and construction you are ordering.
- Review the report. Check the laboratory, test method, result, issue date and product identification.
- Test samples in the task. Evaluate fit, grip, dexterity, comfort, contamination and wear without exposing workers to uncontrolled hazards.
- Document the decision. Record why the glove was selected and when it should be inspected or replaced.
You can browse Everpro cut-resistant work gloves or contact us with your required standard, application, coating, size range and order quantity.
Common ANSI Glove Rating Mistakes
- Choosing the highest cut level without checking dexterity or grip.
- Treating cut resistance as puncture or needlestick resistance.
- Assuming one tested material represents the entire finished glove.
- Comparing ANSI and EN 388 with a simple one-to-one conversion.
- Using a supplier’s graphic without reviewing the test report.
- Ignoring coating wear, contamination and changes after laundering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current ANSI hand protection standard?
The current edition is ANSI/ISEA 105-2024. It introduced standardized labeling for key hand protection ratings while retaining the established main mechanical performance levels.
Does ANSI A9 mean a glove is cut-proof?
No. No occupational glove should be described as cut-proof. A9 is the highest ANSI cut classification, but real performance still depends on the hazard, glove condition, fit and use.
Is ANSI A4 suitable for sheet metal?
A4 can be appropriate for some medium cut hazards, including certain light sheet-metal tasks, but the final choice should consider edge sharpness, force, frequency, grip and the consequences of failure.
Does a cut rating include needle protection?
No. Cut resistance, industrial puncture resistance and hypodermic needlestick resistance are separate properties and use different tests.
Should you request a test report from the glove supplier?
Yes. Ask for a report that identifies the exact glove or material tested, the laboratory, test method and result. Verify that the claimed rating applies to the product you intend to order.
Summary
ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 gives you a consistent way to read and compare tested glove performance. Start with the real workplace hazard, identify each required property, verify the report and complete a controlled field trial. The rating supports your decision; it does not replace risk assessment, worker training or regular glove inspection.
