ANSI/ISEA 138 — Performance Levels
ANSI/ISEA 138 evaluates materials and construction used to attenuate impact energy on the back of the hand. Higher levels correspond to lower transmitted force in the standardized striker test.
| Level | Protection intent | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baseline impact attenuation | Light striking hazards, incidental bumps |
| 2 | Intermediate impact attenuation | Assembly with hand tools, medium struck-by risk |
| 3 | Highest impact attenuation in the standard’s level set | Oil & gas, heavy fabrication, high-energy struck-by tasks |
EN 388 — Impact (Position F)
Under EN 388, impact protection is optional. When the glove passes the impact test, the shield marking includes P in the impact position (often referred to alongside positions A–E). If not tested or not claimed, the field may be blank.
| Marking | Meaning | User note |
|---|---|---|
| P | Impact test passed for claimed coverage | Verify which zones (fingers, knuckles) are protected via manufacturer diagram. |
| — | No impact claim | Do not assume impact protection—select ANSI 138 or EN 388 P where needed. |
Performance in practice
- Coverage matters: thermoplastic/rubber guards must align with knuckle height and finger length for the user.
- Not crush proof: impact gloves reduce transmitted energy but do not remove pinch/crush hazards.
- Combine standards: pair impact marking with appropriate mechanical (cut/abrasion) ratings for the full task.
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