In demanding work environments, protecting your hands from impact injuries is critical. Impact protection gloves are specially designed to absorb and reduce the force of impacts, safeguarding the knuckles, fingers, and back of the hand. Understanding the different levels of impact protection gloves helps workers and safety managers choose the right gloves for their needs. Seibertron offers a range of work gloves including the Heavy Duty Utility Mechanic Rigger Glove and Hi-Vis Oil and Gas Gloves designed to meet rigorous safety standards while providing comfort and durability.

What Are Impact Protection Gloves?

Impact protection gloves feature padding and protective materials on the back of the hand and fingers to reduce injury from blunt force trauma. These gloves are essential in industries such as oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, and mechanical work where hand injuries from impacts are common.

ANSI/ISEA 138 Impact Glove Standard

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) established the ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 standard to classify impact-resistant gloves. This standard defines three levels of impact protection based on the amount of force transmitted through the glove during testing:

• Level 1: Allows an average of 9 kilonewtons (kN) or less of force through the glove. This level provides the least impact protection but is suitable for lighter tasks.
• Level 2: Allows an average of 6.5 kN or less of force through the glove. This offers moderate protection for more demanding work.
• Level 3: Allows an average of 4 kN or less of force through the glove. This is the highest protection level, ideal for heavy-duty tasks with high impact risks.

These levels help users understand the glove’s protective capabilities and select the appropriate gloves for their work environment.

How Are Impact Gloves Tested?

Testing involves placing the glove’s back-of-hand area over a metal anvil equipped with a force transducer. A 2.5 kg striker is dropped from a specific height to deliver 5 joules of energy, simulating an impact. The force transmitted through the glove is measured in kilonewtons. Multiple tests are conducted on knuckles, fingers, and thumbs to calculate an average impact force, which determines the glove’s protection level.

Seibertron Impact Protection Gloves

Seibertron’s Heavy Duty Utility Mechanic Rigger Glove and Hi-Vis Oil and Gas Gloves are engineered to meet and exceed ANSI/ISEA 138 standards. Featuring Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) protection, reinforced palms, and high-visibility materials, these gloves provide:

• Superior impact absorption at Level 2 and Level 3 protection ratings.
• Durability for harsh oil and gas industry conditions.
• Water resistance and excellent grip for safe handling.
• High visibility to enhance worker safety on site.

Seibertron gloves combine safety with comfort and dexterity, making them ideal for professionals demanding reliable hand protection.

Choosing the Right Impact Protection Gloves

When selecting impact gloves, consider:

• The level of impact protection required for your tasks.
• Additional features such as cut resistance, water resistance, and grip.
• Comfort and fit to ensure prolonged wear without fatigue.
• Compliance with industry safety standards like ANSI/ISEA 138 and CE EN388.

Seibertron offers a comprehensive range of gloves tailored to meet these criteria across various industries.

Conclusion

Understanding the levels of impact protection gloves is vital for workplace safety. From Level 1 to Level 3, the ANSI/ISEA 138 standard provides clear guidance on glove performance. Seibertron’s work gloves, including the Heavy Duty Utility Mechanic Rigger Glove and Hi-Vis Oil and Gas Gloves, deliver top-tier impact protection, durability, and comfort, helping workers stay safe and productive.