ANSI/ ISEA 105 Cut Standards Update

What has changed. What it means.

NEW TEST The 2016 ANSI/ISEA cut resistance standards are based on a specific testing methodology, ASTM F2992-15, which can be performed on only one type of machine, the

TDM-100. With this testing methodology, samples are cut along a straight path by a straight-edged blade under force. The European ISO 13997 test procedure will also use only the, TDM-100 for the

EN388 standard. Defining the testing procedure this way will:

• Ensure uniform test results

• Make it easier to compare scores for different

materials and products

• Reinforce the compatibility between the two

international standards

NEW SCALE Going forward, cut resistance in occupational gloves will be measured on a scale of A1-thru-A9 (ANSI/ISEA 2016), instead of the 1-thru-5 (ISEA 105-2011) scale in use since 2011. In North America, performance results will still be measured in grams of force. The recently adopted European EN 388 standard for mechanical gloves will continue to use newtons.

The revised, compatible approaches will:

• Reduce the gaps between protection levels

• Add new levels for establishing better performance

• Ensure clearer valuations of protection levels

The chart below contrasts the old performance scale with the newly revised ANSI levels and their counterparts.

NEW ICONS Going forward, Ansell products and marketing collateral will communicate 2016 ANSI cut levels in new graphic icons, as shown on the glove example below..