The Essential Protection Guide
The Cost of an Ignored Risk
Workplace accident statistics in Mexico are revealing. Of the approximately 305,646 accidents reported during 2021, 30% directly affected the hands.
This high frequency translates into an immense human cost in terms of pain and disability, in addition to a significant economic impact. The problem is compounded when analyzing the nature of these injuries: it is estimated that 60% of them are due to bruises, crushing injuries, and pinching , risks for which there was no specific and standardized protection.
The Solution: 360° Protection
The existence of impact gloves is an acknowledgment that conventional work gloves were insufficient for the dynamic environments of modern industry.
The main difference lies in the addition of external padding (armor) on the back of the hand, designed to absorb and dissipate the energy of an impact. While standard gloves focus on palm-side hazards (such as abrasions or cuts), impact gloves adopt a 360° protection philosophy.
The Anatomy of an Impact Glove
To understand its effectiveness, it's essential to analyze its three key components. Think of it like building a vehicle: you need a chassis, a safety body, and the right tires for the terrain.
1. The Base of the Gloves (The Chassis)
This is the foundation of the glove. It's the part that comes into direct contact with the user's skin and determines comfort, fit, and basic dexterity. Its main function is to provide ergonomic structure and the first line of defense against hazards such as cuts or abrasions to the palm.
2. The Armor (The Impact System)
This is the feature that defines the glove as "impact." It's the added protection on the back of the hand.
- Main Function: To absorb and dissipate the kinetic energy of blows and crushing to protect the metacarpal bones, knuckles and fingers.
- Common Material: TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber): It is the industry standard. It is flexible, durable, and excellent at absorbing energy.
- Design: The TPR is not a solid plate; it is molded and segmented into zones (knuckles, phalanges) with flex channels to allow the hand to move and close.
3. Coatings and Reinforcements (The Working Interface)
This is the "finishing" layer applied over the chassis, almost always on the palm and fingers. This layer determines the type of environment and task for which the glove is designed.
- Main Function: To provide specialized grip (dry, wet or oily) and increase durability.
- Common Materials and Techniques: Include Nitrile (sandy, foamy), Polyurethane, Rubber (Latex), Leather or split leather.
Impact Glove Testing (ANSI/ISEA Standard 138)
Until 2019, choosing an impact glove was risky. Without classification standards, the term "impact protection" was a subjective marketing concept.
The Standard that Created Order: ANSI/ISEA 138:2019
The creation of the ANSI/ISEA 138 standard in 2019 filled this gap. It provides a consistent and reliable method for evaluating and classifying gloves. This standard requires manufacturers to conduct identical tests and compete on a level playing field based on measurable performance.
One of the main contributions of this standard was to establish the units of measurement: Joules and Kilonewtons.
Why is the Joule (J) used?
The Joule (J) is the measure of energy (the cause of the impact). The standard required a consistent and repeatable way to strike the glove.
- The Solution: They decided that the impact (the falling hammer) should have a calibrated energy.
- The Measurement: They set that energy at 5.0 Joules .
It is the standard "ammunition" used for impact glove testing .
What does the Kilonewton (kN) measure?
The Kilonewton (kN) is the measure of force (the effect of the blow).
- Step 1 (Cause): The laboratory applies a constant impact of 5.0 Joules .
- Step 2 (Effect): A sensor under the glove measures the maximum force that managed to pass through the armor, measured in Kilonewtons.
It is the "damage" or residual force that the hand would feel.
The Exact Measurements: The 3 Levels of Performance
The standard defines three levels based on how much force is transmitted to the hand. Less kN is better.
🟢 Level 1 (Good Protection):
The average maximum transmitted force must be ≤ 9 Kilonewtons (kN) .
Use: Suitable for low or incidental impact risks where dexterity is key.
🟡 Level 2 (Superior Protection):
The average maximum transmitted force must be ≤ 6.5 Kilonewtons (kN) .
Use: The industry standard (Oil & Gas, mining). Offers an ideal balance between robust protection and good dexterity.
🔴 Level 3 (Extreme Protection):
The average maximum transmitted force must be ≤ 5 Kilonewtons (kN) .
Use: For the highest risks of crushing and high-energy impacts.
Proper Selection of Impact Gloves: How to Choose Them?
Choosing the right impact gloves goes beyond mere compliance. It's a strategic assessment of the actual risks your workers face.
What problem does it solve that other gloves can't?
A standard work glove, however excellent its cut protection, is completely ineffective against threats to the back of the hand. The impact glove is designed to fill this protection gap against:
- Direct blows (hammers, slipping keys).
- Crushing (pipes, heavy machinery, loads).
- Pinches (joining points in machinery).
Key Questions for Your Risk Assessment
To make the right choice of impact gloves , ask yourself these questions:
- Do your workers handle heavy tools (hammers, impact wrenches)?
- Is there a risk of objects (tools, debris) falling on the hands?
- Do the tasks involve handling pipes, chains, or heavy loads?
- Are there any clear "pinch points" in the machinery?
- Do injuries from blows to the back of the hand (bruises, contusions) occur recurrently?
If you answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, your operation has an obvious protection gap.
Impact gloves aren't a luxury; they're the right, specific tool. The existence of the ANSI/ISEA 138 standard empowers you to be proactive, giving you a clear metric (Level 1, 2, or 3) for choosing the appropriate body armor.
Table 1: Quick Reference Guide to ANSI/ISEA 138 Levels
| Level of Impact | Transmitted Force | Level of Protection | Industry / Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | ≤ 9 Kilonewtons (kN) | Good Protection | General assembly, light construction, general material handling. |
| Level 2 | ≤ 6.5 Kilonewtons (kN) | Superior Protection | Oil and Gas (drilling), mining, heavy demolition, emergency services. |
| Level 3 | ≤ 5 Kilonewtons (kN) | Extreme Protection | Heavy construction, demolition, maintenance of heavy equipment. |