What Is ANSI/ISEA 138-2019? The Hand Protection Standard Explained
That Impact Icon on Your Glove Means Nothing Without This Number Behind It
Reviewed by the WC Safety Editorial Team — independent safety specialists. Last updated: May 2026.
Short answer: ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 is the current American National Standard for impact-resistant gloves, defining three performance levels — Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 — based on how much peak force a glove transmits to the hand during a standardized back-of-hand impact test. It is the benchmark for evaluating impact gloves used in oil and gas, construction, utilities, and heavy manufacturing. Without an ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 level marking, an "impact glove" has no verified performance claim.
The Injury Reality: Hand and finger injuries are the most common occupational injury in the United States — accounting for approximately 1 million emergency room visits annually and over $300 million in workers' compensation costs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In oil and gas alone, pinch-point and crush injuries to the hands are a leading cause of recordable incidents. The ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 standard exists to ensure that when an employer specifies "impact protection," the glove selected has been independently tested to deliver it.
ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 — Performance Level Quick Reference
| Level | Max Transmitted Force | Protection Profile | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | ≤ 9.0 kN | Entry-level back-of-hand impact attenuation | Light construction, general maintenance, warehouse operations with minimal pinch-point risk |
| Level 2 | ≤ 6.5 kN | Moderate impact protection — industry standard baseline | Construction, utilities maintenance, manufacturing assembly, general oil and gas field operations |
| Level 3 | ≤ 4.0 kN | Highest impact protection rating under the standard | Upstream oil and gas pipe handling, structural ironwork, heavy equipment rigging, tubular make-up |
Lower transmitted force = higher protection. Level 3 is the most protective. All levels require passing the test at all five back-of-hand strike zones: primary knuckles, secondary knuckles, and index/middle/ring fingers.
What Is ANSI/ISEA 138-2019?
ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 is the American National Standard for Performance and Classification of Impact-Resistant Hand Protection, developed by the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) and ratified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). It is the current edition of a standard first published as ANSI/ISEA 138-2010 and revised substantially in 2019 to introduce a more rigorous test method and an additional performance level.
The standard serves one specific purpose: defining how much back-of-hand impact force a glove must absorb to qualify for each of three performance levels, and specifying how that performance must be measured and communicated. It does not address palm cut resistance, chemical resistance, heat resistance, or grip — those properties are governed by separate standards, primarily ANSI/ISEA 105 for cut and puncture performance.
The standard is voluntarily adopted by manufacturers but effectively mandatory in industries where impact hand injuries are a leading cause of recordable incidents. Many oil and gas operators, general contractors, and utilities employers have written ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 Level 2 or Level 3 into their corporate PPE matrices as non-negotiable requirements. For the OSHA standard that governs hand protection selection in general industry, see: What Is OSHA 29 CFR 1910.138? General Industry Hand Protection Explained.
How the ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 Impact Test Works
The 2019 edition replaced the pendulum-swing test method of the 2010 edition with a more repeatable and industry-accepted drop-weight apparatus test. Understanding the test method is essential for evaluating manufacturer claims — a glove claiming Level 3 protection based on in-house testing (rather than an accredited third-party laboratory) cannot be verified.
Test Apparatus
The test uses a calibrated drop-weight apparatus with a 2.5 kg striker (typically with a flat or hemispherical contact face) dropped from a specified height onto the back-of-hand region of the glove. The glove is positioned over a rigid support with a calibrated force plate that measures peak transmitted force in kilonewtons (kN). The test fixture is designed to simulate the geometry of the human hand during a typical work posture.
Test Zones — Five Strike Locations Required
The standard requires impact testing at five distinct strike zones on the back of the hand:
| Zone | Location | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Primary knuckles (MCP joints — index through ring) | Highest exposure zone in pipe-handling and grip situations |
| Zone 2 | Secondary knuckles (PIP joints — proximal interphalangeal) | Common crush and impact zone during gripping tasks |
| Zone 3 | Index finger dorsal surface | Exposed during tool use and trigger-grip positions |
| Zone 4 | Middle finger dorsal surface | Primary finger impact zone in most striking scenarios |
| Zone 5 | Ring finger dorsal surface | Commonly struck during pipeline and structural work |
The glove's performance level is determined by the worst zone — the zone that transmits the most force. A glove that achieves 4.0 kN on four zones but 6.4 kN on one zone earns Level 2 (not Level 3). This all-zones pass requirement is what makes the ANSI 138-2019 rating meaningful: there are no unprotected gaps across the back of the hand.
Conditioning
Prior to testing, glove samples are conditioned at standard ambient temperature and humidity. Unlike head protection standards (which test at high and low temperature extremes), ANSI 138-2019 currently tests only at ambient conditions. Employers working in extreme cold or heat environments should consult manufacturer data on thermal performance beyond what the standard covers.
What Changed in ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 vs. the 2010 Edition
The 2019 revision made three substantive changes that affect glove selection and procurement:
1. New Drop-Weight Test Method (Replaces Pendulum)
The 2010 edition used a pendulum striker — a method that proved difficult to standardize across different test laboratories, producing inconsistent results for the same glove model. The 2019 edition replaced it with a vertical drop-weight test that is more repeatable, better correlated to real-world impact events, and more widely adopted in comparable international standards. Gloves rated under 138-2010 cannot be directly compared to gloves rated under 138-2019 — the test method change means the force thresholds are not equivalent.
2. Addition of Level 3
The 2010 edition had only Level 1 and Level 2. The 2019 revision added Level 3 (≤ 4.0 kN maximum transmitted force) to address the needs of high-hazard industries — particularly oil and gas and structural ironwork — where Level 2 gloves were increasingly viewed as insufficient for the most severe impact scenarios. Level 3 is the highest rating under the current standard and is now commonly specified as mandatory for pipe-handling operations on drilling and completion sites.
3. Refined Five-Zone Protocol
The 2010 edition tested fewer zones with less rigorous positional requirements. The 2019 revision standardized the five-zone test protocol described above, ensuring that the entire dorsal hand surface — from primary knuckles through all three finger zones — must pass the claimed level threshold. This eliminates the possibility of a glove "passing" with strategic padding placement while leaving certain finger zones unprotected.
ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 Glove Markings — What to Look for When Buying
A glove cannot claim ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 compliance without carrying specific markings. Knowing how to read these markings is the single most important purchasing skill for safety managers and procurement teams.
| Marking Element | What It Shows | Where Found |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Icon + Level Number | A stylized hand outline with "1", "2", or "3" inside — the ANSI 138 performance level | Wrist cuff label or sewn-in tag |
| Standard Citation | "ANSI/ISEA 138-2019" — confirms which edition was used for testing | Label or hang tag |
| Manufacturer Name | Brand responsible for the product and its compliance claim | Label or cuff print |
| Size | S/M/L/XL or numeric sizing as applicable | Label or cuff print |
| ANSI/ISEA 105 Ratings (if applicable) | Cut level (A1–A9), puncture level, and abrasion level from the parallel cut resistance standard | Same label — separate icons from the 138 impact icon |
Red flag: A glove that displays only a generic "impact protection" or "impact resistant" statement without the ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 citation and level number has not been tested to this standard. Many imported gloves carry impact-styled TPR dorsal padding without any third-party testing behind the claim. For procurement integrity on OSHA-required hand protection programs, always request the test report from a certified laboratory alongside the purchase.
ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 and OSHA Hand Protection Compliance
OSHA's hand protection standard for general industry — 29 CFR 1910.138 — requires employers to select and provide hand protection appropriate to the hazards present, including "severe cuts, lacerations, punctures, chemical burns, thermal burns, harmful temperature extremes, and impacts." It does not incorporate ANSI/ISEA 138 by reference (unlike head protection, where OSHA explicitly cites ANSI Z89.1).
However, OSHA's general approach — reinforced by the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act) — requires employers to recognize and control hazards using recognized industry practices. ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 is the recognized industry practice for evaluating impact hand protection. In the event of an impact hand injury, OSHA investigators will evaluate whether the employer selected hand protection appropriate to the hazard — and an employer who specified a non-ANSI-rated glove for a documented impact environment will have a difficult defense.
For construction-side applications, OSHA 29 CFR 1926.28 and 29 CFR 1926.95 impose similar obligations for PPE selection in construction — see: OSHA Construction PPE Requirements — 29 CFR 1926 Overview and our full OSHA PPE Requirements for Construction.
Impact Protection + Cut Resistance — Understanding Dual-Rated Gloves
The most frequently purchased gloves in oil and gas, utilities, and heavy construction are dual-rated: ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 for impact combined with ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 for cut resistance. Understanding how these ratings interact is essential for correct specification.
- The ratings are independent. A glove rated ANSI 138 Level 2 / ANSI A4 Cut means it passed the Level 2 impact test AND the A4 cut test independently. Neither rating affects the other.
- Impact padding is on the back; cut resistance is on the palm. TPR knuckle guards and dorsal padding protect the back of the hand from impact. High-performance palm materials (HPPE, Dyneema, Kevlar, steel fiber blends) resist blade cuts on the palm and fingers.
- Higher cut levels may limit dexterity. A4–A9 cut-resistant palms are typically thicker and stiffer than lower cut levels. In applications requiring fine motor dexterity alongside impact protection, there is a trade-off between cut level and grip sensitivity.
Browse our full range of cut-resistant gloves and impact gloves, including dual-rated options. For a full guide to the ANSI/ISEA 105 cut level system, see: ANSI Cut Levels Explained — A1 Through A9 Glove Selection Guide. For editorial picks across all impact glove applications: Best Work Gloves 2026 — WC Safety Editorial Picks.
Selecting the Right ANSI 138 Level — A Practical Hazard-Based Framework
ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 does not prescribe which level applies to which job — that determination comes from the employer's hazard assessment. The following framework maps common industrial tasks to appropriate impact levels:
| Task / Application | Recommended Minimum Level | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| General warehouse/distribution — light racking, conveyor | Level 1 | Low-energy incidental contact risk; entry-level TPR is sufficient |
| General construction — framing, concrete, electrical rough-in | Level 2 | Moderate tool impact and pinch-point exposure from lumber, conduit, and hardware |
| Utilities — meter pulls, switching, underground vault work | Level 2 | Pinch risk from heavy equipment covers, vault lids, and switchgear |
| Manufacturing assembly — automotive, aerospace, heavy equipment | Level 2 | Torque tool recoil and component assembly pinch risk |
| Structural ironwork — bolting, shaking out, beam walking | Level 3 | High-energy impact between structural steel members; crush risk is severe |
| Oil and gas — pipe handling, tubular make-up, rig floor | Level 3 | Highest pinch-point severity in industry; Level 3 now IADC and operator-mandated baseline |
| Heavy rigging — chain, wire rope, rigging hardware handling | Level 3 | High-mass, high-energy contact risk; no margin for lower impact performance |
For a full hand protection selection guide covering all PPE standards and hazard types, see: Hand Protection Selection Guide — Matching Gloves to Hazards. Browse our full range of work gloves by application.
Hand Protection in Context — The Complete Construction and Industrial PPE Picture
Impact hand protection does not exist in isolation. Workers who face back-of-hand crush hazards typically face simultaneous hazards that trigger other PPE requirements:
- Head protection: Workers handling overhead loads, working under cranes, or operating in areas with falling-object risk also need ANSI Z89.1-compliant hard hats — see our construction PPE requirements guide
- Eye protection: Operations that generate impact risk to the hands often also generate flying debris requiring safety glasses rated to ANSI Z87.1
- High-visibility apparel: Outdoor construction and industrial sites with vehicle or equipment traffic require ANSI 107-compliant hi-vis clothing
- Fall protection: Workers at elevation performing rigging, ironwork, or pipe installation simultaneously need fall protection equipment compliant with ANSI Z359
Frequently Asked Questions — ANSI/ISEA 138-2019
What is ANSI/ISEA 138-2019?
ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 is the American National Standard for Performance and Classification of Impact-Resistant Hand Protection, published by the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) and ratified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). It establishes three performance levels for glove back-of-hand impact protection — Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 — based on the amount of force transmitted through the glove to the hand during a standardized impact test. The standard is widely adopted in oil and gas, construction, utilities, and heavy manufacturing where crush and impact hazards to the hand are common.
What is the difference between ANSI 138 Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3?
The three ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 levels are defined by the maximum transmitted force allowed through the back-of-hand impact zone during a standardized drop-weight test. Level 1 allows up to 9.0 kN of transmitted force — the entry level for basic impact protection in low-hazard environments. Level 2 limits transmitted force to 6.5 kN, suitable for moderate impact environments such as general construction and utilities maintenance. Level 3 (the highest rating) limits transmitted force to 4.0 kN and is required for high-impact environments such as upstream oil and gas, heavy equipment operation, and structural ironwork.
How is the ANSI 138 impact test conducted?
The ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 impact test uses a calibrated drop-weight apparatus to strike the back-of-hand region of a glove positioned over a force plate. A 2.5 kg striker is dropped from a specified height onto the glove's knuckle and finger zones. Force sensors measure the peak transmitted force in kilonewtons (kN). Tests are conducted at five strike zones: primary knuckles, secondary knuckles, and finger zones (index, middle, and ring). The glove must meet the claimed level threshold across all five zones — the rating reflects the worst-case (highest transmitted force) zone result.
Does ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 replace the previous 138-2010 edition?
Yes. ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 supersedes ANSI/ISEA 138-2010 as the current edition of the standard. The 2019 revision updated the test methodology by specifying a new drop-weight test apparatus (replacing the pendulum method of the 2010 edition), added a third performance level (Level 3, which did not exist in 138-2010), refined the finger zone test protocol, and clarified the marking and labeling requirements for compliant gloves. Gloves tested and certified to 138-2010 are no longer considered current unless re-tested under the 2019 method.
What markings are required on an ANSI 138-2019 compliant glove?
ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 requires that compliant gloves be marked with: (1) the manufacturer's name or trademark; (2) the standard citation "ANSI/ISEA 138-2019"; (3) the performance level achieved (1, 2, or 3); and (4) the size. The ANSI 138 level marking is typically shown as a hand icon with the level number inside it, printed on the glove's wrist cuff or attached tag. Gloves that display this marking without third-party certification testing have not been independently verified. Buyers procuring for OSHA-required hand protection programs should request a certificate of conformance from the supplier confirming certified laboratory testing.
Is ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 required by OSHA?
OSHA does not specifically incorporate ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 by reference in 29 CFR 1910.138 or 29 CFR 1926.28 the way it incorporates ANSI Z89.1 into head protection standards. However, 1910.138 requires employers to select hand protection based on the hazards present — including impact and crushing hazards. ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 is the industry consensus standard for evaluating and communicating impact protection performance, making it the de facto compliance benchmark for impact-hazard environments.
What industries use ANSI 138-2019 impact gloves?
ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 rated gloves are most widely specified in upstream and midstream oil and gas (where pinch-point and crush injuries between pipe and equipment are severe), utility linework and substation maintenance, structural ironwork and heavy construction, mining and aggregate production, heavy equipment operation, and automotive and aerospace assembly. Many oil and gas operators and EPC contractors now mandate Level 2 or Level 3 gloves as a minimum specification for all field operations.
Can a glove be both ANSI 138 impact rated and cut-resistant?
Yes. Gloves can be simultaneously rated to ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 for impact protection and to ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 for cut resistance. These are independent standards testing different performance properties: 138 measures back-of-hand impact attenuation, while 105 measures blade-cut and puncture resistance of the palm material. Many modern work gloves — particularly those designed for oil and gas, ironwork, and utility applications — combine dorsal TPR or D3O impact padding with a cut-resistant palm shell to address both hazard types simultaneously.
What is the difference between ANSI 138 and EN 13594?
ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 and EN 13594 are entirely different standards serving different markets. EN 13594 is a motorcycle rider glove standard, not an industrial impact glove standard. In the industrial safety market, the European equivalent for back-of-hand impact protection is EN 388:2016 + Amendment 1, which includes an optional impact protection test (Level P). ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 has a more rigorous, multi-zone impact test protocol than EN 388's single-zone test, making ANSI 138 Level 2 and 3 the more demanding specifications for industrial applications.
Do impact gloves expire or have a service life?
ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 does not specify a universal service life for impact gloves. Employers should follow manufacturer guidance and remove gloves from service when: TPR or impact padding is cracked, compressed, or delaminated; the glove shell shows cuts, tears, or abrasion that penetrate the palm material; or the glove has been contaminated with chemicals that may degrade shell or padding integrity. Any glove involved in a serious pinch or crush event should be replaced immediately regardless of visible condition.
What level of ANSI 138 is required for oil and gas work?
Most major oil and gas operators and EPC contractors now specify ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 Level 2 as the minimum requirement for all field personnel, with Level 3 required for high-risk operations such as pipe handling, tubular make-up, and heavy equipment rigging. The International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) and numerous operator HSE programs explicitly reference Level 2 as the onshore and offshore baseline. Workers should verify the specific requirement in their company's hand protection matrix before selecting gloves.
Where is the ANSI 138 level marking located on a glove?
The ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 level marking is typically printed on the wrist cuff label, sewn-in tag, or the exterior back of the cuff using a standardized hand icon with the performance level number (1, 2, or 3) printed inside it. The same label should also display any additional ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 cut, puncture, and abrasion ratings if the glove is multi-rated. If a glove displays an impact icon without the specific ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 citation, it has not been verified to this standard.
Related Guides & Resources from WC Safety:
- Shop All Work Gloves at WC Safety
- Impact Gloves — ANSI 138 Level 2 & Level 3 Options
- Cut-Resistant Gloves — ANSI A2 through A9 Rated
- What Is OSHA 29 CFR 1910.138? General Industry Hand Protection
- ANSI Cut Levels Explained — A1 Through A9 Glove Selection Guide
- Hand Protection Selection Guide — Matching Gloves to Hazards
- Best Work Gloves 2026 — WC Safety Editorial Picks
- Impact Glove Buying Guide — Level 1 vs. 2 vs. 3 for Your Industry
- OSHA PPE Requirements for Construction — Full Subpart E Guide
- Construction PPE Requirements — Complete Compliance Guide
- What Is OSHA 29 CFR 1926.100? Construction Head Protection Standard
Why Trust WC Safety?
WC Safety has supplied personal protective equipment and life-safety products to industrial facilities, contractors, municipalities, and safety professionals since 2012. Our editorial team reviews ANSI/ISEA standards, OSHA regulatory text, and industry safety data to produce compliance guides that are accurate, actionable, and independent. We do not receive compensation from ISEA, ANSI, or any standards body.
Methodology
This reference guide was developed by reviewing the full text of ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 and its predecessor 138-2010, OSHA's hand protection standards 29 CFR 1910.138 and 1926.28, IADC industry guidance on hand protection in drilling operations, and published injury data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and National Safety Council. Performance level force thresholds (kN values) reflect the published 138-2019 standard. Employers should request third-party test certificates from suppliers and verify all glove performance claims before deployment in OSHA-required PPE programs.