ANSI/ISEA 138 Impact Ratings Explained for Industrial Glove Buyers

Impact protection used to be difficult to compare because glove designs looked similar but performed differently. ANSI/ISEA 138 helps solve that problem by creating a performance scale for back-of-hand impact protection.

What the standard measures

ANSI/ISEA 138 evaluates how much impact force is transmitted through protective areas of the glove. Ratings are commonly shown as Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3. Higher levels indicate stronger impact attenuation under the test method.

How buyers should use it

The rating helps compare gloves, but it should be paired with a job hazard assessment. A worker facing occasional bumps may not need the same glove as a worker handling pipe, chains, and heavy tools all day.

• Lower impact exposure: occasional contact, lighter maintenance, general material handling.
• Moderate exposure: frequent tool handling, equipment work, and pinch points.
• High exposure: heavy industrial, oil and gas, mining, and high-force contact risks.

Comfort still matters

If protective ribs are stiff or poorly placed, workers may fight the glove. Good impact gloves should flex with the hand and avoid blocking natural grip.

SCHWER selection tip

Use ANSI/ISEA 138 ratings to shortlist SCHWER impact gloves, then test them in the actual movement patterns of your jobsite. The best option is the one workers will wear correctly through the full shift.