New Standard Update Enhances Clarity in Hand Protection Labeling
The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) has released a critical update to its hand protection classification standard, ANSI/ISEA 105-2024, reinforcing the industry's commitment to improving clarity, consistency, and usability in personal protective equipment (PPE). While performance testing methods remain unchanged, this revision introduces a standardized labeling system that will significantly improve glove selection and safety compliance across industrial settings.
For safety professionals, procurement officers, and frontline workers, the update represents a meaningful advancement toward improving how we communicate PPE performance—supporting informed decisions that directly reduce the risk of injury.
What’s New in ANSI/ISEA 105-2024?
The most prominent change in the 2024 update is the introduction of a uniform pictogram label for hand protection products. Designed in the shape of a pentagon, this new badge will be displayed on gloves that conform to the standard and will clearly show three essential protection ratings:
- Cut Resistance (top center of the pentagon)
- Abrasion Resistance (left side)
- Puncture Resistance (right side)
If a specific test is not applicable or was not conducted, an “X” will appear in its place. This is a major shift from the previous practice where manufacturers used their own custom graphics or shield designs, leading to inconsistency and confusion among users.
As Dr. Andrew Funk, Chair of the ISEA Hand Protection Product Group and Senior Laboratory Manager at Wells Lamont Industrial, explains:
“The big change is in product labeling… This will help buyers and end users instantly recognize whether a particular glove is suitable for the task at hand.”
The test methods themselves—the backbone of how performance levels are determined—remain the same. What’s evolving is how that critical information is presented to the user. This change ensures greater consistency, especially in multi-supplier environments, where safety managers rely on accurate, easy-to-understand labeling to ensure worker safety.
Ensuring Compliance and Proper Referencing
As organizations begin to adopt ANSI/ISEA 105-2024-compliant gloves, it's essential to properly reference the standard. The update includes explicit guidance for how the standard should be cited and used in documentation, marketing, and product packaging.
Notably, the ANSI® mark must not be used in a way that implies product approval or certification by ANSI. Additionally, terms such as “ANSI Cut” or “ANSI 105” are not acceptable on their own. The correct reference format is ANSI/ISEA 105-2024, which accurately reflects both the origin and the version of the standard.
The updated standard also points users to ANSI/ISEA 125-2021, which outlines procedures for conformity assessment in safety and PPE products. This provides stakeholders with a reliable framework for validating claims related to glove performance.
Why This Matters: The Role of Hand Protection in Workplace Safety
Given the wide range of glove materials and designs, it’s crucial that workers have the right protection for their specific risks. Clear, standardized labeling plays a key role in supporting correct glove selection, ultimately contributing to a safer work environment.
Canadian occupational health and safety regulations require employers to assess risks and provide PPE that is appropriate for the hazards identified. For instance, under the Canada Labour Code, Part II, employers must ensure that employees use prescribed safety materials, equipment, devices, and clothing. The new labeling system directly supports this responsibility by simplifying the selection process and helping ensure that workers are properly equipped for the job at hand.
Moving Toward a Safer, More Transparent Future
The release of ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 is more than a regulatory update—it is a practical step toward improving workplace safety by bridging the communication gap between glove manufacturers and end users. By introducing a clear, uniform system of labeling, ISEA is helping to reduce preventable injuries and simplify compliance across industries.
