--- title: "The issue of impact protection | Safety gloves | uvex safety" url: "https://www.uvex-safety.ie/en/the-issue-of-impact-protection/" description: "There are two global standards when selecting an impact gloves: EN 388 and ISEA 138. Though both have similar test methods, each standard has a different scoring and rating system" date: 2024-01-30 modified: 2024-04-24 locale: en_IE --- # The issue of impact protection | Safety gloves | uvex safety ![Your Guide to the EN388 Impact Glove Standard v ANSI 138 Standard](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/images/Wi51MVihMtJKwGdzXMUGq5Rs7T13Q-aKgjNktPwi9YA/w:375/h:210/fn:Y3NtX2ltcGFjdC1wcm90ZWN0aW9uLWhlYWRlcl80NDFiYmNiNDA5:t/cb:6e2581637cb0759710eabbc87fa8df5826d3ccf4/el:1/fq:jpeg:85:avif:70:webp:80/rt:fill/aHR0cHM6Ly9kM3JieGdlcW4xeWU5ai5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9maWxlYWRtaW4vd3d3LnV2ZXgtc2FmZXR5LmNvLnVrL01lZGlhL2hleGFybW9yL2ltcGFjdC1wcm90ZWN0aW9uLWhlYWRlci5qcGc_MTc1NjIxNTM2OQ "Your Guide to the EN388 Impact Glove Standard v ANSI 138 Standard") Impact protection gloves ========================== Your complete guide to standards and selection ---------------------------------------------- Back-of-hand bones and soft tissue are extremely vulnerable to impact-related hand injuries. Identifying appropriate hand protection is imperative in impact-related issues and pinch injuries – and having the right standard in place is paramount for this process. What are impact protection gloves? ------------------------------------ Impact protection gloves are designed to help protect the **knuckles, fingers and back of hand** from knocks, bumps and blunt force incidents, while still supporting comfort and dexterity for work tasks. Many designs use flexible protective elements across key impact zones to help reduce the force transferred to the hand. They’re commonly considered in environments where people work around: - **Pinch points** (hands caught between objects) - **Falling or swinging tools/materials** - **Machinery, maintenance and heavy handling** where back-of-hand impacts can occur ![What are impact protection gloves?](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/images/-a8Yl0och5Co-cjU-M1MhZqVCvsjLaZfnJZ5jXaaaBo/w:345/h:188/fn:Y3NtXzExMDAtd2hhdC1hcmUtaW1wYWN0LWdsb3Zlc18wMWI1YjkwNTM2:t/cb:9ac7b96b7ccec0cd8d8ca21f0c47a7ddf36cc27d/el:1/fq:jpeg:85:avif:70:webp:80/aHR0cHM6Ly9kM3JieGdlcW4xeWU5ai5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9maWxlYWRtaW4vd3d3LnV2ZXgtc2FmZXR5LmNvLnVrL01lZGlhL2hleGFybW9yLzExMDAtd2hhdC1hcmUtaW1wYWN0LWdsb3Zlcy5qcGc_MTc3OTE5OTY4OQ "What are impact protection gloves?") ### Why standards matter for impact protection Hand injuries are widely recognised as a common workplace risk, and impact hazards are a key part of that picture in many industrial settings. Choosing gloves based on appearance alone can be misleading - which is why standards and test methods are important for making a defensible selection. When it comes to impact resistance, there are two widely referenced global standards: - **EN 388 (Europe)** - **ANSI/ISEA 138 (USA)** They use similar principles (measuring transmitted force), but they differ significantly in test coverage and how results are reported - and that affects how useful the rating is for your task. Got a question on impact protection? -------------------------------------- Fill in our quick form and one of our solutions experts will be in touch to help: --- ### EN 388 impact testing - what it measures **What does EN 388 test?** Under EN 388 impact testing, only one area is tested: the knuckles. **How is it tested?** The protective material from the back of the hand (specifically the knuckle) is secured over a metal, domed anvil. A 2.5 kg flat-faced striker is dropped from a height that delivers exactly 5 Joules of force. A force sensor located beneath the anvil measures the peak force that passes through the glove. **How is it rated?** EN 388 impact is reported as: - **P = Pass** - **F = Fail** - **X = Not tested** A pass is achieved when the transmitted mean force is **≤ 7 kN** with no single result **> 9 kN**. **Where do you find the score?** The impact result is shown in the 6th position under the EN 388 pictogram on the glove marking. Gloves that fail the test are marked with an "F", and untested gloves display an "X" ![EN 388 impact testing ](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/images/DAYB0Z45Ct95xjglI8CmELCZx8vl9jjZp1hR-KfQNc8/w:315/h:326/fn:Y3NtX2VuLTM4OC1pbXBhY3QtdGVzdGluZ18zM2ZmZTU0ZTFi:t/cb:98decd5fc5b98971e5ebf59906321d58d02225fd/el:1/fq:jpeg:85:avif:70:webp:80/aHR0cHM6Ly9kM3JieGdlcW4xeWU5ai5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9maWxlYWRtaW4vd3d3LnV2ZXgtc2FmZXR5LmNvLnVrL01lZGlhL2hleGFybW9yL2VuLTM4OC1pbXBhY3QtdGVzdGluZy5wbmc_MTc3OTE5Njk5Nw "EN 388 impact testing ") ### ANSI/ISEA 138 - what it measures and why it’s different **What does ANSI/ISEA 138 test?** ANSI/ISEA 138 tests both knuckles and fingers/thumb, which is a key difference compared to EN 388. This broader coverage is designed to give more specific insight into protection in areas that are frequently exposed to impact and pinch hazards during work tasks. **How is it tested?** ANSI/ISEA 138 uses multiple drops across defined locations: - **Knuckles**: 4 defined points across 2 gloves (8 tests) - **Fingers**: 5 defined points across 2 gloves (10 tests) **How is it rated?** ANSI/ISEA 138 assigns a performance level: | **Level 1** | 9 kN – 6.5 kN force transfer to the hand | |---|---| | **Level 2** | 6.5 kN – 4 kN force transfer to the hand | | **Level 3** (highest) | < 4 kN force transfer to the hand | | or **Fail** | > 9 kN force transfer to the hand | A key principle is: **the lower the transmitted force, the higher the impact resistance** (i.e., less force felt in the hand). **What if fingers and knuckles score differently?** If the knuckle and finger tests produce different results, the glove is assigned the lowest of the two as the overall impact performance level. ![ANSI/ISEA 138 ](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/images/ZYpgiud7Q6U-U4FlEpWvORNIQBYmo1Mt4iYDxJDa1FI/w:345/h:327/fn:Y3NtXzU1MC1hbnNpLWlzZWEtaW1wYWN0LXRlc3RfODQ3MTI1ZTFiNg:t/cb:33218e175be77b41cd865f5194c241432c0c591f/el:1/fq:jpeg:85:avif:70:webp:80/aHR0cHM6Ly9kM3JieGdlcW4xeWU5ai5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9maWxlYWRtaW4vd3d3LnV2ZXgtc2FmZXR5LmNvLnVrL01lZGlhL2hleGFybW9yLzU1MC1hbnNpLWlzZWEtaW1wYWN0LXRlc3QucG5nPzE3NzkxOTkzMjU "ANSI/ISEA 138 ") ### How to choose the right impact protection glove ![impact protection gloves](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/images/FkXiWafuJkc6kHXbPUSW8erGTYEfvWOb88XubBjw8F0/w:345/h:353/fn:Y3NtXzgwMC1pbXBhY3QtZ2xvdmVzX2ZiMjEzNTMxNGM:t/cb:e4f086fa2ab87778960569f2785166527e54e46b/el:1/fq:jpeg:85:avif:70:webp:80/aHR0cHM6Ly9kM3JieGdlcW4xeWU5ai5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9maWxlYWRtaW4vd3d3LnV2ZXgtc2FmZXR5LmNvLnVrL01lZGlhL2hleGFybW9yLzgwMC1pbXBhY3QtZ2xvdmVzLmpwZz8xNzc5MTg4OTky "impact protection gloves") When selecting impact gloves, it helps to start with a simple question: **1) Where is the impact risk - knuckles only, or fingers too?** If your task involves pinch points (for example handling heavy materials, tools, pipework, or working close to fixed equipment), consider whether you need impact performance information for fingers as well as knuckles. **2) How severe is the risk?** Where ANSI/ISEA 138 ratings are available, use the Level 1–3 scale to match protection to hazard severity (higher level = lower transmitted force in testing). **3) Will the glove stay on the hand?** Protection only helps when it’s worn consistently - so comfort, dexterity and task suitability matter alongside the rating. Many workplaces face the practical challenge of balancing protection and usability to support compliance. **4) Is impact protection the only hazard?** Impact hazards often appear alongside other risks (cut, abrasion, tear, puncture). Use the full glove marking system and risk assessment to ensure the glove is suitable for the overall task profile. --- ### Impact protection gloves from uvex uvex works together with HexArmor to provide impact protective glove options for different applications. **Need support choosing the right glove?** If you’d like help interpreting glove markings or selecting impact protection for your task, [contact the team](https://www.uvex-safety.ie/en/about-uvex/how-to-contact-us/contact-the-team/) or [request a trial](https://www.uvex-safety.ie/en/trial-request-form/) to find the most suitable solution for your workforce. ![HexArmor Rig Lizard® Thin Lizzie™ 2090X](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/shop-media/qNXN5Q-5JiCePI2k0nwzlYUr3hnP9oGIMGF2G-5vc-0/cb:1756915634/w:540/h:540/bWVkaWEvMzgvNmMvMDIvMTc1NjkxNTYzNC83ODA5NjU3LmpwZw "HexArmor Rig Lizard® Thin Lizzie™ 2090X") [HexArmor Rig Lizard® Thin Lizzie™ 2090X](https://www.uvex-safety.ie/en/products/safety-gloves/hexarmor-rig-lizard-thin-lizzie-2090x-60648-UK/) ![HexArmor Rig Lizard® Fluid 7102](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/shop-media/KgGbivkUQUEEhD358h1GSBjtWEpMAvX1jrO6QkmAXOU/cb:1756915699/w:540/h:540/bWVkaWEvY2QvNDMvZTAvMTc1NjkxNTY5OS83ODA5NjczLmpwZw "HexArmor Rig Lizard® Fluid 7102") [HexArmor Rig Lizard® Fluid 7102](https://www.uvex-safety.ie/en/products/safety-gloves/hexarmor-rig-lizard-fluid-7102-60652-UK/) ![HexArmor Rig Lizard® 2021X](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/shop-media/1G_Xaxm1UFNHk59taBCL3cpLHYjUodLwpvMRCV572q8/cb:1770808975/w:540/h:540/bWVkaWEvY2IvODEvOTYvMTc3MDgwODk3NS82MDY3MF9NYWluLmpwZw "HexArmor Rig Lizard® 2021X") [HexArmor Rig Lizard® 2021X](https://www.uvex-safety.ie/en/products/safety-gloves/hexarmor-rig-lizard-2021x-60670-UK/) ![HexArmor Rig Lizard® Thin Lizzie™ 2095](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/shop-media/sNzIC7-yDRKFz5WfAs2KRLcHukRoXtVNLcwLqzGHewQ/cb:1756915684/w:540/h:540/bWVkaWEvZWYvNTQvNTYvMTc1NjkxNTY4NC83ODA5NjY0LmpwZw "HexArmor Rig Lizard® Thin Lizzie™ 2095") [HexArmor Rig Lizard® Thin Lizzie™ 2095](https://www.uvex-safety.ie/en/products/safety-gloves/hexarmor-rig-lizard-thin-lizzie-2095-60650-UK/) | **Performance Ratings** 4 X 4 4 EP | |---| | **ANSI/ISEA 138 Impact**: Fingers 1 | | **ANSI/ISEA 138 Impact**: Knuckles 2 | | **Overall Impact Score Level 1** | | **Performance Ratings** 4 X 4 2 CP | |---| | **ANSI/ISEA 138 Impact:** Fingers 1 | | **ANSI/ISEA 138 Impact:** Knuckles 2 | | **Overall Impact Score Level 1** | | **Performance Ratings** 4 X 4 3 CP | |---| | **ANSI/ISEA 138 Impact**: Fingers 2 | | **ANSI/ISEA 138 Impact**: Knuckles 2 | | **Overall Impact Score Level 2** | | **Performance Ratings** 4 X 4 4 FP | |---| | **ANSI/ISEA 138 Impact**: Fingers 2 | | **ANSI/ISEA 138 Impact**: Knuckles 2 | | **Overall Impact Score Level 2** | In summary, the key benefits of the ISEA 138 impact test over the EN 388 test: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - The test answers questions concerning finger pinch-point protection which is where most injuries occur - ISEA 138 delivers exact information concerning all-round protection and not just to the knuckles - It reassures wearers about how much protection they are receiving - Allows HSE professionals to make informed decisions and select impact protection according to the level of impact risk --- ##### Download our useful guide (PDF) [ ![Download our useful A5 guide](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/images/PKi061K-Vu3jBAAXWSQl4wa0VUxt8pm6zcH6bnYWADY/w:345/h:259/fn:Y3NtX2Rvd25sb2FkLWZseWVyLXRlYXNlcl9hYWZlNmI4ODk3:t/cb:204b769c3fa47c16629b7035cc048b540f5433ae/el:1/fq:jpeg:85:avif:70:webp:80/aHR0cHM6Ly9kM3JieGdlcW4xeWU5ai5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9maWxlYWRtaW4vd3d3LnV2ZXgtc2FmZXR5LmNvLnVrL01lZGlhL2hleGFybW9yL2Rvd25sb2FkLWZseWVyLXRlYXNlci5qcGc_MTU4NzEyMTk2Mg "Download our useful A5 guide") ](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/fileadmin/www.uvex-safety.ie/flyers/hexarmor-uvex-impact-flyer.pdf?1713439038) ##### Understanding puncture resistance [ ![Your guide to puncture resistant safety gloves](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/images/bAH9sL4FOJ64Sm4DtIP8LQNnOfPQ9L60B4q29NXYYpg/w:345/h:259/fn:Y3NtX3B1bmN0dXJlLXRlc3RpbmctdGVhc2VyXzQ5ODM3ZmJiZGE:t/cb:40d75b304c4216cf2e4ed98be35d1b90b41f8ec6/el:1/fq:jpeg:85:avif:70:webp:80/aHR0cHM6Ly9kM3JieGdlcW4xeWU5ai5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9maWxlYWRtaW4vd3d3LnV2ZXgtc2FmZXR5LmNvLnVrL01lZGlhL2hleGFybW9yL3B1bmN0dXJlLXRlc3RpbmctdGVhc2VyLmpwZz8xNTkxMjY0NTU0 "Your guide to puncture resistant safety gloves") ](https://www.uvex-safety.ie/en/understanding-puncture-resistant-safety-gloves/) ##### Preventing sharps injuries [ ![Preventing sharps injuries](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/images/lbHcd9MZtkpEduNQyywMufgKvv-Mg4uoj5yXvmYYRHw/w:345/h:259/fn:Y3NtX25lZWRsZXN0aWNrLWluanVyaWVzLXRlYXNlcl82ZWQyMjdmMDIx:t/cb:a7df73dacdc2b1df97e15c8dbb846e2e3535bfcd/el:1/fq:jpeg:85:avif:70:webp:80/aHR0cHM6Ly9kM3JieGdlcW4xeWU5ai5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9maWxlYWRtaW4vd3d3LnV2ZXgtc2FmZXR5LmNvLnVrL01lZGlhL2hleGFybW9yL25lZWRsZXN0aWNrLWluanVyaWVzLXRlYXNlci5qcGc_MTU5MTI2NDU1NA "Preventing sharps injuries") ](https://www.uvex-safety.ie/en/preventing-sharps-injuries/)