The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) 105 standard was adopted to address the testing and classification of hand protection. This 2016 standard updated the testing method to classify cut resistance in hand protection while also providing a more precise range of cut resistance levels. Reflecting the developments in cut resistant materials, the new standard takes the old 0-5 safety scale and upgrades it to a 9 point system. The testing method has also been standardized, only allowing cut resistance to be measured by a Tomodynamometer Test Machine (TDM), where two machines were permitted before.
ANSI Cut Resistance TDM Test
The updated ANSI/ISEA 105 Cut Resistance test utilizes a tool known as a Tomodynamometer Test Machine or TDM. A piece of the fabric being tested is placed on the TDM and is subjected to number of cuts made by a straight edged blade. This blade is placed under a weight in grams and moved in a straight track across the fabric sample. 15 cuts are performed, with a new weight applied every 5 cuts, and a new blade equipped for each cut. When the data from these various cuts is compiled, the testers can determine a cut level between the range of A1 - A9, A1 being the least cut resistant and A9 the most.
ANSI A1: 200-499 Grams to Cut
Hazard Level: Light
Applications: material handling, small parts assembly, packing, warehouse work, general purpose, construction
ANSI A2: 500-999 Grams to Cut
Hazard Level: Light/Medium
Applications: general purpose, automotive assembly, pulp & paper, forestry, construction, material handling
ANSI A3: 1000-1499 Grams to Cut
Hazard Level: Light/Medium
Applications: material handling, small parts assembly (sharp edges), packaging, warehouse, construction, automotive assembly
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