The Australian standard originated in 1952 and has been periodically reviewed to reflect the progress in science, technology and systems. In more recent changes, the European standard has been reproduced as the Australian + New Zealand standard. As we move forward with innovation it is important to observe international standards as a basis of the global market.
Australian / New Zealand Standard for Protective Gloves
The AS/NZS 2161.3 2020 standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand Committee SF-053, Protective Clothing. It is identical with and has been reproduced from EN 388 2016 + A1 2018, Protective gloves against mechanical risk. This standard applies to protective gloves against mechanical risks of abrasion, blade cut, tear, puncture and if applicable, impact. It is intended to be used in conjunction with AS/NZS 2161.2, Occupational Protective Gloves, Part 2: General requirements.
The AS/NZS 2161.3 2020 standard supersedes AS/NZS 2161.3 2005, Occupational Protective Gloves, Part 3: Protection against mechanical risks. Which was identical with and reproduced from EN 388 2003, Protective gloves against mechanical risk.
American Standard for Protective Gloves
The new ANSI/ISEA 138 2019, is the American National Standard Institute/International Safety Equipment Association for Performance and classification for Impact-Resistant gloves. Measuring higher protection values, allowing different impact resistant applications to precisely match up to the correct protection level needed for the job. Previously the EN 388 2016 Standard was the only measurement of impact protection recorded, based on the EN13594 2015 Standard for Protective gloves for motorcycle riders.
The American National Standard for Hand protection classification, ANSI/ISEA 105 2016, measures mechanical protection against cut, puncture, abrasion, plus chemical and heat protection, as well as vibration reduction. The ANSI/ISEA 105 standard and EN 388 2016 standard are now in-line with each other for cut resistance when converting Newtons to grams. With the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard measuring further, up to 6000+ grams.
European Standard for Protective Gloves
The European Standard for Protective Gloves, EN 388 2016, Protective gloves against mechanical risk is the European standard used to evaluate mechanical risks for hand protection. This standard supersedes EN 388 2003*, and is now in-line with the ANSI/ISEA 105 standards for cut resistance. Protective gloves with an EN 388 are rated against the mechanical risks of abrasion, cut, tear, puncture and if applicable, impact. This standard was amended in 2018 and is intended to be used in conjunction with EN 420 2003 + A1 2009, Protective gloves. The AS/NZS 2161.3 2020 standard is identical with and has been reproduced from EN 388 2016 + A1 2018.
*The old EN 388 2003 is still being referenced in our industry, with many safety gloves still printed with these standards attached. In time they will need to be re-tested to the updated standard.