Cut Protection Selection

ANSI/ISEA and EN388 Cut Levels are NOT Interchangeable.

To capitalize on today’s technology and innovation, you need to understand our industry’s test methods. Each test method has unique processes and testing equipment (see diagrams for more explanation). Therefore, it is difficult to make comparisons with each of these test methods and results (scores).

Understanding the ANSI/ISEA 105 Standard Specific to Cut Protection

ANSI Cut Protection Test Rating Systems

The American National Standards Institute and the International Safety Equipment Association have recently updated our industry’s ANSI/ISEA 105 Standard. Effective early 2016, this updated standard will provide the criteria to better identify levels of cut protection, abrasion, puncture, chemical, heat, vibration, and dexterity. Much of our industry’s attention will be directed toward enhancements in cut protection levels. These changes are necessary to help our industry move toward establishing an international test method for cut protection. The new test method designation is F2992/F2992M-15. Note going forward there will be nine (9) levels of cut protection performance as opposed to six (6) from the previous test method. Additionally, all levels will reference “A” as a prefix to identify compliance with the new standard.