5.1 This test method is intended to provide a quantitative measurement of wearing gloves on an individual’s ability to grip a solid object and twist in a defined direction. The gripping performance may be different if twisted in the opposing direction or if pushing or pulling on a solid object while gripping.

5.2 This method was originally developed to help understand how materials and construction of firefighting gloves affected grip. Methods available at the time showed very little statistical difference between a wide range of gloves, including many NFPA 1971 compliant firefighting gloves and also non-compliant gloves used in other applications. This method was shown to have less subject-to-subject variability and a greater range of measured grip than previous tests.4

5.3 Further research was conducted in 2022 using two disparate, non-firefighting protective gloves and a larger sample size. The research showed that the test method could be used successfully on a variety of glove types other than structural firefighting.5 Key findings about the testing methodology have been included in the standard.

5.4 This test method is for evaluating the gripping performance of dry protective gloves only.

5.5 This test method does not discriminate all glove effects on wearer hand function, nor does it apply to all glove types and applications. Consider additional evaluations or tests representative of the glove use applications performed to determine the overall impact of gloves on wearer hand functions.

1.1 This test method is used for evaluating how gloves affect an individual wearer’s ability to grip onto a hard surface object.

1.1.1 This test method establishes procedures for measuring the maximum torque that can be attained by an individual’s bare hand as compared to the maximum torque that is attained by the same individual wearing a glove. The torque is applied to a vertically mounted pole attached to a torque meter.

1.2 This test method is suitable for evaluating gloves and other forms of hand protection that require the wearer to maintain a secure hold on objects.

1.3 This test method does not address all effects of wearing gloves on hand functions. Other test methods include those for evaluating the effect of wearing gloves on dexterity, tactility, and other aspects of functional performance.

1.4 It is the responsibility of the test laboratory to obtain the necessary and appropriate approval(s) required by their institution for conducting tests using human subjects.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.