ASTM F2961-14
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Characterizing Gripping Performance of Gloves Using a Torque Meter
Standard Test Method for Characterizing Gripping Performance of Gloves Using a Torque Meter
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
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.
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 It is possible to apply this test method to other types of gloves, other than structural firefighting protective gloves. Evaluate the relevance of this test method by examining the particular application of the gloves for end user gripping capability. In addition, understand how this test method ranks gloves in comparison with end user perceptions.
5.4 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.
SCOPE
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 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
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Designation: F2961 − 14
StandardTest Method for
Characterizing Gripping Performance of Gloves Using a
Torque Meter
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2961; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
ASTM Test Methods
1.1 This test method is used for evaluating how gloves
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
affect an individual wearer’s ability to grip onto a hard surface
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
object.
F1494 Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
1.1.1 This test method establishes procedures for measuring
2.2 NFPA Standards:
the maximum torque that can be attained by individual’s bare
NFPA1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural
hand as compared to the maximum torque that is attained by
Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting
the same individual wearing a glove. The torque is applied to
a vertically-mounted pole attached to a torque meter.
3. Terminology
1.2 This test method is suitable for evaluating gloves and
3.1 For definitions of other protective clothing-related terms
other forms of hand protection that require the wearer to
used in this test method, refer to Terminology F1494.
maintain a secure hold on objects.
1.3 This test method does not address all effects of wearing 4. Summary of Test Method
gloves on hand functions. Other test methods include those for
4.1 The maximum torque applied to a vertically oriented
evaluating the effect of wearing gloves on dexterity, tactility,
cylindrical rod is measured without gloves and then later while
and other aspects of functional performance.
wearing gloves. The bare hand maximum torque is compared
1.4 It is the responsibility of the test laboratory to obtain the to the gloved hand maximum torque in terms of a percentage.
necessary and appropriate approval(s) required by their insti-
This percentage is useful in determining if a glove enhances or
tution for conducting tests using human subjects. decreases an individual’s ability to grip a hard object.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
5. Significance and Use
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
5.1 This test method is intended to provide a quantitative
standard.
measurement of wearing gloves on an individual’s ability to
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
grip a solid object.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 5.2 This method was originally developed to help under-
stand how materials and construction of firefighting gloves
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. affected grip. Methods available at the time showed very little
statistical difference between a wide range of gloves including
2. Referenced Documents many NFPA 1971 compliant firefighting gloves and also
non-compliant gloves used in other applications. This method
2.1 ASTM Standards:
was shown to have less subject-to-subject variability and a
D1776 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
greater range of measured grip than previous tests.
5.3 It is possible to apply this test method to other types of
gloves, other than structural firefighting protective gloves.
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F23 on Personal
Protective Clothing and Equipment and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
F23.60 on Human Factors.
Current edition approved July 1, 2014. Published August 2014. DOI: 10.1520/ Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
F2961–14. Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
2 4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Ross, Barker, Watkins, and Deaton, “Methods for Measuring the Grip Perfor-
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM mance of Structural Firefighting Gloves,” Performance of Protective Clothing and
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Equipment: Emerging Issues and Technologies,” ASTM STP 1544, Vol 9, A.
the ASTM website. Shepherd Ed., ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2012.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2961 − 14
Evaluate the relevance of this test method by examining the 6.2.1 Measuring 0 to 10.0 6 0.5 N·m (88.5 6 4.5 lb-in.).
particular application of the gloves for end user gripping 6.2.2 Able to be fastened in place or heavy enough to be
capability. In addition, understand how this test method ranks immobile during testing.
gloves in comparison with end user perceptions. 6.2.3 Able to measure torque in either a clockwise or
counter-clockwise direction.
5.4 This test method does not discriminate all glove effects
6.2.4 Fitting with an adjustable rod holder fixed to the upper
onwearerhandfunctionnordoesitapplytoallglovetypesand
surface of the meter.
applications. Consider additional evaluations or tests represen-
6.2.4.1 The rod holder has four metal pins protruding
tative of the glove use applications performed to determine the
upwards from the surface. Use 10 mm diameter pins that
overall impact of gloves on wearer hand functions.
protrude 30 mm from the surface of the holder.
(1) Cover the metal pins with a rubber material that is
6. Apparatus
between 2.5 and 3.0 mm thick.
6.1 Testing Apparatus—The device used to characterize the
6.3 Use transparent cast acrylic rod meeting the following
gripping performance of gloves consists of a torque meter with
requirements:
adjustable rod holder and a smooth acrylic cylindrical rod (Fig.
1). The rod is secured tightly in the adjustable rod holder
6.4 Measures 600 mm (24 in.) in length and has a diameter
attached to the torque meter.
of 41.5 mm (1.625 in.).
6.2 Use a torque meter capable of meeting the following 6.4.1 Hasasurfaceroughnessvalueof0.10 60.05µm(4 6
2 µin.) and is free of visual scratches and blemishes.
requirements:
6.4.2 Use an acrylic rod with four grooves cut into the
bottom of the rod. Grooves should match the size of the pins
with rubber covering.
6.4.2.1 Fig. 2 shows an example of a rod cut with grooves
at the bottom.
7. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
7.1 Use a minimum of three glove specimens for testing
each model or type of glove.
7.1.1 Use right-handed glove specimens for right-hand
dominant test subjects and left-handed glove specimens for
left-hand dominant test subjects.
7.1.2 Each glove specimen shall be tested by a different
human subject.
7.2 Each glove specimen shall be tested in a new, as-
distributed, condition.
7.2.1 Do not use glove specimens that are treated, broken-
in,orconditionedinanymannerotherthanspecifiedinthistest
method prior to their evaluation unless otherwise specified.
8. Conditioning
8.1 Condition all glove specimens at a temperature of 21 6
3°C (70 6 5°F), and a relative humidity of 65 6 5 %, until
equilibrium is reached, as determined in accordance with
Practice D1776 or for at least 24 h.
9. Procedure
9.1 Use a minimum of three test subjects with similar hand
sizes.
9.1.1 Only use test subjects that obtain a bare hand average
maximum torque applied value T greater than 4.5 N·m but
B
less than 9.0 N·m.
9.1.2 Fit the dominant hand of each test subject with a new
glove, appropriately sized, in accordance with the manufactur-
er’s recommendations for the selection and fit of available
glove sizes.
9.2 Conduct the test without the test subject’s knowledge of
FIG. 1 Acrylic Rod Attached to a Torque Meter the torque applied, that is, the test subject shall not be able to
F2961 − 14
FIG. 2 Diagram of Rod Cut with Grooves at the Bottom
observe the reading from the torque meter or learn of the perpendicular to the ventral plane of the body from the elbow
applied torque during any attempt to twist the rod. to the wrist. An example can be seen in Fig. 3.
9.4.4 With the bare hand firmly in grasp of the rod, each
9.3 No more than five different glove specimens shall be
subject will make five successive attempts to twist the rod.
tested by the same test subject on the same day to reduce hand
Each attempt counts as a repetition.
fatigue.
9.4.4.1 Each repetition shall last no longer than 5 s and each
9.4 Conduct a bare hand torque measurement using a
successive repetition shall occur within one minute of the
subject’s dominant hand at the beginning of a testing cycle. A
previous repetition.
testingcycleconsistsofabarehandmeasurementsfollowedby
9.4.4.2 The test subject’s rotation during the repetition shall
gloved hand measurements.
be in the wrist rather than in the shoulder.An
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