ASTM F2961-22
(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 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 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 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.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Jan-2022
- Technical Committee
- F23 - Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment
- Drafting Committee
- F23.60 - Human Factors
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2008
- Refers
ASTM E177-06b - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods - Effective Date
- 15-Nov-2006
- Refers
ASTM E177-06a - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods - Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2005
Overview
ASTM F2961-22, "Standard Test Method for Characterizing Gripping Performance of Gloves Using a Torque Meter," is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. This standard provides a quantitative method for evaluating the impact of gloves on an individual’s ability to grip and twist solid objects. Utilizing a torque meter, it measures the maximum torque that can be applied with and without gloves, offering valuable data to assess how gloves affect grip performance. F2961-22 is especially relevant for protective gloves, including those used in firefighting and other demanding occupational applications, ensuring safety and performance are not compromised.
Key Topics
- Purpose: Quantifies the effect of glove wear on grip strength using a standardized method.
- Procedure: Compares bare hand to gloved hand maximum torque on a standard test apparatus.
- Applicability: Suitable for all gloves that require secure handling of objects, not limited to firefighting gloves.
- Limitations: Does not address all aspects of hand function (e.g., dexterity, tactility); supplemental tests may be necessary.
- Test Apparatus: Involves use of a torque meter with a vertically mounted acrylic rod and controlled environmental conditioning of glove samples.
- Reporting Metrics: Results are represented as a percentage of the bare hand control value (%BHCV), indicating if gloves enhance or decrease grip.
- Precision: Provides repeatability guidance to ensure consistency in testing outcomes.
- Human Subject Consideration: Laboratories must obtain appropriate approvals for tests involving human participants.
Applications
The test method outlined in ASTM F2961-22 offers practical value across several industries:
- Firefighting and Emergency Services: Assessing how structural firefighting gloves impact grip strength, aiding in design and selection of PPE that optimizes safety and performance in emergency scenarios.
- Industrial Safety and Manufacturing: Evaluating protective gloves used in manufacturing, assembly, or materials handling where firm grip is crucial to prevent accidents and improve efficiency.
- Healthcare and Laboratory Work: Useful for testing medical or laboratory gloves, ensuring sufficient grip for handling instruments and equipment securely.
- Product Development and Quality Control: Assisting manufacturers in comparing glove designs and materials for optimal grip, providing reliable, quantitative data to inform product improvements and certification claims.
- Purchasing and Specification: Guiding safety officers and procurement specialists in selecting gloves that meet specific gripping performance criteria for their workforce.
Related Standards
For a comprehensive evaluation of glove performance, consider referencing these related standards:
- ASTM D1776/D1776M: Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles, relevant for sample preparation and testing conditions.
- ASTM F1494: Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing, which provides definitions used in F2961-22.
- ASTM E177: Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods, supporting understanding of statistical consistency in grip testing.
- ASTM E691: Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method.
- NFPA 1971: Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, key for glove compliance in firefighting applications.
Summary
Adopting ASTM F2961-22 enhances the evaluation, comparison, and selection of protective gloves by providing a standardized grip performance assessment. Whether for improving safety in emergency environments or optimizing industrial productivity, this test method supports evidence-based decision-making and product development in the global protective equipment market.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM F2961-22 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Characterizing Gripping Performance of Gloves Using a Torque Meter". This standard covers: 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 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 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 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.
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 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 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 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.
ASTM F2961-22 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.340.40 - Hand and arm protection. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM F2961-22 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D1776/D1776M-20, ASTM D1776/D1776M-16, ASTM D1776/D1776M-15, ASTM E177-14, ASTM F1494-13, ASTM E177-13, ASTM E691-13, ASTM E691-11, ASTM F1494-03(2011), ASTM E177-10, ASTM E177-08, ASTM E691-08, ASTM E177-06b, ASTM E177-06a, ASTM E691-05. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM F2961-22 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
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.
Designation: F2961 − 22
Standard Test 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 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method is used for evaluating how gloves
D1776/D1776M Practice for Conditioning and Testing Tex-
affect an individual wearer’s ability to grip onto a hard surface
tiles
object.
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
1.1.1 This test method establishes procedures for measuring
ASTM Test Methods
the maximum torque that can be attained by an individual’s
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
bare hand as compared to the maximum torque that is attained
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
by the same individual wearing a glove. The torque is applied
F1494 Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
to a vertically mounted pole attached to a torque meter.
2.2 NFPA Standards:
1.2 This test method is suitable for evaluating gloves and
NFPA1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural
other forms of hand protection that require the wearer to
Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting
maintain a secure hold on objects.
3. Terminology
1.3 This test method does not address all effects of wearing
gloves on hand functions. Other test methods include those for
3.1 For definitions of other protective clothing-related terms
evaluating the effect of wearing gloves on dexterity, tactility,
used in this test method, refer to Terminology F1494.
and other aspects of functional performance.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.4 It is the responsibility of the test laboratory to obtain the
necessary and appropriate approval(s) required by their insti- 4.1 The maximum torque applied to a vertically oriented
tution for conducting tests using human subjects. cylindrical rod is measured without gloves and then later while
wearing gloves. The bare hand maximum torque is compared
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
to the gloved hand maximum torque in terms of a percentage.
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
This percentage is useful in determining if a glove enhances or
standard.
decreases an individual’s ability to grip a hard object.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5. Significance and Use
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5.1 This test method is intended to provide a quantitative
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
measurement of wearing gloves on an individual’s ability to
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
gripasolidobjectandtwistinadefineddirection.Thegripping
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
performance may be different if twisted in the opposing
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
direction or if pushing or pulling on a solid object while
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
gripping.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.2 This method was originally developed to help under-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
stand how materials and construction of firefighting gloves
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
affected grip. Methods available at the time showed very little
1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F23 on Personal For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Protective Clothing and Equipment and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
F23.60 on Human Factors. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2022. Published March 2022. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 2014. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as F2961 – 15. DOI: Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
10.1520/F2961-22. Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2961 − 22
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.
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 func-
tions.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Testing Apparatus—The device used to characterize the
gripping performance of gloves consists of a torque meter with
adjustable rod holder and a smooth acrylic cylindrical rod (Fig.
1). The rod is secured tightly in the adjustable rod holder
attached to the torque meter.
6.2 Use a torque meter capable of meeting the following
requirements:
6.2.1 Measuring 0 to 10.0 6 0.5 N·m (88.5 6 4.5 lb-in.).
6.2.1.1 A torque meter with a higher measuring range is
allowed provided it still has an accuracy of 60.5 N·m
(64.5 lb-in.).
6.2.2 Able to be fastened in place or heavy enough to be
immobile during testing.
6.2.3 Able to measure torque in either a clockwise or
counter-clockwise direction.
6.2.4 Fitting with an adjustable rod holder fixed to the upper
surface of the meter.
6.2.4.1 The rod holder has four metal pins protruding
FIG. 1 Acrylic Rod Attached to a Torque Meter
upwards from the surface. Use 10 mm diameter pins that
protrude 30 mm from the surface of the holder.
(1) Cover the metal pins with a rubber material that is
7. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
between 2.5 and 3.0 mm thick.
7.1 Use a minimum of three glove specimens for testing
6.3 Use transparent cast acrylic rod meeting the following
each model or type of glove.
requirements:
7.1.1 Use right-handed glove specimens for right-hand
6.4 Measures 600 mm (24 in.) in length and has a diameter
dominant test subjects and left-handed glove specimens for
of 41.5 mm (1.625 in.).
left-hand dominant test subjects.
6.4.1 Hasasurfaceroughnessvalueof0.10 60.05µm(4 6
7.1.2 Each glove specimen shall be tested by a different
2 µin.) and is free of visual scratches and blemishes.
human subject.
6.4.2 Use an acrylic rod with four grooves cut into the
7.2 Each glove specimen shall be tested in a new, as-
bottom of the rod. Grooves should match the size of the pins
distributed condition.
with rubber covering.
7.2.1 Do not use glove specimens that are treated, broken-
6.4.2.1 Fig. 2 shows an example of a rod cut with grooves
in,orconditionedinanymannerotherthanspecifiedinthistest
at the bottom.
method prior to their evaluation unless otherwise specified.
Ross, Barker, Watkins, and Deaton, “Methods for Measuring the Grip Perfor- 8. Conditioning
mance of Structural Firefighting Gloves,” Performance of Protective Clothing and
8.1 Condition all glove specimens at a temperature of 21 6
Equipment: Emerging Issues and Technologies,” ASTM STP 1544, Vol 9, A.
Shepherd Ed., ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2012. 3 °C (70 6 5 °F) and a relative humidity of 65 6 5 %, until
F2961 − 22
FIG. 2 Diagram of Rod Cut with Grooves at the Bottom
equilibrium is reached as determined in accordance with 9.5 Conduct a bare hand torque measurement using a
Practice D1776/D1776M, or for at least 24 h. subject’s dominant hand at the beginning of a testing cycle.
9.5.1 Set the torque meter to read a counter-clockwise
9. Procedure
torque for right-hand dominant test subjects. Set the torque
9.1 Use a minimum of three test subjects with similar hand
meter to read a clockwise torque for left-hand dominant test
sizes.
subjects.
9.1.1 Only use test subjects that obtain a bare hand average
9.5.2 Test subjects stand such that they grab the acrylic rod
maximum torque applied value T greater than 4.5 N·m but
B with the elbow bent at a right angle and the upper arm against
less than 1.0 N·m below the maximum measurement capacity
the side of the body.
of the torque meter.
9.5.2.1 Adjust the height of the test apparatus to provide the
9.1.2 Fit the dominant hand of each test subject with a new
body and arm orientation described i
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F2961 − 15 F2961 − 22
Standard Test 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
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 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1776D1776/D1776M Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F23 on Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
F23.60 on Human Factors.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2015Feb. 1, 2022. Published March 2015March 2022. Originally approved in 2014. Last previous edition approved in 20142015 as
F2961 – 14.F2961 – 15. DOI: 10.1520/F2961–15.10.1520/F2961-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2961 − 22
F1494 Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
2.2 NFPA Standards:
NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of other protective clothing-related terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology F1494.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The maximum torque applied to a vertically oriented cylindrical rod is measured without gloves and then later while wearing
gloves. The bare hand maximum torque is compared to the gloved hand maximum torque in terms of a percentage. This percentage
is useful in determining if a glove enhances or decreases an individual’s ability to grip a hard object.
5. 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 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.
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.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Testing Apparatus—The device used to characterize the gripping performance of gloves consists of a torque meter with
adjustable rod holder and a smooth acrylic cylindrical rod (Fig. 1). The rod is secured tightly in the adjustable rod holder attached
to the torque meter.
6.2 Use a torque meter capable of meeting the following requirements:
6.2.1 Measuring 0 to 10.0 6 0.5 N·m (88.5 6 4.5 lb-in.).
6.2.1.1 A torque meter with a higher measuring range is allowed provided it still has an accuracy of 60.5 N·m (64.5 lb-in.).
6.2.2 Able to be fastened in place or heavy enough to be immobile during testing.
6.2.3 Able to measure torque in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.
6.2.4 Fitting with an adjustable rod holder fixed to the upper surface of the meter.
6.2.4.1 The rod holder has four metal pins protruding upwards from the surface. Use 10 mm diameter pins that protrude 30 mm
from the surface of the holder.
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
Ross, Barker, Watkins, and Deaton, “Methods for Measuring the Grip Performance of Structural Firefighting Gloves,” Performance of Protective Clothing and
Equipment: Emerging Issues and Technologies,” ASTM STP 1544, Vol 9, A. Shepherd Ed., ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2012.
F2961 − 22
FIG. 1 Acrylic Rod Attached to a Torque Meter
(1) Cover the metal pins with a rubber material that is between 2.5 and 3.0 mm thick.
6.3 Use transparent cast acrylic rod meeting the following requirements:
6.4 Measures 600 mm (24 in.) in length and has a diameter of 41.5 mm (1.625 in.).
6.4.1 Has a surface roughness value of 0.10 6 0.05 μm (4 6 2 μin.) and is free of visual scratches and blemishes.
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.
F2961 − 22
FIG. 2 Diagram of Rod Cut with Grooves at the Bottom
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,as-distributed condition.
7.2.1 Do not use glove specimens that are treated, broken-in, or conditioned in any manner other than specified in this test method
prior to their evaluation unless otherwise specified.
8. Conditioning
8.1 Condition all glove specimens at a temperature of 21 6 3°C3 °C (70 6 5°F),5 °F) and a relative humidity of 65 6 5 %, until
equilibrium is reached,reached as determined in accordance with Practice D1776D1776/D1776M, 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 less than
B
9.0 N·m.1.0 N·m below the maximum measurement capacity of the torque meter.
9.1.2 Fit the dominant hand of each test subject with a new glove, appropriately sized, in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations for the selection and fit of available glove sizes.
9.1.2.1 For test subjects that are ambidextrous, subjects self-select which hand they will consider as dominant for the purpose of
the test. This selected hand shall be used for both bare and gloved hand tests.
9.2 Conduct the test without the test subject’s knowledge of the torque applied, that is, the test subject shall not be able to observe
the reading from the torque meter or learn of the applied torque during any attempt to twist the rod.
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9.3 No more than five different glove specimens shall be tested by the same test subject Test subject will go through no more than
four testing cycles on the same day to reduce hand fatigue. A testing cycle consists of five consecutive bare hand repetitions,
followed by a mandatory 5 min rest, followed by five consecutive gloved hand repetitions of a single glove specimen.
9.4 If conducting more th
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