Portwest Impact E18 Nitrile Antistatic ESD Glove

Working with sensitive electronic components or hazardous materials demands a glove that protects hands from physical hazards while simultaneously preventing electrostatic discharge. The Portwest A756 Impact E18 Nitrile Antistatic ESD Glove is engineered precisely for this challenge — delivering Level E cut resistance, ANSI/ISEA 138 Level 2 impact protection, IEC 61340-5-1:2024 ESD compliance, and a skintight 18-gauge liner that maintains the precision and sensitivity demanded in technical and electronics environments.

The Case for a Specialist ESD Impact Glove

Most cut and impact gloves are not antistatic. Most ESD gloves offer little cut or impact protection. The A756 bridges that gap — making it the right choice for professionals who work with both sensitive components and physical hazards in the same task or environment.

Key Performance Features

Level E Cut Resistance — High-Performance Fibre Construction

The A756 combines HPPE, Polyester, and Steel fibres to achieve EN 388:2016 + A1:2018 Level E cut resistance and ANSI/ISEA 105:2016 Cut Level A5 — placing it firmly in the high-cut-resistance tier. Steel fibre is one of the most effective cut-resistant materials available, and its inclusion here allows the A756 to reach Level E performance without the bulk that would compromise dexterity or ESD performance. For workers handling sharp components, metal edges, or bladed materials alongside electronic assemblies, this rating provides a credible and certified level of defence.

IEC 61340-5-1:2024 & EN 16350:2014 ESD Certification

Certified to both IEC 61340-5-1:2024 and EN 16350:2014, the A756 meets the internationally recognised standards for electrostatic discharge protection. ESD-safe gloves are essential when working with printed circuit boards, semiconductor components, precision instruments, and any sensitive electronic equipment where an uncontrolled static discharge can cause irreversible damage. The A756's antistatic properties ensure that charge is safely dissipated rather than accumulated and released destructively.

Touchscreen Compatible

The A756 is compatible with most mobile touchscreen devices, allowing workers to interact with tablets, touchscreen control panels, and diagnostic equipment without removing their gloves — reducing task interruption and maintaining protection continuity throughout the working day.

ANSI/ISEA 138 Level 2 Impact Protection

Ergonomically designed PVC impact plates across the dorsal hand are certified to ANSI/ISEA 138:2019 Level 2 for medium-energy impact protection. The EN 388:2016 "P" designation confirms European impact compliance. Crucially, the PVC impact design prioritises flexibility — the plates are shaped and positioned to move with the hand rather than against it, allowing the A756 to absorb and distribute impact loads without restricting the fine motor control required in technical applications.

Washed Micro Foam Nitrile Coating

The water jet washed micro foam nitrile palm coating delivers excellent grip and durability in both dry and lightly damp conditions. The washing process refines the nitrile foam's texture, creating a surface that is softer against the skin while maintaining the tactile sensitivity and secure grip needed for precise component handling. The nitrile coating also contributes to the glove's overall durability and resistance to abrasion and minor chemical contact.

18-Gauge Skintight Liner — Precision Fit

The 18-gauge liner is finer than the 13-gauge found in standard mechanical gloves, producing an exceptionally close, skintight fit that closely follows the hand's natural contours. This delivers Dexterity Level 5 under EN ISO 21420:2020 — the highest possible rating — and makes the A756 suitable for tasks requiring fingertip precision, delicate assembly, or fine-detail work. The fine gauge also significantly reduces hand fatigue during prolonged wear.

Reinforced Thumb Crotch

The reinforced thumb crotch extends the service life of the A756 at one of the glove's highest-wear points, reducing replacement frequency and maintaining integrity in the thumb-forefinger zone where cut and abrasion hazards are most frequently encountered.

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Approved

The A756 holds OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 approval, confirming that all materials used in the glove have been tested for harmful substances and are safe for skin contact. For employers with occupational health commitments or procurement policies requiring material safety certification, this provides an additional verified assurance.

Key Features at a Glance

• EN 388:2016 Level E cut resistance — high-tier European cut protection
• ANSI/ISEA 105:2016 Cut Level A5 — verified US cut performance
• ANSI/ISEA 138:2019 Level 2 — medium-energy impact protection
• IEC 61340-5-1:2024 certified — ESD / antistatic protection
• EN 16350:2014 certified — European electrostatic standard
• Touchscreen compatible — works with most mobile devices
• 18-gauge skintight liner — maximum dexterity and tactile sensitivity
• Washed micro foam nitrile coating — grip, durability, and comfort
• Ergonomic PVC impact plates — flexible dorsal impact protection
• Reinforced thumb crotch — extended durability at high-wear point
• OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 approved — tested safe for skin contact
• EN ISO 21420:2020 Dexterity Level 5 — maximum hand mobility
• CE certified — EU PPE Regulation compliant

Full Certifications & Standards

Materials

• HPPE — high-performance polyethylene for cut resistance and structural strength
• Polyester — lightweight durability and shape retention
• Steel — steel fibre reinforcement contributing to Level E cut performance
• TPR — thermoplastic rubber for impact pod flexibility and energy dispersion
• Washed Micro Foam Nitrile — palm coating for grip, durability, and tactile sensitivity

Who Is the Portwest A756 For?

The A756 is the right choice wherever ESD protection must coexist with serious mechanical hazard defence. Primary applications include:

• Electronics manufacturing and PCB assembly
• Semiconductor production and cleanroom environments
• Aerospace and defence component handling
• Telecommunications and data centre maintenance
• Automotive electronics and EV battery assembly
• Precision engineering and instrumentation
• Oil and gas — where ESD risk combines with cut and impact hazards
• Any environment requiring simultaneous ESD safety and Level E cut/impact protection

Frequently Asked Questions

What ESD standards does the Portwest A756 meet? The A756 is certified to both IEC 61340-5-1:2024 and EN 16350:2014, covering the principal international and European standards for electrostatic discharge protection in PPE.

What cut level does the A756 achieve? EN 388:2016 Level E and ANSI/ISEA 105:2016 Cut Level A5 — placing it in the high-cut-resistance tier, suitable for environments with significant sharp-edge hazards.

Can the A756 be used with touchscreens? Yes. The A756 is compatible with most mobile touchscreen devices, allowing interaction with tablets and touchscreen controls without glove removal.

Why is an 18-gauge liner better for ESD applications? The finer 18-gauge construction produces a skintight fit that maximises dexterity and fingertip sensitivity — essential for handling delicate electronic components and assemblies where a thicker glove would reduce precision and increase the risk of component damage.

What is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 approval? It means all materials in the A756 have been independently tested and confirmed free from harmful substances at levels that could affect health — providing additional assurance for employers with skin safety or material certification requirements.

What is the product code for this glove? The Portwest Impact E18 Nitrile Antistatic ESD Glove has product code A756.

How does the A756 compare to the AP54? Both offer Level 2 impact protection, but the A756 adds certified ESD/antistatic properties, a finer 18-gauge liner for greater dexterity, and OEKO-TEX® approval — making it the specialist choice for electronics and precision environments, while the AP54's waterproof construction and Level F/A6 cut rating make it better suited to wet, heavy-industry applications.

Product Code: A756 | CE Certified | OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Approved

Always consult your site-specific risk assessment and ESD control programme requirements when selecting hand protection for electrostatic sensitive environments.