ASTM F2010/F2010M-18 (2023) PDF

Full title and description

Designation: ASTM F2010/F2010M-18(2023) — Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Glove Effects on Wearer Finger (Hand) Dexterity Using a Modified Pegboard Test. The method quantifies the effect of wearing gloves on fine finger dexterity by measuring task completion time on a standardized pegboard task performed with and without gloves.

Abstract

This test method provides a repeatable, quantitative procedure to evaluate how different glove designs and materials affect wearer finger/hand dexterity. Test subjects perform a modified pegboard task first without gloves (baseline) and then while wearing the test gloves; the method reports percentage change in time required and supports comparisons between glove types, sizes, and constructions. The procedure is intended as one component of a broader glove performance evaluation and does not address grip strength, tactility, or all aspects of hand function.

General information

• Status: Current — reapproved (technical reapproval) in 2023.
• Publication date: Current edition approved June 1, 2023 (original revision F2010/F2010M-18 approved 2018).
• Publisher: ASTM International (Committee F23 on Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment, Subcommittee F23.60 Human Factors).
• ICS / categories: Ergonomics / Human factors (approx. ICS 13.180).
• Edition / version: F2010/F2010M-18 (reapproved 2023) — often shown as F2010/F2010M-18(2023).
• Number of pages: 3 pages (short test method document).

These bibliographic details reflect the current, reapproved edition and the method’s placement under ASTM F23 human factors subcommittee.

Scope

The standard covers procedures in which a wearer picks up small objects between the thumb and index finger and measures the time required to perform a peg-placement task with and without gloves. It applies to gloves and similar hand-protective items that permit such thumb-index manipulation and is suitable for comparative evaluations of dexterity impact; it does not claim to address all glove effects on hand function and advises use of supplementary tests where appropriate. Units may be reported in SI or other units as specified.

Key topics and requirements

• Modified pegboard test procedure — timed placement of pegs to quantify dexterity change versus baseline (no-glove condition).
• Reporting of percentage difference in task times (with gloves vs. without gloves).
• Subject selection guidance — multiple test subjects with varying hand dimensions; instruction on sample size when only one glove size is available.
• Test specimens — test gloves shall be new, as-distributed condition unless otherwise specified.
• Referenced documents and harmonization — references ASTM terminology and related glove test methods (for example F1494, F2961) and recognizes BS EN 420 for protective glove requirements.

These requirements are intended to produce repeatable, comparable dexterity measurements suitable for product development, comparative performance claims, and research.

Typical use and users

Primary users include glove manufacturers, product developers, PPE testing laboratories, ergonomists, occupational safety professionals, and procurement/specification teams. Typical applications are product R&D to compare dexterity impacts of materials and designs, regulatory or procurement evaluations where dexterity is a performance criterion, and ergonomic studies assessing how gloves affect fine motor tasks. Test results are often combined with other performance measures (e.g., grip, puncture resistance, tactile sensitivity) to form a complete glove assessment.

Related standards

Commonly referenced standards in conjunction with F2010/F2010M include ASTM F1494 (terminology for protective clothing), ASTM F2961 (gripping performance of gloves), and international glove requirements such as BS EN 420 (protective gloves — general requirements and test methods). F2010/F2010M is published under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F23 (Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment).

Keywords

glove dexterity, pegboard test, hand dexterity, ergonomics, personal protective equipment, PPE testing, F2010, F2010M

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM F2010/F2010M-18(2023) is a short, standardized test method that quantifies the effect of wearing gloves on finger/hand dexterity using a modified pegboard timing test.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers a timed pegboard task where subjects pick up small objects between thumb and index finger; the method compares times with and without gloves and reports percentage change. It is intended for gloves that permit thumb-index manipulation and is not a comprehensive glove performance standard.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Glove manufacturers, PPE test laboratories, ergonomists, occupational health and safety professionals, and procurement/specification teams use the method for product comparisons, R&D, and ergonomic assessment.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation F2010/F2010M-18 was originally approved in 2018 and the document was reapproved in 2023 (current edition shown as F2010/F2010M-18(2023)). Users should confirm the edition date when purchasing or citing the standard.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: The test method is issued under the fixed designation F2010/F2010M and sits within ASTM Committee F23 (Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment), Subcommittee F23.60 (Human Factors). It is one of several glove-related test methods but not a multi-part series in itself.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords are dexterity, pegboard, gloves, hand function, ergonomics, PPE testing, F2010.