As I have worked in the PPE industry for years, I know how crucial it is to choose the right level of protection for different jobs. Cut-resistant gloves play a vital role in preventing injuries, but understanding the levels of cut resistance is essential. Letโs break it down.
Cut glove levels indicate how well a glove protects against cuts, based on standardized tests like EN3881 (Europe) or ANSI (North America). Understanding these levels helps ensure youโre selecting the best gloves for your specific tasks.
If you’re responsible for purchasing gloves or simply want to understand their differences, knowing cut levels is crucial for workplace safety and efficiency. Letโs dive into the details.
How to Read Cut Levels on Gloves?
If youโve ever seen gloves labeled with cut levels but werenโt sure what they meant, youโre not alone. It can be confusing at first, but it becomes clear once you understand the testing standards.
Cut levels are determined by standardized testing, with higher levels indicating better protection from cuts. EN388 and ANSI/ISEA 1052 are the two main standards used worldwide.
Understanding the EN388 Test
EN388 is the European standard used to assess a gloveโs resistance to abrasion, cutting, tearing, and puncturing.
How the Test Works
The glove is tested using a rotating circular blade, which is pressed onto the glove material under controlled pressure. The number of cycles required to cut through determines the cut resistance level.
| EN388 Level | Number of Cycles to Cut Through |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1-5 cycles |
| 2 | 6-10 cycles |
| 3 | 11-20 cycles |
| 4 | 21-30 cycles |
| 5 | 31+ cycles |
Choosing the Right EN388 Cut Level
- Level 1: Minimal protection, best for handling non-sharp materials.
- Level 2: Light industrial work, such as handling plastic parts.
- Level 3: Moderate protection for occasional contact with sharp objects.
- Level 4: Strong protection for working with moderately sharp materials.
- Level 5: Maximum protection, ideal for working with very sharp objects like glass or sheet metal.
ANSI Cut Resistance Test
ANSI/ISEA 105 is the North American standard, and it uses a different testing method. Instead of counting blade cycles, it measures the force required to cut through the glove material.
| ANSI Level | Cutting Force (grams) | Recommended Industry Use |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 200-499 grams | Light assembly, packaging |
| A2 | 500-999 grams | Warehouse, maintenance |
| A3 | 1,000-1,499 grams | General manufacturing |
| A4 | 1,500-1,999 grams | Automotive, machining |
| A5 | 2,000-2,499 grams | Construction, metalwork |
| A6 | 2,500-2,999 grams | Glass handling, heavy steel |
| A7 | 3,000-3,499 grams | High-risk manufacturing |
| A8 | 3,500-3,999 grams | Aerospace, extreme cutting tasks |
| A9 | 4,000+ grams | Food processing, high-risk environments |
Making the Right ANSI Selection
- A1-A3: Suitable for minimal cut hazards, such as light packaging or general assembly.
- A4-A5: Used in moderate-risk environments like automotive or warehouse work.
- A6-A9: Designed for extreme risks, such as glass handling, heavy metal work, or food processing.
Which Cut Level is Best for You?
| Industry | Recommended Cut Level |
|---|---|
| General Handling | Level 1-2 (A1-A2) |
| Warehouse Work | Level 2-3 (A2-A3) |
| Automotive | Level 4-5 (A4-A5) |
| Construction | Level 5-6 (A5-A6) |
| Metal Fabrication | Level 6-7 (A6-A7) |
| Glass Handling | Level 7-9 (A7-A9) |
Cost vs. Protection: Are Higher Cut Levels Worth It?
While higher cut levels provide more protection, they also come at a higher cost. Hereโs how to evaluate whether upgrading is worth it:
| Cut Level | Protection | Cost | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Low | Low | Light work, general handling |
| 3-4 | Moderate | Medium | Assembly, moderate-risk environments |
| 5-6 | High | High | Metal fabrication, heavy cutting tasks |
| 7-9 | Maximum | Very High | Glass, aerospace, food processing |
If you work in an industry with occasional cut risks, a moderate-level glove may be the best value. However, if youโre in an environment with extreme hazards, investing in higher cut resistance will reduce the likelihood of injuries and potential downtime.
Final Thoughts
I always stress that choosing the right cut-resistant glove depends on balancing protection, comfort, and cost. Whether you need light protection for simple tasks or heavy-duty gloves for extreme environments, understanding these cut levels ensures you make the safest choice for your team.
