Choosing the right work gloves can be tricky. Cut resistance is a key factor, but how do you know what level is appropriate? Let’s break down the charts you need to understand before making a decision.

The cut levels of work gloves are defined by specific standards like EN388:2016¹ and ANSI. These levels help you assess the level of protection needed based on the type of work you do.

Knowing the right cut level for your gloves is essential for safety and performance, but with so many standards and charts out there, it can get confusing. Let’s simplify it!

In my more than ten years in the hand protection industry, many customers have asked how to define EN388 European Standard Cut Resistance Level and ANSI American Standard Cut Resistance Level². Today, in this article, you will find the most complete answer.

How Does EN388:2016¹ Cut Levels Chart Work?

EN388:2016 is one of the most commonly used standards for work gloves. But what exactly do the cut levels in this standard mean? Let’s take a closer look.

EN388:2016 defines cut levels from 1 to 5, with each level representing increasing protection against cuts and abrasions.

The EN388:2016 standard is widely used in Europe and has specific tests for different types of damage, including cut resistance. The scale ranges from Level 1 to Level 5 for cut resistance³. But what does each level really mean? Level 1 provides minimal protection, while Level 5 is for highly cut-resistant materials like steel-wire reinforced gloves. If you’re working with sharp objects like metal or glass, gloves rated at Level 5 are the best option. However, these higher levels can come with a tradeoff in flexibility and comfort, so it’s important to find the balance between protection and usability.

The test used to determine the EN388 cut resistance is based on a rotating circular blade. The glove material is exposed to the blade, and the amount of time it takes to cut through the material determines the level. The higher the level, the longer the blade takes to cut through the glove, which indicates better cut resistance. However, this test doesn’t replicate all real-world conditions, so while the gloves may pass this test, it’s essential to consider how they perform in your specific work environment.

EN388 Cut Level Chart

Level	Cut Resistance Rating	Test Data (Rotating Blade Test)	Material Example	Use Case
1	Low	1 – 2 cycles	Basic polyester/nylon	Light tasks, low risk of cuts
2	Low-Moderate	2 – 5 cycles	Polyurethane or latex	General tasks in dry conditions
3	Moderate	5 – 10 cycles	Aramid, Kevlar	Light manufacturing, warehouse
4	High	10 – 20 cycles	Steel-wire reinforced	Automotive, construction
5	Very High	20+ cycles	High-performance HPPE	Glass handling, metalworking

How Do You Read the EN388:2016 Abrasion Resistance Chart?

Abrasion resistance is another key factor in selecting work gloves. But how does the EN388:2016 standard define abrasion resistance?

The EN388:2016 standard also uses a 1-4 scale to measure abrasion resistance, which shows how well a glove can withstand wear and tear.

Abrasion resistance measures how well a glove material can resist damage caused by rubbing or scraping. The scale ranges from 1 to 4, where Level 4 provides the highest resistance. This is crucial for tasks where gloves will come into frequent contact with rough surfaces. For example, in industries like construction or automotive work, you need gloves that won’t wear down quickly. However, it’s important to keep in mind that high abrasion resistance may reduce dexterity, so choosing the right balance between protection and movement is key.

Gloves with higher abrasion resistance ratings (Level 4) are ideal for environments where materials are subject to constant friction, like assembly lines or handling rough materials. But with higher resistance, these gloves can become thicker and less flexible. If you need a more dexterous glove, you might want to settle for a Level 2 or 3. It’s all about finding the right balance based on the task at hand. For example, handling raw materials in construction might require a tougher glove, while handling delicate equipment or fine parts may call for something with less abrasion resistance but more flexibility.

EN388 Abrasion Resistance Chart

Level	Abrasion Resistance Rating	Test Data (Cycle Count)	Material Example	Use Case
1	Low	1 – 100 cycles	Thin cotton, light poly	General work with no heavy friction
2	Moderate	100 – 500 cycles	Latex, PU coating	Light industrial work
3	High	500 – 1,000 cycles	Kevlar, synthetic blends	Warehouse, maintenance
4	Very High	1,000+ cycles	Leather, thick Kevlar	Heavy machinery, construction

How Do EN388:2016 Tear Resistance Levels Work?

Tear resistance is essential when you need gloves to hold up against sudden forces. How does EN388:2016 measure this?

The EN388:2016 standard tests tear resistance on a scale from 1 to 4, with higher levels indicating better tear resistance.

Tear resistance is another critical factor for gloves, especially for those working in environments where materials are under stress. The EN388:2016 standard tests tear resistance by applying a force to tear the glove material. A Level 4 rating means the glove can withstand a significant amount of force before tearing, making it ideal for high-risk work environments where durability is essential. However, higher tear resistance often comes with thicker materials, which can impact comfort and flexibility.

Tear resistance is tested by applying a standard force to the glove material and measuring how much force is needed to rip it. For gloves exposed to sharp objects or high-impact environments (such as construction or heavy-duty machinery), tear resistance is a crucial factor. It’s worth considering that gloves rated higher for tear resistance tend to have more rugged materials, which are great for durability but might sacrifice comfort.

EN388 Tear Resistance Chart

Level	Tear Resistance Rating	Test Data (Force Applied)	Material Example	Use Case
1	Low	5 – 10 Newtons	Light cotton, polyester	Light-duty tasks
2	Moderate	10 – 25 Newtons	Latex-coated, PU-coated	Warehouse work, assembly
3	High	25 – 50 Newtons	Aramid, leather	Construction, automotive
4	Very High	50+ Newtons	Heavy-duty rubber, Kevlar	Heavy-duty construction, industrial handling

How Does EN388:2016 Puncture Resistance Compare?

Puncture resistance is a serious consideration in hazardous environments. How does EN388:2016 assess this?

EN388:2016 uses a scale from 1 to 4 to rate puncture resistance, with Level 4 offering the best protection against sharp objects.

Puncture resistance is tested by using a steel-pointed object to pierce through the glove. Level 4 provides the highest level of protection, which is crucial for industries like construction, forestry, or any other setting where workers are at risk of sharp objects puncturing their gloves. However, like other forms of resistance, higher puncture resistance can mean thicker materials and reduced flexibility. It’s essential to balance protection with the ability to perform tasks comfortably and efficiently.

Puncture resistance is tested by applying a standard force to the glove material and measuring how much force is needed to puncture it. For gloves exposed to sharp objects or high-impact environments (such as construction or heavy-duty machinery), puncture resistance is a crucial factor.

EN388 Puncture Resistance Chart

Level	Puncture Resistance Rating	Test Data (Force Applied)	Material Example	Use Case
1	Low	10 Newtons	Basic polyester/nylon	Light tasks, low risk of puncture
2	Moderate	20 Newtons	Latex-coated, PU-coated	Light assembly, electronics handling
3	High	60 Newtons	Kevlar, leather	Construction, automotive
4	Very High	100+ Newtons	Heavy-duty rubber, Kevlar	Heavy-duty construction, forestry

Conclusion

When choosing work gloves, understanding these standards and charts can make a significant difference in safety and comfort. Whether you’re looking for gloves that offer the highest level of protection or need something more flexible for delicate tasks, knowing how to read and interpret these charts is crucial. Remember, the right glove depends on your specific work environment, the tasks you perform, and the level of protection required.

By using these charts and standards, you can make informed decisions that prioritize safety without sacrificing performance. If you have any further questions or need assistance finding the right gloves for your needs, feel free to contact us at BULLSAFETY. We’re here to help you find the best hand protection solutions for every job.