The right cut resistant gloves1 can make a significant difference in workplace safety. At BullSafety, we provide a range of gloves with varying cut resistance levels2 to protect workers across different industries.
BullSafety offers gloves with different cut resistance levels, ensuring suitable protection for various tasks, from light assembly to heavy-duty work.
Understanding the different cut resistance standards3 and how they work is essential in selecting the right gloves for your needs. Let’s dive into the specifics of the rating systems4 and what makes our gloves stand out.

What is the Cut Resistance Rating Standard?

Cut resistance standards are essential for evaluating glove performance. Let’s explore the common systems used worldwide to assess cut resistance.
Cut resistance ratings standardize how gloves are tested to resist cuts, ensuring consistent protection across various environments.

The cut resistance rating system5 helps ensure that gloves meet safety requirements for different tasks. There are two widely accepted standards: the European EN 388 standard6 and the American ANSI/ISEA 105 standard7. These systems define cut resistance through a series of tests and assign ratings that reflect the glove’s ability to protect against cuts and punctures.

EN 388 Cut Resistance Standard (EU)

The EN 388 standard evaluates four key aspects: abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture resistance. The cut resistance is tested using a rotating circular blade, and the glove is assigned a score based on how much force is required to cut through the material.

EN 388 Rating	Cut Resistance Level	Description
1	Low Resistance	Minimal protection, suitable for light tasks.
2	Moderate Resistance	For tasks with moderate risk.
3	High Resistance	Suitable for handling medium to heavy objects.
4	Very High Resistance	For tasks involving sharp objects.
5	Extreme Resistance	Suitable for handling very sharp or heavy-duty materials.

ISO 13997 Testing Method & Rating (EU)

In addition to the basic EN 388 test, the ISO 13997 test (also known as the TDM test or "Blade Test") is used to provide more detailed information on a glove’s cut resistance. This test involves using a sharp blade that moves across the glove material under a fixed load, measuring the force needed to cut through the material.

ISO 13997 is particularly useful when gloves are made of high-performance materials such as HPPE, aramids, or glass fiber, where the traditional EN 388 test may not provide an accurate assessment of their cut resistance.

How ISO 13997 Works:

1. Test Method: A blade with a fixed weight is pulled across the glove under controlled conditions.
2. Measurement: The force required to cut through the material is measured.
3. Rating: The glove receives a rating based on the force required to cut through, with higher forces indicating better cut resistance.

ISO 13997 Cut Resistance Ratings

The ISO 13997 rating is measured in Newtons (N), with gloves tested for cut resistance across several levels. The higher the rating, the better the protection.

ISO 13997 Rating	Cut Resistance Level	Force Required (Newtons)	Description
A	Low Resistance	5 – 10 N	Minimal protection, for light tasks.
B	Moderate Resistance	10 – 15 N	Suitable for tasks with moderate risks.
C	High Resistance	15 – 22 N	Provides protection against sharper or more hazardous materials.
D	Very High Resistance	22 – 30 N	Suitable for working with high-risk sharp materials.
E	Extreme Resistance	30 – 40 N	Offers the highest protection for very sharp objects.
F	Maximum Protection	40+ N	Used in heavy-duty tasks with extreme cut risks.

This ISO 13997 method provides a more nuanced understanding of a glove’s protection level and allows users to select gloves that are better suited for tasks with more severe cutting risks.

ANSI/ISEA 105 Cut Resistance Standard (USA)

The ANSI/ISEA 105 rating system also uses a blade test, but with a weighted blade. The cut resistance is measured from A1 (lowest) to A9 (highest), providing a more detailed scale of protection.

ANSI Rating	Cut Resistance Level	Description
A1	Low Resistance	Suitable for low-risk tasks like light assembly.
A2	Moderate Resistance	Good for medium-risk tasks.
A3	High Resistance	For tasks that require higher protection.
A4	Very High Resistance	Suitable for working with sharp materials.
A5	Extreme Resistance	Designed for high-risk environments with heavy cutting hazards.
A6-A9	Maximum Protection	Provides maximum protection for the most hazardous environments.

Why are BullSafety Cut Resistant Gloves Available in Different Cut Resistance Ratings?

BullSafety gloves offer varying levels of cut resistance to cater to different workplace hazards. Let’s explore how we achieve this.
Our gloves come in a range of cut resistance levels, tailored to the specific risks associated with different jobs, ensuring maximum protection.

BullSafety uses high-quality materials like HPPE (High-Performance Polyethylene), fiberglass, and even stainless steel fibers to offer varying levels of cut resistance. The cut resistance level of each glove is determined by factors such as the type of yarn, the tightness of the weave, and the coating applied to the glove.

Material & Design

For gloves designed to provide low resistance, lighter yarns and looser weaves are used. For higher cut resistance, thicker and more tightly woven fibers, like HPPE8 and aramid9, are employed. Additionally, we use coatings such as nitrile or latex to provide added protection, improving both cut resistance and durability.

Testing & Certification

All our gloves undergo rigorous testing according to the EN 388 and ANSI/ISEA 105 standards to ensure they meet the required cut resistance ratings. This guarantees that no matter the cut level, each glove is designed to provide the right protection for the job.

How Can You Customize Cut Resistant Gloves?

Customizing your cut-resistant gloves is a great way to meet specific workplace requirements. Let’s discuss the options available.
We offer the option to customize gloves based on cut resistance level, design, and material, ensuring the best fit for your needs.

Customization allows you to create gloves that perfectly align with your industry needs. Whether you need gloves for light assembly or heavy-duty industrial work, BullSafety offers flexible solutions.

Customization Options:

• Cut Resistance Level: Choose from a range of cut resistance levels based on the tasks and risks in your workplace.
• Material & Coating: Select from different materials like HPPE, fiberglass, or steel mesh, with coating options like nitrile or latex for extra protection.
• Glove Design: Customize the glove style to suit comfort and performance, whether you need a full glove, a cut-resistant liner, or fingerless gloves.
• Logo & Branding: Personalize gloves with your company’s logo, ensuring a professional appearance and brand consistency.

How to Choose the Right Cut Resistant Gloves?

Selecting the right cut-resistant gloves depends on your specific work environment. Let’s break down how to choose the best option.
When selecting cut-resistant gloves, I prioritize high-quality materials like Kevlar or Dyneema that match my job’s demands. I ensure they meet safety standards, fit comfortably, and provide the necessary dexterity and grip. Durability and ease of maintenance are also key, helping me stay safe and efficient every day.

The right cut-resistant glove depends on the level of exposure to sharp objects and the tasks at hand. Consider the following factors when choosing gloves:

Risk Assessment

• Light Duty: If your tasks involve minimal risk, such as light assembly, a lower cut resistance rating (A1-A3 or Level 1-3) might be sufficient.
• Heavy Duty: For tasks that involve handling sharp or heavy materials, such as glass cutting or metal handling, choose higher levels (A5-A9 or Level 4-5).

Comfort & Flexibility

The more cut-resistant a glove, the thicker and less flexible it may be. Find a balance that ensures comfort without compromising on safety. BullSafety offers gloves that are both protective and comfortable, maintaining flexibility without sacrificing performance.

Additional Considerations:

• Grip: Choose gloves with coatings like nitrile for better grip, especially in oily or slippery environments.
• Fit: Ensure that the gloves fit properly to avoid discomfort or reduced dexterity. A well-fitted glove improves both protection and efficiency.

Conclusion

BullSafety offers a diverse range of cut-resistant gloves tailored to meet various industry needs, ensuring that workers are protected according to the specific risks they face.

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