Cut resistant gloves are essential for protecting workers from injuries caused by sharp tools and materials. But what do the different levels of cut resistance really mean? Understanding the specific cut resistance levels1 is crucial for selecting the right gloves for the job.
Cut resistant gloves are rated from level 1 to level 5, with level 5 offering the highest protection. These levels are based on standardized tests that measure the glove’s resistance to cutting forces.
When it comes to safety at work, selecting the appropriate glove is vital. In this article, we will explore the different cut-resistant glove levels and explain how they are tested, so you can make the best choice for your needs.
What Are Level 5 Cut Resistant Gloves?
Level 5 cut-resistant gloves provide the highest level of protection. They are designed for the toughest and most dangerous working environments where the risk of cuts is extreme, such as in metalworking, glass handling, and construction.
Level 5 cut-resistant gloves are made from materials like Kevlar or HPPE and offer maximum protection from sharp tools and materials, ideal for heavy-duty tasks.
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Why Are Level 5 Cut Resistant Gloves the Strongest?
Level 5 gloves are made from advanced materials such as Kevlar, Dyneema, or stainless steel fibers, which have exceptional resistance to cutting forces. The cut resistance of these gloves is typically tested using the EN 388 or ANSI standards, with level 5 offering the highest resistance. These gloves are designed to withstand the most severe abrasions and cuts, making them ideal for workers handling sharp metal, glass, or machinery parts.
For example, workers in industries like automotive, construction, and metalworking frequently use level 5 gloves to protect their hands from injuries caused by sharp objects such as broken glass, metal shavings, and cutting tools.
When Should You Use Level 5 Cut Resistant Gloves?
Level 5 gloves are essential when handling sharp materials or machinery in high-risk environments. For instance, if you’re working in a metal fabrication plant or a construction site where sharp metal objects are common, these gloves are crucial to ensure your hands are protected from cuts and abrasions.
Key Features of Level 5 Gloves
- High Protection: Provides the highest cut resistance.
- Advanced Materials: Made from materials like Kevlar, Dyneema, or stainless steel fibers.
- Durable: Ideal for industries like automotive, metalworking, and glass handling.
- Tested to EN 388 & ANSI Standards: Meets the highest standards of cut resistance.
What Are the Different Levels of Cut Resistant Gloves?
Cut-resistant gloves are tested using two primary standards: EN 388 (used in Europe) and ANSI (used in North America). Understanding the differences between these standards is key to selecting the right gloves based on your location and work environment.
Cut-resistant gloves are rated on a scale from level 1 to level 5, with each level providing different degrees of protection. These ratings are determined by both EN 388 and ANSI standards, ensuring global consistency in testing.
How Are Cut Resistant Levels Tested?
The testing of cut-resistant gloves follows specific procedures defined by the EN 388:2016 and ANSI standards. EN 388 measures the glove’s resistance to cutting with a rotating circular blade, while ANSI uses a straight blade to measure the force required to cut through the material.
Both tests evaluate the glove’s ability to resist cuts and abrasions, but the methods differ, making it important to understand the standards applicable to your region.
Breakdown of Cut-Resistant Levels (EN 388:2016 & ANSI)
Here’s a comparison of the different cut resistance levels under the two main standards (EN 388:2016 and ANSI), helping you better understand how each level is classified and tested:
| Standard | Level | Cut Resistance (N) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EN 388:2016 | Level A | 1-5 N | Minimal protection, suitable for light-duty tasks. |
| Level B | 5-10 N | For moderate risks like light construction. | |
| Level C | 10-15 N | Occasional exposure to sharp objects. | |
| Level D | 15-22 N | Ideal for jobs with higher risk, like glass handling. | |
| Level E | 22-30 N | For handling sharp tools or machinery. | |
| Level F | 30+ N | Maximum protection for high-risk tasks like metalworking. | |
| ANSI | A1 | 200-499g | Minimal protection, for light tasks. |
| A2 | 500-999g | For moderate-risk work like construction. | |
| A3 | 1,000-1,499g | Suitable for tasks with occasional sharp materials. | |
| A4 | 1,500-1,999g | Heavy-duty handling tasks, such as construction and automotive. | |
| A5 | 2,000-2,499g | Ideal for jobs with higher risk of cuts. | |
| A6 | 2,500-2,999g | For sharp-edged materials, like metalworking. | |
| A7 | 3,000-3,499g | Suitable for very high-risk jobs. | |
| A8 | 3,500-3,999g | Extreme resistance for tough tasks, like industrial handling. | |
| A9 | 4,000+g | Maximum protection for the highest risk tasks. |
Understanding the Differences Between EN 388 and ANSI Ratings
Although both EN 388 and ANSI cut levels serve the same purposeโevaluating a glove’s resistance to cutsโthey use different testing methods. EN 388:2016 employs a rotating circular blade to measure cut resistance, while ANSI testing uses a straight blade. This means the results might vary slightly depending on the method used.
- EN 388 is the preferred standard in Europe and evaluates the glove’s durability against cuts, abrasions, and tears.
- ANSI is the standard used in North America and measures the force in grams needed to cut through the glove material.
Which Standard Should You Consider for Your Gloves?
The choice of standard depends on your location. If you’re in North America, ANSI ratings2 are more commonly used, but if youโre in Europe, EN 388 will be the more familiar standard. Both standards give a good understanding of the glove’s resistance, so choosing the right one depends on regional guidelines.
Conclusion
Cut-resistant gloves are rated based on their ability to protect against cuts, with levels ranging from 1 to 5. Level 5 offers the highest protection and is crucial for high-risk environments. Understanding both EN 388 and ANSI ratings ensures that you choose the right gloves based on your specific job and location.
