To avoid mechanical injuries or cutting hazards at work, we wear different protective gloves. But how can we ensure these gloves provide effective protection? The key lies in understanding their safety ratings. Different safety levels address different hazards.
This guide will help you better understand ANSI cut resistance ratings. Gain deeper insight into this safety standard: Selecting the Right Cut-Resistant Gloves.
What is the ANSI Cut Rating?
ANSI stands for the American National Standards Institute. This organization specializes in establishing industry safety standards. They developed the ANSI Cut Rating. It is used to ensure that cut-resistant gloves meet the required level of protection.
- The higher the ANSI Cut Rating, the better the cut protection.
- The lower the ANSI Cut Rating, the more limited the cut protection.
Gloves with different ANSI Cut Ratings are suitable for scenarios with varying risk levels.
What Does ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 Refer To?
When I first entered the glove industry, these letters and numbers confused me. I didn’t understand their meaning. I hope this article can be helpful to everyone. Select appropriate safety gloves. ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 is still commonly seen on the market today.
The standard has been updated recently. Key updates in ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 include:
- Redefining standardized pictograms.
- Unified labeling replaces manufacturer-specific labels.
The new system is more intuitive and standardized.
Cut Resistance Testing Method
ANSI specifies a set of methods for testing and defining protective performance. This ensures all types of protective gloves undergo uniform protective testing. The standard tool designated for this purpose is the Tomodynamometer Test Machine (TDM).
- Place the test specimen on the TDM. Perform multiple cuts along a straight line on the sample using a weighted blade.
- Conduct a total of 15 cuts. Replace the weight and blade after every five cuts.
- Collect the cut data. Classify the sample’s cut resistance grade into A1 through A9.
Where A9 represents the highest cut resistance, A1 represents the lowest cut resistance.
Cut Resistance Levels (A1–A9) Reference Table
ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 classifies cut resistance into nine levels. Each cut resistance level can handle different cutting forces. They work in many situations. The table below shows the levels based on the set standards:
| Level | Cut Resistance Force (grams) | Protection Level Description | Typical Application Scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 200–499 | Light protection, lowest level | Light work, low-risk environments |
| A2 | 500–999 | Light to moderate protection | Packaging, assembly, warehousing |
| A3 | 1000–1499 | Light to moderate protection, entry-level industrial protection | Light industry, maintenance, logistics |
| A4 | 1500–2199 | Moderate protection | General manufacturing, mechanical maintenance |
| A5 | 2200–2999 | Medium to heavy protection | Metal processing, glass handling |
| A6 | 3000–3999 | Heavy protection | High-risk cutting, automotive manufacturing |
| A7 | 4000–4999 | High protection | Blade work, metal cutting |
| A8 | 5000–5999 | Extremely high protection | Glass, steel, heavy industry production |
| A9 | ≥6000 | Highest level protection, for extremely high risk | High-risk glass, metal wire, heavy manufacturing |
What changes are included in the new 2024 edition of ANSI/ISEA 105?
First, regarding the 2024 version. It has adjusted the labeling for ANSI/ISEA 105-2024. The logo now displays three pieces of information and data:
Additional adjustments include clarifications regarding abrasion testing protocols. Standards for leather sleeves and gloves. Adjustments for other performance testing requirements.
M-tide—A Leading Supplier of Cut-Resistant Gloves
MTIDE specializes in the research, development, and production of high-quality protective gloves.
We strictly follow international safety standards and stay ahead of the latest industry trends, always pushing to lead in protective technology.
Every glove undergoes rigorous simulated testing in a wide range of demanding environments, ensuring our cut-resistant gloves deliver outstanding protection in real-world use.
Our different levels of cut-resistant gloves are carefully designed to match a variety of work scenarios, giving workers the most reliable safety so they can wear them with complete confidence and focus on the job.
Want to learn more about MTIDE cut-resistant gloves? Feel free to reach out—we’re here to help!
