Hands are very easily cut at work. A cut not only causes pain but also reduces work efficiency and even carries the risk of infection. Therefore, choosing a suitable pair of cut-resistant gloves is invaluable. This blog post will take a closer look at cut-resistant gloves, exploring their materials and standards, and teaching you how to select the right gloves.
Learn about cut-resistant gloves
Cut-resistant gloves, as the name suggests, are gloves designed to prevent cuts. They are an indispensable piece of safety equipment in the workplace. They can protect workers’ hands from cuts caused. Especially in accidents or specific occupational hazards. These gloves are typically made of synthetic materials, such as HPPE. This synthetic material can resist the cutting force of sharp objects. Thus providing protection.
How to Choose the Right Cut-Resistant Gloves
Discover potential threat targets
Before considering risk protection levels and the work environment. All potential threats must be identified.
Knives: Kitchen knives, butcher knives, daggers, bayonets, and other sharp blades.
Metals: Metal plates, sheet metal, steel plate edges, and metal shavings. They are causing impact damage.
Glass: Glass shards, glass plates, and cuts from broken glass.
Sharp Objects: Scrapers, tool blades, and stabbing cuts from sharp parts.
Others: Paper edges (mild), ceramic knives, metal saws, and other sharp surfaces.
Confirm cut resistance rating
Determine the level of cuts the wearer is likely to experience and the frequency of such cuts. This will determine the appropriate standard for selection. ANSI/ISEA 105 and EN 388:2016 protection levels are typically available. Cut resistance is primarily determined by cut resistance, puncture resistance, and abrasion resistance. (Click to view the protection level reference table)
Choose the type of cut-resistant gloves according to the environment.
The working environment is also a crucial factor. Primarily influencing the choice of glove coating.
Dry environment: Breathable PU gloves are recommended.
Variable working environment: Sometimes dry, sometimes humid; latex-coated gloves are suitable.
Dry or oily environment: Nitrile-coated gloves are a good option.
Metal cutting: Aramid work gloves are recommended.
Moderate abrasion environment: Leather cut-resistant gloves or leather welding gloves are suitable.
General use: Composite fiber gloves are acceptable.
Comfort
When working, gloves are worn frequently. they makes their comfort extremely important. A good pair of gloves should have basic breathability and sweat-wicking properties.
For gloves worn for extended periods:
Gloves with a 3/4 coating or a palm-coated design are recommended. They offer better breathability.
For gloves worn for short periods:
Water resistance is more important; a full-coated design is generally preferable.
Choose the appropriate size
Different wearers have different hand sizes. Properly sized gloves are essential for optimal performance. When choosing gloves, it’s important to select the correct size.
| Size | Palm Width (cm) | Applicable |
|---|---|---|
| S | 8.0-8.5 | Slender hand shape |
| M | 8.5-9.5 | Medium hand shape |
| L | 9.5-10.5 | Wide hand shape |
| XL | 10.5-11.5 | Extra wide hand shape |
Cost control
Finally, cost is the deciding factor. When choosing gloves, select those with varying levels of durability. Based on your budget. But from a long-term maintenance perspective, low-cost gloves can actually be more expensive.
If you are unsure how to choose, you can contact our professional team directly. We will provide you with a customized cut-resistant glove protection solution.
Choose the right material
High-Performance Polyethylene (HPPE)
HPPE is characterized by its high strength and lightweight nature. Gloves made of HPPE are soft, elastic, and cool and comfortable against the skin.
However, HPPE is not heat-resistant and will melt in open flames or high temperatures.Generally, HPPE has an ANSI A3 cut resistance rating and is commonly used in the food and glass industries.
Para-Aramid
Common para-aramid fibers include Kevlar.It has high tensile strength and high overall strength; its strength per unit weight is approximately one-fifth that of steel.
It is fire-retardant. Its cut resistance is ANSI A3. Compared to HPPE gloves, it is safer and more durable.It feels warmer against the skin, making it suitable for protection in industrial environments.
Composite or Engineered Yarns
Gloves made from composite or engineered yarns are comfortable and durable.They combine the advantages of multiple fibers. And different yarn combinations can enhance the glove’s protection level.
Furthermore, synthetic and natural fibers can be added to the yarn. To improve comfort and flexibility.Through the combination of yarns and fibers, their cut resistance can reach the ANSI A9 level.
Metal Mesh (Chainmail)
These gloves are generally called chainmail gloves.hey are less commonly seen on the market. They are made of metal rings connected in a mesh pattern.
They offer excellent cut resistance and protect the hands well. However, they have less dexterity and are not suitable for delicate work.They are mostly used in the slaughterhouse industry for protection during meat processing.
Standard reference for cut-resistant gloves
Different cut-resistant gloves have different physical properties. The industry has established relevant standards to help you better understand cut-resistant gloves.
EN388 European Standard
EN388 is a European standard for cut-resistant gloves published in 2016. It rates gloves by measuring the number of cycles required for the glove to be cut through over a short distance. It uses two test methods:
The Coup Test: A rotating circular blade is placed over the test material, and a fixed weight of force is applied to the blade until a cut occurs. Results are recorded on a scale of 1-5.
| Value | Cycles |
|---|---|
| 1 | ≥1-2 |
| 2 | ≥2-5 |
| 3 | ≥5 |
| 4 | ≥10 |
| 5 | ≥20 |
TDM test (ISO 13997): Used to evaluate the performance of gloves in the event of an accident. The test is conducted using a straight blade, applying forces of varying intensities (2-30 N). Based on the test results, the gloves are rated on a performance level from A to F.
| Value | Applied Force (N) |
|---|---|
| A | 2 |
| B | 5 |
| C | 10 |
| D | 15 |
| E | 22 |
| F | 30 |
The North American Standard (ANSI/ISEA 105)
It is used to test the cut resistance of gloves. It applies three different weights of force to the blade. The blade is moved approximately 20 mm in one direction five times. After each pass, the blade is replaced, and the weight is increased until a cut is achieved. A test rating of A1-A9 is given at the end.
| Value | Grams of Force |
|---|---|
| A1 | 200-499 |
| A2 | 500-999 |
| A3 | 1000-1499 |
| A4 | 1500-2199 |
| A5 | 2200-2999 |
| A6 | 3000-3999 |
| A7—A9 | ≥4000 |
Why Choose Mtide as Your Glove Supplier?
Mtide is a leading supplier of cut-resistant gloves in China. We have an extensive network of partners. We have a complete product line, producing cut-resistant gloves in various materials. All our products are certified to international cut-resistant standards. We possess advanced glove manufacturing technology. Try to maximize hand protection for the wearer. We offer ODM and OEM production services. We always put our customers first. We consistently practice the motto “more tidy, more safety”. We are committed to on-time product delivery.
FAQ
Do cut-resistant gloves completely prevent cuts?
Note that cut-resistant gloves are designed to reduce the likelihood of cuts. They are made of special materials that enhance cut resistance. Their purpose is to provide cushioning. When sharp objects such as knives or glass come into contact with the hand. Thus reducing the severity of injury. They cannot guarantee 100% protection against cuts. The effectiveness of protection depends on the glove’s material, its cut resistance rating, and the sharpness of the object. Of course, the duration of contact is also important. Therefore, even when wearing protective gloves, prolonged exposure of the gloves to sharp objects should be avoided.
How do I determine the protection level of cut-resistant gloves?
There are several standards for the protection level of cut-resistant gloves. It is usually classified according to the international standard EN388 or the American standard ANS/ISEA105. EN388 classifies cut resistance into levels A1 to A9. Higher numbers indicate stronger cut resistance. The ANSI standard uses weight in grams, ranging from 200 grams to over 4000 grams. Higher numbers indicate higher protection levels. The choice should be based on the risk level of the work environment. For example, for handling light packaging, level A2-A3 is suitable.