Cut-resistant gloves are effective protective equipment designed to guard against cutting risks and injuries. There are typically two safety standards: ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 and EN 388. These standards define different Protection Levels for varying degrees of cutting. Understanding these Protection Levels and standards provides a clearer picture of the protective capabilities of cut-resistant gloves. This article will guide you through the different grades of cut-resistant gloves.
What Are Cut-Resistant Gloves?
Cut-resistant gloves are a type of protective equipment designed to guard against the risk of cuts and lacerations in work and operational settings. They are typically made from materials with excellent cut-resistant properties. They feature a more robust woven structure and specific coatings.
- Common materials include metal mesh, steel wire, synthetic yarn, and glass fiber.
- Coating materials typically include: polyurethane and nitrile.
- Lining materials may include cotton and other natural fibers.
These materials provide reliable cut resistance while ensuring the gloves remain lightweight. They also offer a certain level of comfort and flexibility.
What are the different cut resistance levels of gloves?
Currently, there are two main testing standards and systems for cut-resistant gloves: ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 and EN 388.
ANSI/ISEA 105-2024
ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 was developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). It is divided into 9 levels, ranging from A1 to A9.
- Level A1 is the lowest level of cut resistance, providing protection against minor cutting risks.
- Level A9 is the highest level of cut resistance, offering protection against the highest cut hazards.
| Level | Cutting Force (g) | Example Applications |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 200–499 | Light handling, simple assembly |
| A2 | 500–999 | Assembly, automotive, light construction |
| A3 | 1000–1499 | Automotive, metal handling, oil & gas |
| A4 | 1500–2199 | Construction, metal stamping, oil & gas |
| A5 | 2200–2999 | Manufacturing, machinery, paper processing |
| A6 | 3000–3999 | Machining, paper industry, stamping |
| A7 | 4000–4999 | Sharp-edge handling, food processing |
| A8 | 5000–5999 | Sharp-edge handling, waste management |
| A9 | 6000+ | Sharp-edge handling, recycling sorting |
EN388
EN388 is a European standard. It is divided into six protection levels, from A to F.
- Protection Level A is the lowest Protection Level. It is suitable for light-duty work and general handling, providing protection against minor cuts.
- The highest protection level provides protection above 30 Newtons. It is suitable for scenarios with a higher risk of cuts, such as glass handling and heavy metal stamping.
| Level | Cutting Force (Newton / Gram) | Example Applications |
|---|---|---|
| A | 2–4.9 N (204–508 g) | Light handling, parts assembly |
| B | 5–9.9 N (509–1019 g) | Packaging, warehousing |
| C | 10–14.9 N (1020–1529 g) | Maintenance, metal work |
| D | 15–21.9 N (1530–2242 g) | Engineering, automotive, electrical assembly |
| E | 22–29.9 N (2243–3058 g) | Metal stamping, glass handling, waste management |
| F | 30+ N (3059+ g) | Heavy metal stamping, glass processing, recycling |
The Importance of Cut Resistance Ratings
- Unified Standards:
Currently, there are many manufacturers worldwide produce cut-resistant gloves. The establishment of cut resistance ratings provides a unified standard for cut protection. ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 and EN 388 also specify testing methods. This makes it easier to select the right gloves. - Ensuring Safety:
When users and businesses select a cut resistance rating, they can choose a level that best matches the cutting risks they face in their work environment. This ensures more comprehensive protection. - Reputation and Certification:
There are many different manufacturers and brands available today. However, if a glove has undergone testing and certification according to ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 or EN 388, it enhances the brand’s credibility. You can choose certified cut-resistant gloves with greater confidence.
What’s New in the 2024 Cut Resistance Ratings?
The main update involves the ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 standard. This update primarily redefines the meanings of the new labels, which now include protection levels for different performance categories.
First, let’s look at the updates to the ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 labels. This update primarily includes three parameters:
- The protection level at the top center of the label indicates the cut resistance rating. It reflects the cut resistance levels of the gloves, ranging from A1 to A9.
- The number on the left side of the label indicates puncture resistance, representing the glove’s protection against puncture forces. There are six levels in total, ranging from Level 0 to Level 5, indicating protection against puncture forces from low to high.
- The number on the far right indicates abrasion resistance and durability: The higher the number, the better the glove’s abrasion resistance.
In addition to the label updates, The ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 standard also updates the testing and evaluation methods for certain protective standards. This includes new standards and adjustments to testing methods for abrasion testing, heat resistance testing, and flexibility testing.
How to Choose the Right Cut-Resistant Gloves?
Refer to the cut resistance protection level table in this article. Choose the appropriate level based on your work environment or the cutting forces you may encounter.
Ensure Excellent Grip Performance:
Opt for protective gloves with external coatings, such as nitrile or polyurethane coatings. These provide reliable grip performance in wet or slippery conditions and reduce the risk of tools slipping out of your hands.
Flexibility and Comfort:
Some gloves may be bulky due to a focus on protection. We recommend choosing lightweight gloves that offer excellent protection. Comfortable gloves can also help reduce hand fatigue.
Select Based on the Work Environment:
If working in damp or greasy conditions, choose protective gloves with excellent moisture resistance and chemical resistance.
Choose M-tide for Cut-Resistant Gloves
M-tide specializes in developing cut-resistant gloves with outstanding protective performance. Our gloves undergo rigorous simulation testing and inspection to ensure optimal protection. M-tide cut-resistant gloves offer excellent cut resistance, high durability, and good flexibility and comfort. Our cut-resistant gloves have been certified by professional organizations according to ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 and EN 388 safety standards, providing workers with greater peace of mind. We offer cut-resistant gloves in various cut-resistant levels. If you’d like to learn more about cut-resistant gloves or need guidance on selecting the appropriate cut-resistant level, please feel free to contact us!
