If you’re in the market for gloves that offer cut resistance and vibration protection, you’ve come to the right place. Choosing the right gloves is essential to keeping your hands safe and protected on the job, so it’s important to understand the differences between these two types of gloves before making a purchase.
Read on to discover what you should consider when comparing cut-resistant and anti-vibration gloves.
What Are Cut-Resistant Gloves?
Cut-resistant gloves contain materials designed to resist cuts and punctures. Kevlar, an incredibly strong synthetic fiber, is the most common material used in cut-resistant gloves. Kevlar is five times stronger than steel and can resist cuts that would otherwise penetrate leather gloves.
Other materials used in cut-resistant gloves include Dyneema and Spectra, synthetic fibers that offer excellent abrasion resistance and good grip characteristics. The best use for cut-resistant gloves involves working with sharp objects such as knives, glass, and metal.
Levels of Protection
When looking for cut-resistant gloves, it’s important to understand the various levels of protection each offers. Generally speaking, the higher the level of protection, the more expensive the glove will be. The most commonly used levels are ANSI/ISEA 105, a standard developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA). This standard outlines five performance levels based on a combination of tests involving blade cuts and punctures.
The highest rating on this scale is Level 5, which means the product offers superior protection against even the sharpest blades or tools. No glove can provide guaranteed protection against all cuts or punctures; however, a pair of Level 5 cut-resistant gloves will grant peace of mind when working with potentially hazardous materials.
There is also a European standard named EN388, which is similar to the ANSI/ISEA standard. This standard also outlines five performance levels based on tests involving blade cuts and punctures.
What Are Anti-Vibration Gloves?
Anti-vibration gloves work best to reduce the vibration transferred from the tool into your hands during use. They typically feature a combination of foam or gel padding, reinforced rubber, and other specialized fabrics that help absorb and dissipate vibration before it reaches your hands.
This padding helps reduce fatigue and prevents damage to your bones, joints, muscles, and tendons that exposure to high vibration levels can cause. While the primary function of anti-vibration gloves is to protect your hands, they can also improve your grip and accuracy when using power tools.
How Do Anti-Vibration Gloves Work?
The key component of anti-vibration gloves is their ability to absorb and dissipate vibration before it reaches your hands. The specialized materials, whether foam or gel padding, act as shock absorbers, helping reduce the vibration that passes through them. In addition, some models may also feature reinforced rubber or other specialty fabrics that provide additional cushioning against vibrations.
By absorbing and dissipating vibrations before they reach your hands, anti-vibration gloves can significantly reduce fatigue caused by extended periods of use with vibrating power tools.
Considerations When Buying Cut-Resistant or Anti-Vibration Gloves?
There are a few things to consider when selecting the right cut-resistant or anti-vibration gloves. Let’s look at some of these crucial factors.
Level of Protection
Protection is the most significant factor when choosing any type of glove. You need to ensure that the gloves offer the kind of protection you need. Look for gloves that have been tested according to EN388 or ANSI standards, as this will indicate how well they will protect your hands from cuts and vibrations. In addition, consider what type of material the glove contains—leather, Kevlar, or nitrile—as each material offers different levels of protection.
Fit & Comfort
After ensuring that the gloves provide adequate protection, it’s important to ensure they fit and feel comfortable on your hands. If a glove is too tight or loose, it can interfere with your ability to perform tasks accurately and efficiently. The best way to ensure a good fit is by trying on the glove before purchasing it. If you’re unable to try the glove on, you can read reviews from other buyers before making a purchase decision.
Durability & Cost
Finally, consider how durable and cost-effective the gloves are before making a purchase decision. Some gloves may be more expensive than others but offer better protection and longer wear time—which can save you money in the long run. A durable glove will reduce replacement costs stemming from wear and tear or damage caused by cuts or vibrations.
Additionally, some manufacturers offer warranties on their products that can give you peace of mind regarding quality. You can always contact customer service support if something goes wrong with your product after purchase.
What Hurting Your Hands Can Do
Investing in the right gloves can save you from pain, injury, and medical bills. Injuries to your hands can range from minor cuts and abrasions to more serious injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis. Wearing the proper gloves for your job can prevent these injuries and reduce the risk you face.
Suppose you are experiencing hand fatigue or cuts and abrasions. In that case, it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure your safety. Investing in cut-resistant and anti-vibration gloves can help protect your hands from further injury and keep you safe on the job. Keep in mind that regular inspection of your gloves is also essential for optimal protection.
Understanding the differences between cut-resistant and anti-vibration gloves can help you decide which type of glove is best for your job. Consider the level of protection, fit, comfort, durability, and cost when selecting to ensure you get the most out of your purchase. Investing in the right gloves can protect your hands from injury and keep you safe. It can help you perform work safely and efficiently and stay healthy on the job.
Hi Vis Safety can help you find anti-vibration gloves that are right for you. We offer various hand protection options, including anti-vibration gloves, cut-resistant gloves, and more. Visit our website to find the right glove for your job today!
