It’s important to provide the proper gloves necessary to encourage workflow, hand safety, as well as high visibility in the event of an emergency. Continue reading this guide to learn more about cut-resistant work gloves and the distinct types of gloves available to suit your special needs.
What Are Cut-Resistant Gloves?
Cut-resistant gloves are an essential piece of workwear that is necessary for workers in industrial, automotive, construction, or other settings requiring the use of their hands. Cut-resistant gloves offer vital protection from dangerous environmental hazards such as cuts, scratches, abrasions, and other injuries that may prevent workers from performing their jobs efficiently.
Cut-resistant gloves are textile products specifically engineered to protect workers from direct contact with sharp surfaces. Manufacturers design them to withstand cutting and slashing to prevent accidents and severe injury.
If the nature of your industry routinely exposes workers to potentially sharp or abrasive objects, buying them cut-resistance gloves is a proactive measure to keep them safe throughout the shift.
Importance of Using Cut-Resistant Gloves
It’s essential to use cut-resistant work gloves because when working with sharp objects, tragic accidents can happen. Not only are you protecting your workers from receiving physical injuries on the job, but you are also protecting their health. Cuts involve the huge risk of exposing the injured employee to blood-borne pathogens, infections, or diseases. In addition to the initial laceration and potential exposure to further issues, the injured employee could continue to suffer health complications that can lead to costly, or even fatal, consequences.
Cut-resistant gloves will keep your workers safe in the long run and are well worth the investment.
The Different Types of Cut-Resistant Glove Materials
Not all cut-resistance gloves are created equally. These specialized gloves can come in varied materials and textures depending on your needs. Consider these various cut-resistant glove materials and their respective benefits and disadvantages.
Polyester
Polyester is a reliable material with great benefits. It’s a synthetic fabric that is resistant to water, making it a quick-drying material. Polyester is a strong and durable kind of material that is ideal for construction and hardware workers. While it provides protection against sharp objects, it is only classified as at a cut resistance level 3. This simply means this material would not be ideal for super heavy-duty handling against more extreme hazards, which can be a con if your workers need more sturdy material for their work.
Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic fiber called a polyamide. It provides many great benefits, like improving dexterity and touch sensitivity, as well as being remarkably strong and abrasion-resistant. The material is low in moisture absorption, so your workers won’t have to worry about sweaty hands or damp gloves causing discomfort. Nylon performs well in electronic, assembly, and other small item handling operations. Like the polyester material, it is also level 3 for cut resistance. While ideal for small handling, it is not ideal for heavy-duty handling and abrasions.
Kevlar
Kevlar material is another synthetic aramid fiber that is highly cut-resistant and lightweight. It’s also a flame-resistant material and is ideal for kitchen environments where heat is present and can be a hazard. Kevlar material is a good match for the food, glass, and automotive industries. It has a cut resistance level of 3, meaning that it’s best for less heavy-duty projects.
Metal Mesh
Metal mesh, made from interlocking stainless steel, is a highly durable material ideal for environments that require the use of sharp cutting and abrasive materials. The metal construction creates a reliable, heavy-duty material that is puncture resistant. It has a cut level resistance of level 5, meaning that it is engineered to fare against extreme hazards.
The Different Cut Levels
Different gloves have different levels of resistance and strength. The higher the cut level, the more heavy-duty and cut-resistant the glove is. The classification system developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) can help you determine the strength level that is appropriate for the work on your jobsite. Consider this list to understand which level is right for you.
These units come from the ASTM F2992-15 testing method, which measures cut resistance for industrial work gloves on a 9-level scale. The units indicate how much weight (in grams) the glove can withstand before an object successfully penetrates or slices through the material.
- A1: ≥200
- A2: ≥500
- A3: ≥1000
- A4: ≥1,500
- A5: ≥2,200
- A6: ≥3,000
- A7: ≥4,000
- A8: ≥5,000
- A9: ≥6,000
Typically, the more resistance and cut protection the gloves require, the higher the cut level. The task and the hazard risk surrounding the task determine which level is necessary for the safety of your workers.
Choosing the Right Cut-Resistant Glove for You
When determining the right cut-resistant glove for you, it’s essential to consider the task at hand and the potential hazards that task presents. The cut-level rating chart can help you determine which glove is best for the industry you are in. Consider this brief overview below.
- A1: General, warehousing smart item handling or assembly
- A2: General, plastic handling, pulp, paper, molding
- A3: Small item handling, assembly, electronic, manufacturing, construction, hardware
- A4: HVAC, aerospace, food prep
- A5: Glass or metal handling, automotive assembly, HVAC
- A6: Metal fabrication, glass manufacturing, blade handling
- A7: Meat prep, glass manufacturing, metal stamping
- A8: Metal stamping, recycling, heavy assembly
- A9: Sharp metal stamping, recycle sorting, metal fabrication
When it comes to choosing the right cut-resistant gloves, industry matters. There are certain industries that are more heavy-duty and require protection from frequent hazards. A butcher will likely require more heavy-duty protection as opposed to a worker who handles plastic or pulp. Use logic and the data provided to help inform your decision on the kind of gloves your workers will need to stay safe.
The next time you need direction on cut-resistant work gloves, consider this quick guide to help you answer some of your questions. Feel free to reach out to our team to assist with all your needs and concerns. Hi-Vis Safety offers a variety of cut-resistant gloves to offer the ultimate protection and security that your industry workers need.
