What are the Different Levels of Cut Resistant Gloves

For industries such as meat cutting, glass processing, metalworking, petrochemicals, disaster relief, firefighting, and rescue, cut-resistant gloves are crucial personal safety protective equipment. Their unique performance characteristics lead to the creation of different levels of protection.

Cut-resistant gloves

Cut-resistant gloves are typically manufactured by processing high-strength and high-modulus polyethylene fibers coated with fiberglass, aramid, or steel wire. The cut resistance level of gloves with steel wire can reach up to EN388 Level 3-5.

Grades of cut-resistant gloves

Cut-resistant gloves are categorized into different levels based on their ability to resist cutting. In the market, these levels are commonly distinguished according to the standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the European standard EN388 for cut-resistant gloves.

ANSI 

The cut levels defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) refer to the resistance performance of cut-resistant gloves under specific experimental conditions. This level is typically determined by the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard.

ANSI Cut Level A

This indicates that the gloves have a lower level of cut resistance, with a cut resistance level between 200-499 grams. Gloves of this level are more suitable for industries and logistics tasks with low cut risks, providing a lighter level of cut protection for the hands.

ANSI Cut Level B

This indicates that the gloves have a moderate level of cut resistance, with a cut resistance level between 500-999 grams. Gloves of this level are suitable for work environments that involve the use of light-cutting tools.

ANSI Cut Level C

This indicates that the gloves have a moderately high level of cut resistance, with a cut resistance level between 1000-1499 grams. Gloves of this level are suitable for scenarios involving frequent use of cutting tools.

ANSI Cut Level D

This indicates that the gloves have a high level of cut resistance, with a cut resistance level between 1500-2199 grams. Gloves of this level are suitable for scenarios involving frequent contact with sharp cutting tools.

ANSI Cut Level E

This indicates that the gloves have an extremely high level of cut resistance, with a cut resistance level between 2200-2299 grams. Gloves of this level are suitable for special applications such as cutting metal or glass.

ANSI Cut Level F

This indicates an extremely high level of cut risk, with a cut resistance level exceeding 3000 grams. Gloves of this level are most suitable for special applications that require the highest level of cut resistance.

EN388

EN388 is a standard established and maintained by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). It is the standard within the European norms used to assess the mechanical performance of protective gloves. 

This standard specifies testing for gloves in areas such as abrasion, cut resistance, tear resistance, and puncture resistance. 

The cut level in EN388 is represented by a numerical value, where a higher number indicates greater cut resistance.

EN388 Cut Level 1

This indicates that the performance of the gloves in cut testing is deemed relatively weak, providing only limited cut protection. These gloves are typically suitable for lower-risk work environments.

EN388 Cut Level 2

Gloves of this level provide better cut protection than Level 1 and are suitable for some low-risk work environments. However, it is important to be aware of the cutting risks present in the work environment.

EN388 Cut Level 3

Gloves of this level have a decent cut resistance rating, suitable for some moderate-risk work environments, and can provide more reliable cut protection.

EN388 Cut Level 4

Gloves of this level are typically suitable for high-risk work environments, ensuring more effective hand protection in scenarios with elevated risks.

EN388 Cut Level 5

These gloves have extremely high cut resistance and are suitable for extremely high-risk work environments, protecting the hands even in extreme conditions.

In certain specific domains, countries have their respective national standards for cut-resistant glove levels. Therefore, when choosing cut-resistant gloves, it is advisable to adhere as much as possible to the standards of each country.

This is an American-style cutting grade measuring machine that can help you measure the grade of cut-resistant gloves：

Summarize    

In summary, for industries with high-risk factors, understanding the cut-resistant glove levels is the key to choosing the right gloves. If you need suitable cut-resistant gloves that meet specific levels, then Aibon would be your perfect choice-contact us now.

More Resources:

How to Measure Glove Sizes – Source: AIBON

Medical Gloves – Source: FDA

Types of Gloves – Source: AIBON

Medical Gloves Guidance Manual – Source: FDA