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A Guide to Cut Resistance Levels in Cut Resistant Gloves

Views: 218     Author: zhongle     Publish Time: 2023-05-17      Origin: Site

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A Guide to Cut Resistance Levels in Cut Resistant Gloves

What factors influence cut resistance?

Several factors influence a glove's cut resistance when in use, including:

Contact frequency of the blades

Blade type (for example, knife, spinning blade, stamped metal edge)

The amount of force used

Cutting force or contact length and direction

The force of the blade against the glove

The cutting edge of the blade's sharpness


The cutting edge's shape and design (razor edge, serrated, jagged, etc.)

One of the most important factors among these is force. A Level 1 glove subjected to a force greater than its tested capacity is likely to fail, making it critical to match the cut-resistance glove (anti-cutting gloves) to the level of force involved.


Educating the end-user that, while the CRG is intended to guard against a cutting hazard, contact between the blade and glove should be avoided at all costs. A cut-resistant glove will give some protection, but it will not prevent all cuts.


Injuries can occur when a worker incorrectly believes that a blade cannot pierce their protective gloves.


A1-A9 Protection

The level of cut resistance is classified by ANSI as A1 through A9. A higher number indicates that the glove material withstood a greater level of cutting force during testing.


An A-1 cut level, for example, means 200 grams of force was applied and resisted, whereas an A-9 cut level means 6,000 grams of force was applied and resisted.


The ANSI Chart below also includes examples of applications for the various levels of cut resistance.


ANSI cut resistance glove levels chart

cut-resistant levels

While this provides general guidelines, it is still necessary to match the specific task to a specific level of cut resistance and glove.


Cut Resistant Materials

CRGs can be made from or from combinations of:


Polyester Synthetic Fabric

Polyamide Synthetic Nylon Fabric

Dyneema (super-strong fiber made of polyethylene with an ultra-high molecular weight)

Kevlar (an aramid fiber synthetic fiber)

Mesh or weave made of metal

Natural materials (rubber, cotton, wool, and leather)

Almost all CRG on the market is a mix of one or more of these materials.


These materials all have similar cut-resistance properties. However, each has some distinguishing characteristics that may be relevant when considering other hazards to which the user may be exposed. As an example:


Polyester is water-resistant and quick-drying.

Nylon is extremely strong, abrasion resistant, and has excellent touch sensitivity.

Kevlar is naturally flame resistant.

The weave of a fabric is also important for cut resistance in gloves. Some CRGs are woven with steel strands, combining two types of cut safety technology into a single protective material.


How to Pick the Best Glove

As previously stated, when matching a work task to a protective glove, a documented selection process is required. The best method is to create a list of statements outlining what you want or expect from a CRG for a specific task. This focuses on the process and allows you to formulate questions for the manufacturer. For instance, does the cut-resistant product you intend to use also need to shed water or be puncture resistant?


Begin with a well-known point, such as the ANSI chart. Examine the industrial applications they list and see if your industry fits into one of them.


Take note of employee engagement in terms of comfort, style, color, feel, and fit. This will pay the greatest dividends because caring about the user's comfort and convenience increases the likelihood that they will wear the glove whenever it is required (learn more about Trends and Technologies Making Cut Protective Gloves Truly Comfortable).


Also, consult with suppliers and manufacturers. Contact people in industries similar to yours and ask for their recommendations on the best type of cut protection.


Involve the buying department and the safety committee. They can address a wide range of issues in addition to cutting resistance.


Of course, whichever glove you choose, be certain that everyone who will use it understands and is taught which gloves are acceptable and required for particular tasks.


Above everything, be adaptable. Examine your CRG program at least once a year to confirm that it is still meeting your needs.


Conclusion 

Cut-resistant gloves are an essential component of a comprehensive PPE program. Combine it with other components of your safety management system, like education, training, task monitoring, and coaching.

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