Workers in motor vehicle manufacturing environments record a higher number of injuries compared to those in other industries. In particular, approximately 30% are lacerations and 12% occur on the hands. These are data that demonstrate, according to a study by the U.S. OEL, the vital importance of selecting gloves for the automotive industry. That is to say, to know the PPE with the ideal level of protection against cuts.

At Ansell, with 125 years of industry experience, we have made that commitment and go beyond regulatory compliance. We ensure that our product portfolio offers total protection solutions against specific risks. In this case, not only for automotive manufacturing, but also for the auto aftermarket industry in automotive workshops.

Anti-cut and cut protection features

From production plants to mechanics with spare parts, this vertical contains several processes and sub-processes, such as production, assembly, painting or spare parts handling. In all of them there are risks associated with the work activity. For example, punctures, crushing and, above all, cuts on the hands, the most common phenomenon.

To avoid these hazards, there are gloves for automotive engineering that provide protection at different levels, as well as American or European standards that measure this protection. However, it is important to know that there is no single model of anti-cut glove, although we can find a glove that protects against the risk of cutting. This is an important nuance that both safety managers and individual process managers in this industry must appreciate.

Operational differences

The main differences between an anti-cut product and a product that protects against cuts lie in two concepts: its conception and its specific functionality to face the different risk magnitudes and types of injuries. These are the key distinctions:

• Anti-cutting products: Designed to resist penetration by sharp tools and sharp objects. They are made of highly resistant materials, such as high tenacity fibers or stainless steel, and are intended to protect against deep cuts or severe incisions. Such is the case of those caused by knives, glass or other objects and tools.
• Products that protect against cuts: In this case, the design focuses on providing defense against abrasions, lacerations or minor injuries. They can be made of materials such as leather, tough fabric or polymers, and offer basic protection. These items are suitable for environments where the risk of cutting is lower or for tasks that do not require highly robust cut protection.

How does Ansell distinguish cut protection and cut protection in its automotive gloves?

As a leader in personal protective equipment, we manufacture our products as follows.

Anti-cut safety gloves

In all cases, they are manufactured with resistant material according to each need, also taking into account the preventive approach:

• Improved grip and comfortable fit: Our gloves are designed to provide comfort and freedom of movement to the user.
• Resistance: The key is not only based on the quality of the components, but also on the application of innovative technologies that make the difference of our PPE in the automotive vertical.
• Flexibility: This is an essential anti-cutting condition to allow better handling of tools and parts.

Cutting protection in automotive mechanic gloves

The difference in these products lies in the reinforced design. For example, the one we use in personal protective sleeves, which incorporate additional layers in the most impact-prone areas. Vulnerable areas such as the forearms and elbows must be specifically provided with optimum cut protection.

On the other hand, they must also provide greater coverage. An example of an aftermarket application is the HyFlex® models , suitable for vehicle maintenance and repair work . Reinforced and with extended cuff, these gloves offer maximum durability and full cut protection for hands and arms during various operations in the workshop.

Free evaluation

In short, anti-cut products focus on preventing accidental cuts by means of resistant and flexible materials. On the other hand, cut protection products offer a more complete defense with specific reinforcements and greater coverage.

Both types of equipment are essential in the automotive industry to ensure the defense of workers. Therefore, the appropriate PPE must be selected according to the tasks performed and the level of protection required for each situation. To facilitate the choice of automotive gloves, hazards can be identified and occupational injuries reduced at no cost with the AnsellGUARDIAN® assessment .

A consulting service that we provide to our customers to improve their safety and productivity and help them minimize costs.