The cut-resistant level refers to the capability of a glove and how it withstands the weight (in grams) until it is cut through.
Higher levels of cut protection feature increased protection from hazardous objects such as ceramic knives, glass, metal saws, and other items with sharp surfaces. The cut-resistant standard for work gloves features a 9-level scale ranging between A1-to-A9. This standard originated from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), which became successful in North America as of March 2016.
The refreshed ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 norm, in light of the ASTM F2992-15 testing strategy, measures cut opposition for Industrial work gloves on a 9-level scale ranging between A1-to-A9. Compared to the ANSI/ISEA 105-2011 standard utilizing a 5-level scale, the ebb and flow standard considers more exact distinguishing proof of assurance in PPE.
Cut resistance is measured by how long it takes to cut through a piece of fabric in mm which is "equivalent" in sharpness to the glove's material.
For example, if your blade can cut through metal easily, gloves with an A1 rating wouldn't be most beneficial because they would seam after just one cut. On the other hand, someone who needs heavy-duty protection against cuts may prefer an A4 glove which offers higher durability in more rugged jobs where wire cutting may take place throughout the entirety of a day.
Industrial cut-resistant gloves typically have either constructed, layered, or sewn seams to provide increased durability against cuts. The bonded, laminated seams are typically made using strips of leather with an interconnected stitching pattern. This creates the internal stretch vent which is generally covered by an outer band of high-performing fabric. Alternatively, the second type is made entirely out of knitted fabrics like Kevlar and will offer excellent dexterity. However, it will not be as durable as one that has both knit and woven materials.
What level of glove you choose depends on what task you are performing.
For example, during material handling or table assembly tasks, A3 or lower may be adequate, depending on your needs and preference for dexterity. However, for welders, it is generally recommended to wear at least an A5-rated glove or higher.
Hand protection is the biggest concern in the safety industry. Giving workers what they need to perform their job safely and efficiently can be complicated, especially when two different applications require varying levels of protection. Level protection gloves help solve this problem by providing hand protection specifically tailored to workers' needs. Ansell carries a wide selection of cut-resistant gloves to cover all your specific needs and requirements. Ansell offers protection ranging from heavy-duty work gloves for handling metals and crunching ice, flame resistance, electric shock abrasion resistance, and even chemical splash-resistant styles.
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