This fun video and infographic provides a run down of the new ansi a1 through a9 cut levels and breaks down the new en388 a through f cut levels and what they signify.
Glove cut levels uk.
Standard metal blades made a partial cut through level 4 cut resistant gloves and did not penetrate level 5 cut resistant gloves or any gloves rated a5 or higher.
Wearing the correct glove is the most critical factor in proper hand protection.
It s even more important to understand cut resistant gloves and the characteristics they hold.
3 abrasion 6 1 level 3 level 3 level 3 cut 6 2 level 4 test not performed or not applicable level 2 tear 6 4 level 4 level 1 not achieved level 1 not achieved puncture 6 5 level 3 level 3 level 3.
The addition of the new letter is due to inconsistencies in the old cut test when a blade was blunted by the test sample as this was deemed to no longer give an accurate cut protection level for gloves that blunt the test blade.
The second digit in this number is the cut score with 1 being the minimum and 5 scoring the highest.
If you re looking to purchase some en 388 gloves or have bought some en 388 gloves and are unsure of what the standards mean then this guide will tell you everything you need to know from the history of the standard to buying your first pair.
Guide to the new ansi and en388 cut levels.
Most of the reusable gloves that we sell will be certified to en 388.
Hand protection policies are best determined at the company level but any opportunity to switch to a lower level of cut resistance is a chance to save money on safety cutting gloves.
Being the middle level of resistance cut resistance level 3 provides you with the best of both worlds you achieve protection but it is not at the expense of dexterity and control of.
A higher number indicates that the glove material resisted a higher level of cutting force during testing.
Cut resistant gloves come in various fabrics offering different level of cut resistance.
How to choose a cut resistant glove.
Feeling a bit in the dark about the recent changes to the cut testing standards.
Cut resistance level 3.
For example an a 1 cut level means 200 grams of force was applied and resisted while an a 9 cut level means 6000 grams were resisted.
Often incorporating a reinforced liner for additional safety cut gloves are rigorously tested to ensure appropriate resistance levels are met.
Instead of a straight razor it uses a rotating circular blade.
A cut level 5 glove would have to withstand at least 3 500 grams 7 7 pounds on the blade without the material being cut through.
En 388 clause 7 marking example no.
Ansi ranks the level of cut resistance from a1 to a9.
En 388 is the other more widespread standard.
