Spectra fiber ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fiber that offers high cut resistance even when wet.
Cut resistant glove levels chart.
Cut resistant gloves come in various fabrics offering different level of cut resistance.
The old level 4 is now divided into diļ¬erent levels a4 a6 and the old level 5 has been expanded to levels a5 a9.
Feeling a bit in the dark about the recent changes to the cut testing standards.
Work gloves that have been specified as cut resistance level 3 are suitable for a wider range of uses including in areas where contact with blades and sharp edges is not uncommon.
Guide to the new ansi and en388 cut levels.
The new ansi standard now features nine cut levels significantly reducing the gaps between each level and better defining protection levels for the cut resistant gloves and sleeves with the highest gram scores.
Globally there are two different performance standards for cut resistance.
Cut resistant materials technology.
For example cut 3 glove or cut 5 glove.
The cut resistance of a level 3 glove is usually referred to as safe for handling sheet metals.
It s important to consider the requirements of a particular application when choosing a glove material.
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.
The en388 european standard.
The graph below shows the differences between the old scale and the new scale.
The european standard en388 used in europe apac south america mexico and parts of canada and the us.
2016 magid glove safety mfg.
Level 1 3 remain the same as before the new standard focuses on better defining level 4.
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.
The below chart compares the new and previous ansi standards.
While cut resistant gloves in the u s primarily follow the new ansi rating system it is important to note that the european standard is commonly used as well.
New ansi cut scores will feature an a in front of the score.
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.
While this provides guidance in general terms it is still absolutely necessary to match the specific task to a specific level of cut resistance and glove.
Where as level 5 cut resistance is safe for handling glass and level 1 cut resistance is good for mechanic s and general purpose.
Cut resistance level 3.
Gloves are commonly referred to by their cut rating alone.
The ansi chart below also provides examples of applications of the various levels of cut resistance.
Crgs can be made from or from combinations of.
Joe geng vice president of superior glove offers this infographic that depicts the different cut resistance levels and the tasks for which they re suited.