Glove Applications by Cut Level
Work gloves are tested under various standards to identify the different levels of protection and in different categories. i.e. Category II work gloves must be tested to EN388:2016 – the mechanical standards test which comprises of an abrasion test, a puncture test, a tear test, and a cut level test.
Today, we are looking at cut testing.
A cut test grade confirms the protection level of a glove when cut with a blade. As cuts are incredibly common injuries within the workplace, it’s imperative to identify the right-hand protection requirement before commencing any work. There are currently 2 types of testing under EN388:2016 the revised Coup test and the new ISO13997. The Coup test has always identified the cut protection via numbers 1 – 5 with 5 the highest level you could ever achieve.
The new ISO13997 testing was introduced to reflect the improvements in technology, which means we are now able to grade different levels of cut 5. These are now identified in the form of letters A – F with A (cut 1) the lowest and F the highest.
All Just 1 Source products have been tested under the new EN388:2016 Regulations, with all cut level 5 gloves achieving a level C under the ISO13997 testing.
Cut Level 1 and Cut Level A
Our cut level 1 A products are made from polyester, poly-cotton, nylon or leather (depending on the thickness of the leather). Some cut level 1 and cut level A gloves contain spandex to offer a more comfortable feel.
With the exception of leather, our cut level 1 and cut level A gloves are generally red liners, which is a theme commonly found within the UK glove market. Although most of our liners are red, we do have a couple of exceptions to the rule, to support our customers who prefer the traditionally recognised colours.
Cut level 1 and cut level A gloves generally offer great dexterity for feel and are often breathable and lightweight, suitable for industries such as:
Industries these gloves would fit within include:
- General Handling
- Engineering
- Automotive
- Logistics/Warehousing
- Gardening/Landscaping
- Utilities
- Construction/Scaffolding
Cut Level 2 and Cut Level B
Our cut level 2 and cut level B gloves offer a slightly higher cut resistance than the cut level 1 and cut level A. Our cut level 2 and cut level B gloves are made from polyester, poly-cotton, acrylic loop (acrylic loop is purely for thermal properties) or leather (again depending on the thickness of the leather).
The main difference between cut 1 and cut 2 is the number of strands of thread used to make the liners. A perfect example is our Pred Paws which is a 5 strand seamless poly-cotton yarn – a glove that offers great breathability and dexterity.
Our cut level 2 and cut level B gloves are orange (with the exception of the Pred Amber which is a 2 strand orange liner) and perfect for industries such as:
- Construction/Scaffolding
- Engineering
- Banksmen
- Logistics/Warehousing
- Gardening/Landscaping
- Infrastructure
Cut Level C and Cut Level 5
Our cut level 5, now C under EN388:2016 are high-performance polyethylene (HPPE) that are specially designed to protect the hands from cuts and abrasions. The liners are carefully blended from polyester, nylon, Azura or TekArmor™ with additional spandex to offer a better more comfortable feel.
Our cut level 5, now C under EN388:2016 are always green liners to clearly identify their high cut quality. Industries these gloves fit within include:
- Metal Handling
- Glass
- Assembly
- Waste Management and Recycling
- Infrastructure
- Engineering
- Construction/Scaffolding
- General Handling
Cut Level D, E and F
Our cut level E and F are top of the scale when it comes down to cut protection. The Power Paws achieves a cut level E and is a specially blended polyester / Azura mix. The liner is a natural yellow liner. Whereas the Pred Midas and Pred Impact both achieve a cut level F (the highest rating available under EN388:2016) and are easily identifiable by the blue liner.
Industries which our cut level E & F gloves suit include:
- High-Pressure Cut Applications
- Metal Handling
- Glass
- Fabrication
- Assembly
- Waste Management and Recycling
- Engineering
- Construction/Scaffolding
If you would like advice on which products to use in specific applications, you can contact our knowledgable Sales Team on:
Call – 01653 617718
Email – sales@just1source.com
