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Hand injuries are among the most common workplace incidents across manufacturing, assembly, warehousing, maintenance, and construction activities. Cuts, lacerations, punctures, and abrasions often occur when handling sharp tools, sheet metal, cables, glass, or machinery components. Local occupational safety regulations and international standards such as ANSI/ISEA 105 and EN 388 require that hand protection be selected based on the specific hazards of the task.
Understanding Cut-Resistance Levels
The image illustrates ANSI Cut Levels A1 to A9, which indicate the amount of cutting force a glove can withstand:
?? A1-A3 (Light Protection)
Suitable for light material handling, packaging, warehousing, and general assembly work.
?? A4-A5 (Medium Protection)
Suitable for electrical assembly, HVAC work, light metal fabrication, glass handling, and manufacturing activities.
?? A6-A7 (High Protection)
Suitable for metal stamping, sheet metal work, recycling, fabrication, and sharp material handling.
?? A8-A9 (Very High Protection)
Suitable for extreme cut hazards involving heavy metal processing, sharp-edged materials, and high-risk fabrication tasks.
Safe Work Practices
Conduct a task-specific risk assessment before selecting gloves.
Choose gloves appropriate for the hazard, not just for comfort.
Inspect gloves before use for damage, cuts, tears, or excessive wear.
Replace damaged gloves immediately.
Keep hands clear of moving machinery and sharp edges even when wearing gloves.
Ensure gloves do not create entanglement hazards near rotating equipment.
Follow manufacturer recommendations and workplace PPE requirements.
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