Cut Resistant Gloves

ANSI cut levels indicate how much cut resistance a glove provides under standardized testing. The scale ranges from A1 to A9, with higher numbers indicating greater resistance to cutting forces.

Lower cut levels such as A1, A2, and A3 are generally suited to lighter cut hazards and routine material handling. Mid-range levels such as A4, A5, and A6 provide increased protection for applications involving sharper materials and more significant cut hazards. Levels A7, A8 , and A9 are intended for high and extreme cut-hazard applications.

The appropriate cut level should always be selected based on a workplace hazard assessment and the specific task being performed

Choose a cut-resistant glove based on the sharpness of the materials being handled, the force that could be applied, the frequency of exposure, and the level of dexterity required.

Lower cut levels may be appropriate for packaging, assembly, warehouse work, and handling materials with occasional sharp edges. Higher cut levels may be required for sheet metal, glass handling, fabrication, recycling, construction, and other applications involving significant cut hazards.

A higher cut level is not automatically the best choice for every task. The glove must also provide the grip, fit, comfort, and dexterity required to complete the work safely.

No. Cut-resistant gloves are designed to reduce the risk and severity of cut injuries, but no glove is completely cut-proof.

Gloves can still be damaged or cut through when exposed to sufficient force, sharpness, wear, or improper use. Always inspect gloves before use and replace them when they become damaged, worn, or contaminated.

Cut-resistant gloves should be used as part of a complete workplace safety program and should not replace safe handling procedures, guarding, training, or other hazard controls.

Cut resistance measures a glove’s ability to resist slicing hazards from sharp edges, blades, metal, glass, and similar materials.

Puncture resistance measures protection against objects that press through the glove, such as nails, wire, splinters, or other pointed hazards. Needle-stick resistance is a separate consideration and is not guaranteed by a standard puncture-resistant or cut-resistant glove.

When a task involves multiple hazards, choose a glove that is specifically rated for each required type of protection.

Not necessarily. A cut-resistant glove may not provide adequate protection against impact, chemicals, heat, vibration, or puncture hazards unless those protections are specifically identified in the product specifications.

For work involving crushing or back-of-hand hazards, explore anti-impact gloves. For chemical handling, choose appropriately rated chemical-resistant gloves. Always review the glove’s complete ratings and intended applications before use.

Cut-resistant gloves should fit securely without being excessively tight or loose. A properly fitted glove supports dexterity, grip, and control while helping prevent loose material from interfering with the task.

Gloves that are too large may reduce control and create snagging risks. Gloves that are too small may restrict movement, cause discomfort, and wear prematurely. Consult the manufacturer’s sizing guide and try the glove on whenever possible.