An Overview of Cut-Resistant Gloves and Their Features

Cut-resistant gloves (CRG)  are a necessity in a variety of industries. They're the final line of defence before a user is exposed to danger. Hopefully, this article will help people who work in safety figure out how to use CRG technology.

How Can Cut-Resistant Gloves Protect the Wearer? 

Cut-resistant gloves are made to prevent injuries caused by blades, knives, and other slicing implements (sharps). It can also resist damage from broken glass, sharp debris, and pieces of metal. 

These gloves are designed to withstand blade contact. They protect the user's hand from the edge by acting as an intermediate layer. While they are not wholly immune to punctures, they can still prevent a small wound from becoming a worse one.

What Kind of Tests Are Done on CRGs? 

The cut resistance of a glove can be measured using a laboratory test that mimics a cutting situation. The force required to cut through the glove's material (with a blade or rotating blade) is measured through validated testing protocols. These virtual environments do not reflect the reality of the industry. 

EN 388 is the European standard for evaluating mechanical risks for hand protection. It is similar to the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard. ISO 13997 is the strictest method and most time-consuming and expensive to implement. There are several approved methods to determine a glove's cut resistance if you're obligated to do so by law. 

When Would You Need Gloves That Won't Cut? 

Your research should proceed up the "ladder of controls" for potential dangers after identifying potential hazards. If cut-resistant gloves are required, this will be determined by your risk assessment and hazard identification findings. Once the treatment, tolerance, transfer, and termination options have been explored, personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used.

How Does One Identify a Material's Cut Resistance? 

When a glove is worn, its cut resistance can be affected in several ways

• The impact zone on the glove from a blade
• The acuteness of the knife's cutting edge
• The specifics of the cutting edge's geometry (razor edge, serrated, jagged, etc.)
• Blade contact frequency
• Classification of a blade (e.g. knife, rotating blade, stamped metal edge)
• The force exerted
• The length and orientation of the cutting power or point of contact 

Because of the CRG's protective properties, the glove should never come into touch with the blade directly. A cut-resistant glove may help, but it won't stop every cut. Because a Level 1 glove will fail if it is hit with a more potent force than what was tested, it is essential to match the cut-resistant glove to the pressure level. 

It's essential to tell workers this because they might think that safety gloves can't be cut through if it's unclear that they can be.

How Durable are CRGs? 

Test results measuring the glove's resistance to abrasions, cuts, tears, and punctures are displayed as numbers next to the EN 388 symbol. The glove's abrasion, rip, and puncture resistance are evaluated on a scale from 1 to 4, with 4 being the highest. 

In the same vein, cut resistance is ranked from 1 to 5. The Coup Test is an established method of increasing a material's resistance to cuts. 

What Are CRGs Made from? 

CRGs can be crafted from, or combined with, the following:

• Kevlar (a synthetic aramid fibre)
• Mesh or weave made of metal
• Various natural materials (rubber, cotton, wool, leather)
• Synthetic Polyester Fabrics
• Nylon Fabric Synthetic (polyamide)
• Dyneema (super-strong fibre made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene)

Almost every CRG out there is a hybrid of two or more components.

Conclusion 

A complete personal protective equipment (PPE) set should include cut-resistant gloves. Integrate it with your safety management system's other components like instruction, task monitoring, and guidance.