Cut-resistant gloves are an essential component of safety gear for a wide range of industries, providing a higher level of protection against cuts and lacerations. Advanced materials and innovative designs allow workers to confidently perform tasks without compromising their safety.
These high-quality gloves are typically made from HDPE, Aramid, fiber glass, steel, other filament yarns OR the REVOLUTION Material Like METALQ® (No Glass No Steel) which offer superior resistance to cutting hazards. ANSI/ISEA 105 test standards are used to measure the level of cut resistance, ensuring that these tested gloves provide the utmost protection in various applications.
Here, you will discover the advantages of level 5 cut resistant gloves, explore various styles and features available on the market, and learn how to select the perfect pair for your demands.
Why should you consider getting cut-resistant gloves?
During 2011–2020, over 74,400 cases of cuts, lacerations, or punctures that resulted in days away from work in private industry were recorded by the Bureau of Labor Statistics every year.
According to the HANVO Gloves Expert, level 5 cut-resistant gloves can afford a cutting load of 2,200–2,999 grams. Work gloves of this level offer a perfect balance between handling flexibility and protection grades. You can wear it in the most hazardous situations without worrying about sharp edges, such as blades, glass, or metals.
Also, they offer other functional benefits, such as:
●Oil-proof，
●Chemical-resistant，
●Improved grip，
●Enhanced durability，
●Dexterity and breathability
When selecting cut-resistant gloves, it’s essential to ensure they are the correct size and fit appropriately to enhance protection and minimize the risk of injury.
What are cut-resistant gloves made of?
Most cut-resistant gloves are made of knitted, high-performance synthetic yarn coated with natural or synthetic rubber. They provide ideal protection from exposure to sharp objects and tools.
Materials and Technologies
High-Performance Synthetic Fibers
Cut-resistant gloves are made from high-performance synthetic fibers such as Steel, Glass Fiber, HPPE, METALQ®, and aramid fibers like kevlar®. These materials provide excellent cut protection, high flexibility, and durability.
Composite Yarns
Yarns are made from a combination of high-performance fibers and steel or other materials. These mixed yarns enhance the glove’s protective qualities, enabling it to achieve the highest level of cut protection. HANVO’s revolution, METALQ® Space Engineered aged Yarn which is Hanvo’s in-house invention. It is globally patented in USA, Europe, Japan and China with Graphene Material. GRAPHENE is a nano-sized carbon material that is the most important and leading-edge material on earth and possesses inherent properties beyond imagination. The density of GRAPHENE is harder than a diamond, 200 times stronger than steel and is the strongest material ever measured in the world. Graphene’s stand-out properties is its inherent strength. Due to the strength of its 0.142 Nm-long carbon bonds, graphene is the strongest material ever discovered, with an ultimate tensile strength of 130,000,000,000 Pascals (or 130 gigapascals), compared to 400,000,000 for A36 structural steel, or 375,700,000 for Aramid (Kevlar). Not only is graphene extraordinarily strong, it is also very light at 0.77milligrams per square metre (for comparison purposes, 1 square metre of paper is roughly 1000 times heavier). It has a breaking tenacity that reaches 42N/m while the density is only 2.2g/cm. When introducing GRAPHENE to a variety of textile, the characteristics of those ¬show superior performance, nothing like anything that has ever been seen. GRAPHENE based gloves have incredibly high tensile strength, superior cut, abrasion and heat resistance. METALQ® brings high strength, skin touch, super lightweight i.e. 5 times lighter than Aluminum, and extra durability performance without adding steel or any other fibers with the vast potential to be widely used in almost all protective applications, such as cut-resistant gloves/clothes, bullet proof vest/helmet, high-performance ropes/nets, shoes, sportswear, etc. Gloves made with METALQ® yarns can achieve a high cut-proof level, providing users with superior protection
Coatings
Coatings play a crucial role in enhancing grasp and durability. Various coatings, such as nitrile, PU (polyurethane), and latex, can be applied to the gloves to improve their performance in specific applications. For example, micro-foam nitrile coatings offer a superior grip and high abrasion-resistant performance in dry and damp working environments.
Combined with all these materials and technologies, coated cut-resistant gloves offer optimum protection and functionality, helping to ensure the safety of workers in various industries such as metal mechanics, construction, and manufacturing.
Standards and Certifications
EN 388:2016 and ANSI/ISEA 105 are two major global standards evaluating cut-resistant gloves.
EN 388:2016 is a European standard commonly quoted in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South America.
This standard assesses glove performance based on several factors, including cut protection, puncture resistance, and abrasion resistance. Gloves are rated on a scale of A to F, with higher letters indicating better performance during testing.
ANSI/ISEA 105: The American National Standards Institute and the International Safety Equipment Association standards are widely used in the US. It measures cut levels on a scale of A1~A9. Higher ranks indicate that the gloves resisted a greater cutting force.
Level A5 cut gloves can resist 2,200–2,999 grams of force. These gloves are designed for HVAC, glass, metal sheet handling, warehouse, aerospace industry, food processing, etc. It’s essential to understand the differences between EN388:2016 and ANSI105 standards. Remember, always refer to the manufacturer’s labels and guidelines when choosing gloves for your workplace.
Applications and Industries
Cut-resistant gloves are commonly used in various applications and industries, such as food processing, glass handling, metal fabrication, construction, transportation&warehousing,machinery&equipment, facility maintenance, automotive, etc.
Food Processing
When preparing food, such as slicing meats, fileting fish, and chopping vegetables, sharp knives and ingredients with rough surfaces may hurt your hands. So, wearing cut-resistant gloves protects you against cuts, punctures, and abrasions. This safety performance is perfect for maintaining safety and hygiene in food production facilities.
Glass Handling
Glass is just as dangerous as sharp knives, and if your hands are sweaty and you try to hold them, they may slip and break into pieces. All risks can be avoided with a pair of cut-resistant gloves that give you a better grasp and protect your hands from sharp edges. You will need them if you work with glass cutting, window installation, or making glass.
Metal Fabrication
Workers in the metal fabrication industry handle sharp materials and tools daily. Cut-resistant gloves provide the necessary protection during operations such as sheet metal cutting, welding, and grinding, ensuring safety and reducing the risk of accidents in the workplace.
Automotive
The automotive industry often includes tasks like repairing glass, panel replacement, and handling metal sheets, which can lead to potential hand injuries. So, class 5 cut-resistant gloves may result in significant financial savings.
Care and Maintenance
Cut-resistant gloves require proper care and maintenance to ensure longevity and preserve protective features.
Cleaning
Regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of dirt, oils, and other contaminants on your gloves. Machine washable for easy cleaning & maintenance.
Inspection
Regularly inspecting your gloves ensures they remain in good condition and can provide the required level of protection.
● Check for signs of wear, such as thinning, fraying, or punctures on the gloves’ exterior.
● Examine the seams and stitching for any signs of unraveling or weakness.
● Pay attention to the gloves’ fit and elasticity, as these factors may change over time and affect overall protection.
Storage
The gloves’ durability and safeguarding qualities will be preserved with proper storage. Keep these principles for storage in mind:
● Store the gloves in a shady, dry location, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
● Hang the gloves or lay them flat to prevent creasing or folding, which could damage the high-performance fibers.
● Keep the gloves away from chemicals, sharp objects, or other sources of potential damage.
By following these tips, you can maintain the effectiveness of your cut-resistant gloves and ensure their protection persists as long as possible.
Selecting the Right Glove
While choosing cut level 5 gloves, it is vital to consider various factors contributing to their efficiency and usability.
Fit and comfort
Ensuring that your gloves fit properly and provide adequate comfort, it’s crucial for optimal performance. Ill-fitting gloves may compromise superior dexterity and cause hand fatigue, whereas too-tight gloves can restrict blood flow and hinder movement. Look for gloves with adjustable wrist closures, and check the manufacturer’s sizing guide before purchasing.
Grip
A good clench is essential for safely and efficiently handling tools and materials. Cut-resistant gloves should feature specialized coatings or textures on the palm and fingers to enhance catchability, especially in wet or oily conditions. Some popular options include nitrile-coated or PU-coated gloves.
Additional safety features
Beyond cut resistance, it is essential to consider other safety features necessary for your specific work environment. For example:
● Chemical resistance: for working with chemicals or other hazardous substances;
● Heat and cold resistance: for tasks that involve extreme temperatures;
● Impact protection: for situations where hands might be exposed to impact hazards;
● Electrical insulation: for work involving electrical equipment or live wires;
Remember to evaluate each feature based on the job’s requirements for the best protection and performance.