Anti-cut gloves

The hands, useful body parts in any work, are generally used for difficult tasks and therefore suffer all kinds of attacks, including cuts. Jobs in construction or industry often involve wearing them to avoid any damage or loss of use. In this sense, protecting them is of paramount importance insofar as they are fragile. Thus, choosing the right cut-resistant glove for your profession is essential.

Anti-cut protective glove: essential PPE

A cut resistant glove is first and foremost PPE or personal protective equipment designed to protect its wearer against the dangers that may arise in his profession. However, it is not the only PPE required for manual work. Its use should therefore only be considered essential if it complements other protections that are part of the elimination or risk reduction measures.

A cut-resistant glove is the result of the evaluation carried out by professionals, manufacturers, but also the community as well as companies and industries. In this study, tests were therefore carried out which made it possible to define the criteria which make it easier for the user to choose the model which corresponds to his trade and its characteristics (daily use, use in the sawmill, handling of metals , etc).

When it comes to cut-resistant gloves, analyzing the activity and the associated risks is crucial. In a sawmill for example, depending on the tool used, the associated gestures, the location of the risk of cuts on the hands, the recommended model could vary from one worker to another.

Standard 388 concerning professional anti-cut gloves

The EN 388 standard which concerns mechanical resistance is the regulation governing the design (materials, level of safety, durability, etc.) and the conditions of use a cut-resistant glove. To indicate compliance, it must therefore bear a pictogram with the words "mechanical hazards EN 388" below, followed by numbers. These represent the level of resistance to the following aggressions:

- Abrasion resistance from 0 to 4: this is the number of abrasion cycles required to wear the glove

- Blade cut resistance (0 to 5): this is the number of cycles required to cut the glove, the cutting speed being constant

- Tear resistance (0 to 4): the force required to break the glove

- Puncture resistance (0 to 4): the force required to pierce the glove with a standard punch.

If an X appears in the place of these numbers, it means that the resistance has not been tested.

In addition, gloves with these resistance levels are suitable for protecting their users from blade cuts on the inside of the hand (cutter, knife, broken glass, etc.). But in the case of a risk of being cut on the back of the hand by a saw or a chain (chainsaw, circular saw, etc.), the gloves must meet another standard: EN 381-7

The anti-cut glove complying with the EN 381-7 standard

In general, the glove for the left hand is only equipped with protection according to the standard EN 381-7. The one on the right should not be equipped with it for handling reasons. For example, a lumberjack needs dexterity and a good sense of touch to control the throttle of his chainsaw. However, if a user is left-handed or the risk assessment for their job reveals a hazard to their right hand, the protection should be for both hands.

What's more, 2 types of protection are offered by manufacturers:

- Design A offering protection to the back of the hand. The fingers are therefore not protected. The protective surface is 11 cm wide and 12 cm high to the highest point.

- Design B offering protection for the back of the hand and for the fingers, except the thumb. The protective surface is 11 cm wide and 19 cm high to the highest point.

Thus, when choosing the work glove, it is therefore crucial to identify the following information on the model:

- In 381-7

- Class…

- Hand protection…

-Design…

If the risk of cutting could extend to the forearm, an anti-cut glove is no longer sufficient to ensure the protection of its user. The latter must wear special clothing that protects the upper part of his body from any danger.

Where can I find anti-cut gloves?

Oxwork offers a large selection of anti-cut safety gloves with specific features: thermal, anti-abrasion, anti-cold, etc. The prices offered for cut-resistant gloves vary according to the range, the fabric used and the specificity offered. Get great value for money by buying your work gloves from Oxwork. You will also find promotions and destocking throughout the year on a selection. You will enjoy quality products offered at unbeatable prices.