The Levels of Cut Resistance in Hand Protection
In this edition of Technical Untangled we demystify the ANSI/ISEA 105 cut levels, from A1 to A9, why this standardized testing is so vital for accurate and informed decisions, and how understanding these levels helps you to select the right hand protection for your workforce.
Understanding ANSI/ISEA 105:2024 Cut Levels
The ANSI/ISEA 105:2024 standard categorizes cut resistance into a range of levels, from A1 to A9, with higher numbers indicating greater protection. These levels are determined by the amount of force (in grams) required to cut through a material using a Tomodynamometer (TDM-100) machine.
How Are Cut Resistant Gloves Tested?
The ANSI/ISEA 105:2024 cut resistance test method (ASTM F2992-23) is performed using a Tomodynamometer (TDM-100) machine. This machine is fitted with a straight blade that is drawn in a single direction across the material of the glove under a controlled force. The cut resistance level is determined by the amount of force (in grams) required to cut through the material at a 20mm distance of blade travel.
ANSI Cut Levels A1 - A3: Light to Moderate Protection
Gloves offering ANSI Cut protection Levels A1, A2, and A3 provide low to moderate levels of cut resistance, ideal for tasks with minimal to light cut hazards. These gloves are engineered to maintain high comfort and dexterity, allowing workers to perform precise tasks without feeling cumbersome.
Common Industries/Applications: These gloves are often chosen by workers in industries such as light assembly, warehousing, packaging, automotive parts handling, electrical wiring, and HVAC installation. Since tasks in these fields often involve repairing and handling small, intricate objects, the glove needs to fit like a second skin while providing essential cut protection.
ANSI Cut Levels A4 - A6: Medium to High Protection
Gloves providing ANSI Cut Levels A4, A5, and A6 offer a robust balance of medium to high cut resistance and necessary dexterity. These levels are crucial for industries where workers regularly encounter equipment or materials that pose a more significant risk of cuts or lacerations, but still require a good degree of hand movement and feel.
Common Industries/Applications: These gloves are commonly used in sectors like construction, general manufacturing, metal fabrication, appliance manufacturing, glass handling, and automotive manufacturing, where precision and safety are equally crucial. They provide a vital barrier against sharp edges from materials like sheet metal, glass, or rebar, and offer protection in scenarios involving moderate to heavy machinery.
ANSI Cut Levels A7 - A9: Very High to Extreme Protection
Gloves with ANSI Cut Levels A7, A8, and A9 represent the pinnacle of cut protection. These solutions are engineered for the most hazardous applications, where workers are consistently exposed to severe cut, abrasion, and puncture risks. They are designed to withstand extremely high forces, providing a critical layer of defense against life-altering injuries.
Common Industries/Applications: Workers in demanding environments such as abattoirs, large-scale meat and poultry processing, heavy-duty metal stamping, advanced recycling operations with very sharp and diverse materials, specialized glass manufacturing, and certain high-risk oil and gas applications rely on these gloves due to the extremely sharp materials, blades, and heavy machinery they work with. These levels are reserved for scenarios where maximum cut protection is an absolute necessity.
What to consider when reviewing your hand protection program
Conducting a comprehensive hand protection assessment with your supplier is crucial. This evaluation provides valuable insights into the types of gloves required, the tasks end users will perform, the potential machinery and equipment they may be handling, and the environmental and handling risks. Based on this information, your supplier can recommend the most suitable hand protection for your specific roles, ensuring compliance with ANSI/ISEA 105:2024.
For more details on our hand protection evaluation process, click here.
By understanding the different levels of cut resistance and selecting the appropriate PPE solutions, you can greatly minimize the risk of hand injuries in the workplace, fostering a safer and more productive environment for your North American workforce.
The Importance of the Right Cut Level
Choosing the correct cut resistance level is not just about compliance; it's about safeguarding your workforce and maintaining productivity. Over-specifying can lead to reduced dexterity and increased cost, while under-specifying can result in preventable injuries.
Tilsatec understands the diverse needs of North American industries. Our commitment to innovation and advanced material science allows us to engineer a comprehensive range of hand protection solutions, each rigorously tested to meet or exceed ANSI/ISEA 105:2024 standards.
By partnering with Tilsatec, you gain access to cutting-edge hand protection designed to meet the specific demands of your industry, ensuring your team is protected against the ever-present threat of cuts. Consult with our experts today to determine the ideal cut protection solution for your unique applications.