Cut injuries to hands are among the most frequent workplace accidents in industries ranging from construction and manufacturing to food processing and logistics. Cut-resistant gloves are specifically engineered to protect against lacerations while maintaining the dexterity needed for precision tasks.
Understanding EN 388 Cut Ratings
The EN 388 standard rates gloves on four mechanical properties: abrasion resistance (rated 1-4), blade cut resistance (rated 1-5), tear resistance (rated 1-4), and puncture resistance (rated 1-4). In the updated EN 388:2016 standard, an additional rating letter from A to F indicates cut resistance using the TDM (Tomodynamometer) test, which is more accurate for high-performance materials like HPPE and Dyneema.
ANSI Cut Level Ratings
The ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 standard uses cut levels A1 through A9, measured in grams of force needed to cut through the material. For UAE construction work, gloves rated A4 or higher are typically recommended. For glass handling and sheet metal work, A6 to A9 provides the necessary protection.
Choosing the Right Material
HPPE (High Performance Polyethylene) fibres like Dyneema offer excellent cut resistance with a lightweight feel. Kevlar provides both cut and heat resistance, making it suitable for metal fabrication. Steel mesh gloves offer the highest protection for meat processing and industrial cutting operations. Many modern gloves use composite yarns combining multiple materials for optimal protection and comfort.
TexiExp Technologies supplies EN 388 and ANSI-rated cut-resistant gloves for construction, manufacturing, and food processing in the UAE.