Hand protection

The A1 to A9 scale is based on the cutting force, in grams, needed for a blade to cut through the material in the ASTM F2992 test, with A1 lowest and A9 highest. A2 to A3 is typical for handling parts with light sharp edges, while sheet metal, glass or burred stampings call for higher levels. Cut resistance is not puncture resistance, and no cut-rated glove protects against saw blades or rotating machinery.

The EN 388 marking is a string of digits and letters: abrasion, coupe-test cut, tear and puncture, followed by a letter A to F for cut resistance under ISO 13997. An X means that property was not tested. For materials that blunt the blade, such as HPPE or glass fibre blends, the ISO 13997 letter is the more reliable cut figure.

No material resists every chemical: nitrile suits oils, greases and many petroleum solvents, butyl suits ketones and esters, neoprene has a middling range, and latex performs poorly with organic solvents. Check the manufacturer's breakthrough-time table for the exact chemical and concentration, together with the glove thickness. A knitted cut-resistant glove with a nitrile palm coating is not a chemical glove.

Glove size is usually based on hand circumference measured across the knuckles, excluding the thumb, and the length from wrist to middle fingertip, giving sizes 6 to 11 or S to XXL. Loose gloves reduce dexterity and can be caught by rotating parts, while tight gloves cause fatigue and tear early. Order with a size split per workforce rather than a single size.

Generally no when working near a rotating spindle, chuck or drill bit, because the glove can be caught and pull the hand in. Gloves are for when the machine is fully stopped, such as changing tools or clearing chips. Specific rules should follow the hazard assessment and the safety instructions for each machine.

Look for holes, tears, open seams, and areas that have hardened, cracked or swollen from chemical contact. Chemical-resistant gloves can be inflated with air and rolled at the cuff to reveal pinholes. A glove that is contaminated on the inside should not be worn again.

It is the time from chemical contact on the outer surface until the chemical is detected on the inside under test conditions, as defined in EN ISO 374. Real breakthrough can be shorter because of temperature, flexing during work and mixtures of chemicals. Change gloves before the breakthrough time and check the manufacturer's chemical resistance chart for the exact substance in use.

Knitted and coated gloves may be laundered where the manufacturer allows it, though repeated washing can reduce cut resistance and grip. Rubber and nitrile gloves should have chemicals rinsed off the outside before removal and be left to air dry. Store them dry, away from direct sunlight, ozone and heat, which age rubber quickly.