Cut resistant gloves come in different ratings. The ratings are based on how much pressure can be put on a blade or point before the wearer will be lacerated.
At the low end of the scale is Level I, which can handle pressures of up to 200 grams. At the high end are Level V gloves. The materials that these gloves are made of can handle pressures of up to 3,500 grams, or 3.5 kilograms. Which glove you need will depend upon the level of cut hazard that you’re exposed to and the type of material that may cut you.
Among the workers most at risk of suffering a catastrophic, disabling or even life-threatening cut are meat cutters and people who handle glass and sheet metal. In these jobs, it’s necessary to make sure that the worker’s hands are as protected as possible. That being said, these jobs all entail very different working conditions. Someone who handles glass, for instance, will need enough precision to handle it without breaking it and someone who handles food preparation will need gloves that keep their grip when wet. There are gloves available that meet both of these requirements.
Cut resistant gloves are made out of numerous different materials. Kevlar, famous for its use in bullet-proof vests, is a very common choice in the lower levels of cut protection. For employees who handle utility knives and whose job doesn’t require constant cutting, these are good choices due to the light weight and many designs it’s available in. More cut resistant gloves are made out of a variety of materials. They also come in different lengths for extra protection around the wrist. These gloves, it must be remembered, are resistant to cuts, but they are not armor.
Handling sharp objects is made much easier with cut resistant gloves, but employees should be made aware of the limitations of their work gloves. While Level V gloves would provide the most protection for anyone, they’re not always necessary for the job and, in many cases, they may compromise dexterity enough that they wouldn’t be used by workers. Make sure that you pick the right level of resistance for your job. Some cut resistant materials compromise grip, but there are gloves that have materials included that provide excellent grip. There are also insulated models for work in cold situations, such as coolers and freezers.
Rigger Imports supply a wide range of cut resistant level 5 gloves to meet most industrial applications.
