Lacerations are among the most common hand injuries in metalworking, glass handling, and sheet metal fabrication. Choosing the right cut resistant glove starts with understanding exactly what "cut level" means.
This guide explains cut resistance ratings and how to pick the correct protection level. At Kewalson, we stock a wide range of hand protection for India's metal and steel industry.
Why Cut Protection Cannot Be Skipped
Deep lacerations from sheet metal, glass, and stamped parts are a leading cause of lost-time injuries. Many happen because workers use general fabric gloves with no real cut resistance.
Understanding EN 388 Cut Levels
Level A-B (Low) - Light material handling, assembly.
Level C-D (Medium) - General metalworking, sheet handling.
Level E-F (High) - Heavy sheet metal, stamping, glass cutting.
Types of Cut Resistant Gloves
1. HPPE Gloves
Excellent cut resistance while remaining lightweight and breathable.
Best for: General metalworking, automotive assembly
2. Kevlar Blend Gloves
Combine cut resistance with heat resistance.
Best for: Metal fabrication near heat sources
3. Steel-Fibre Reinforced Gloves
Provide the highest cut levels for demanding cutting tasks.
Best for: Heavy sheet metal, stamping presses, glass cutting
4. Coated Cut Resistant Gloves
Nitrile/PU palm coatings improve grip and add light liquid resistance.
Best for: Metal assembly with light oil exposure
Cut Resistant Gloves vs General Use Gloves
|
Feature |
Cut Resistant Gloves |
General Use Gloves |
|
Material |
HPPE, Kevlar, steel-fibre |
Cotton, basic knit |
|
Protection Level |
Rated (EN 388 A-F) |
No cut rating |
|
Best For |
Metalwork, glass, sharp materials |
Light handling, packing |
Standards for Cut Resistant Gloves in India
EN 388 - Primary international standard for mechanical risks.
IS 2573 - Indian Standard for industrial and leather safety gloves.
ANSI/ISEA 105 - US cut level standard, sometimes referenced for imports.
How to Choose the Right Cut Resistant Gloves
|
Step |
What to Check |
|
1. Identify risk |
Light assembly = low level; heavy sheet metal/glass = high (E-F) |
|
2. Check coating |
Nitrile/PU coated palms add grip without losing dexterity |
|
3. Match glove length |
Standard for general work, longer cuffs for forearm exposure |
|
4. Check EN 388 rating |
Don't rely on material name alone |
|
5. Replace when needed |
Coating thins, fibres fray, grip loosens |
Final Thoughts
Cut resistant gloves are a simple way to prevent one of the most common workplace injuries. Browse our full Hand Protection range, explore Mechanical Gloves, or see Chemical Resistant Gloves if chemicals are also involved.
Shop Now → kewalson.com/collections/ppe-cut-resistant-gloves
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What does the EN 388 cut level mean?
It rates a glove's resistance to cuts, abrasion, tear, and puncture, shown as a letter (A-F) or number (1-5).
Q2. Which cut level do I need for metalworking?
Most general metalworking needs a mid-range level (C-D); heavy sheet metal/glass needs high (E-F).
Q3. Are HPPE gloves better than cotton for cut protection?
Yes, cotton offers virtually no cut resistance while HPPE is engineered specifically for it.
Q4. Can cut resistant gloves also protect against chemicals?
Only if coated — look for a nitrile or PU coating for light chemical resistance.
Q5. How do I know when to replace cut resistant gloves?
Once the coating thins, fibres fray, or the grip loosens.
