For many occupations, cut resistant gloves (CRG) are essential personal protective equipment (PPE). Between an identified hazard and the end-user, they are the last line of protection.
The safety practitioners and buying departments of any business whose workers are exposed to cut dangers must select the appropriate glove by matching it to the hazard and risk.
This article is designed to serve as a resource for safety professionals who want to learn more about CRG technology and which cut resistant gloves protection levels are suitable for their workplace.
How are they tested?
Gloves are tested under controlled settings to determine their cut resistance grade. The authorised testing techniques indicate how much force is necessary to cut through the glove’s material (through a blade or spinning blade).
These simulations are not representative of real-world industrial settings, applications, or circumstances. They are, nevertheless, the most excellent method for evaluating cut resistance currently available.
At least three techniques of cut resistance testing are currently in use. All are viable techniques, but if you need to test a glove’s cut resistance, start by determining which are legal in your region.
When are they required?
The results of your hazard or risk study will determine if your workplace requires cut resistant gloves. If your study uncovers cut hazards, go to the next step in the hazard control hierarchy. Suppose the analysis shows that the other control techniques that may be employed (treat, tolerate, transfer, terminate) are either ineffective or not reasonably practical. In that case, PPE is required as the final line of defence.
How is the cut resistance decided?
- Frequency of contacting a sharp object
- The kind of sharp object that is used
- The amount of force used
- Cutting force or contact length and direction
- The force of the sharp object on the glove’s location
- The sharpness of the object you are working with
- The cutting edge’s form and design
Force is one of the essential variables among all of them. A Level 1 glove subjected to a force greater than its tested capacity is likely to fail, making it critical to match the cut-resistant glove to the force level involved.
Educating the end-user that, while the CRG is meant to guard against cutting hazards, contact between the blade and the glove should be avoided at all times. A cut-resistant glove will give some protection, but it will not protect you from all cuts.
Buying guide to choosing the most suitable cut resistant glove:
As previously indicated, when matching a job task to a protective glove, a documented selection procedure is necessary. The ideal method is to create a set of statements outlining what you want or anticipate from a CRG for a given activity. This narrows the procedure’s scope and helps you to construct the questions you’ll need to ask the manufacturer. For instance, does the cut-resistant substance you want to employ need to shed water or be puncture resistant?
Begin at a well-known point, such as the ANSI chart. Examine the industrial applications they provide to see whether yours falls to a certain level.
Take note of worker involvement in terms of comfort, style, colour, feel, and fit. It will pay the most significant benefits since being concerned about the user’s comfort and convenience increases the likelihood of using the glove whenever required.
Also, make sure to check with suppliers and manufacturers. Contact people in sectors comparable to yours and ask for their recommendations on the best type of cut protection.
Involve the buying department and the safety committee. They can address a wide range of issues in addition to cut resistance.
Of course, whichever glove you choose, be sure that everyone who will use it understands and is educated in which gloves are acceptable and necessary for particular duties.
Above everything, be adaptable. Examine your CRG programme at least once a year to confirm that it is still meeting your needs.
