Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-09-08 Origin: Site
When working with sharp tools, sheet metal, glass, or blades, hand protection is critical. Cut-resistant gloves are designed to reduce the risk of lacerations, but not all gloves offer the same level of protection. That’s why safety standards such as ANSI/ISEA (North America) and EN 388 (Europe) exist to classify cut-resistant glove levels.
This guide will help you understand what these levels mean, how they are tested, and how to choose the right level for your workplace.
Cut-resistant glove levels are ratings that indicate how much force or pressure a glove can withstand before being cut through. The higher the level, the stronger the protection.
Two main testing standards are widely used:
ANSI/ISEA 105 (U.S.) → Measures resistance to cutting force on a 9-level scale (A1–A9).
EN 388 (EU) → Uses a 6-level scale (1–5, plus “A–F” for ISO cut test).
| ANSI Level | Grams to Cut Through | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 200–499 g | Light material handling, general assembly |
| A2 | 500–999 g | Small parts assembly, packaging |
| A3 | 1,000–1,499 g | Construction, light sheet metal |
| A4 | 1,500–2,199 g | Automotive, warehousing |
| A5 | 2,200–2,999 g | Glass handling, HVAC, medium metal work |
| A6 | 3,000–3,999 g | Heavy assembly, moderate cut hazards |
| A7 | 4,000–4,999 g | High-risk glass or metal fabrication |
| A8 | 5,000–5,999 g | Extreme cut hazards, aerospace |
| A9 | 6,000+ g | Maximum cut protection, heavy-duty steel and glass work |
EN 388 rates gloves with numbers and letters, where cut resistance is shown as 1–5 or A–F.
Levels 1–2: Low risk (general handling).
Levels 3–4: Medium risk (construction, warehousing).
Level 5: High risk (metal work, glass).
A–F ISO Ratings: Provide finer detail, with “F” being the highest cut resistance.
Choosing the correct glove level depends on the hazards in your workplace:
Light-duty tasks (assembly, packaging): A1–A2 (ANSI) / Level 1–2 (EN 388).
Medium risk (construction, warehousing, maintenance): A3–A5 (ANSI) / Level 3–4.
High risk (metal fabrication, glass handling): A6–A9 (ANSI) / Level 5–F.
Important: Higher cut resistance doesn't always mean better. Overprotection can reduce flexibility and comfort, making gloves less practical. The goal is to match the glove level to the task.
Cut-resistant glove levels help ensure workers get the right balance of safety, comfort, and performance. By understanding ANSI and EN 388 standards, safety managers can confidently choose gloves that provide the necessary protection without compromising efficiency.
At LITA Safety, we are committed to providing reliable, high-quality industrial safety gloves that meet ANSI and EN 388 standards. Our range of cut-resistant gloves is designed for industries including construction, metalworking, glass handling, food processing, and more.
For product details, wholesale inquiries, or OEM/ODM solutions, contact us at info@litasafety.com.
