Understanding Cut Protection

What is cut protection?
There are a number of factors that go into providing cut protection. First there's the glove material itself - its ability to resist tears and abrasion and to provide you with grip and dexterity so you can handle tools more safely. Safe working conditions are also important. Things like machine guarding, workplace set-up and worker training are all keys to reducing cut injuries.

How is cut resistance different from cut protection?
Cut protection is the combination of influences that tend to prevent a worker from being cut. Material properties such as cut resistance tear strength, and abrasion resistance as well as properties such as grip and dexterity are all important includes other factors not related to protective apparel such as machine guarding, workplace set-up, working conditions, and worker training.

What other gloves properties are important in evaluating cut protection and choosing gloves?
The importance of Grip is apparent once you consider that sharp-edged objects pose much greater threat when they are of cut resistance can significantly reduce the chance of cut injury by preventing slipping and slicing, decreasing the grip force required during a task, and providing the wearer with more control.

Abrasion Resistance and Durability are both important factors when choosing cut protection. Most products are used for extended periods of time, and it is important to ensure that they provide the same level protection at the end of the shift as they did at the beginning.

Dexterity and Comfort will also be important in some workplaces where small sharp objects must be handled or the gloves need to be worn for an extended period of time. Some gloves may be worn for more than just cut protection. The people who select them may need to consider protection from other hazards such as high or low temperatures or chemicals.

General Cut Protection Terms

Cut Resistance - the ability of a material to resist damage when challenged with a moving sharp edge object.

Cut Protection - the combination of influences that tend to prevent a worker from being cut.

Load - a force placed on an object. For an example, you may be holding a small razor blade that is sharp, but very light. The Load of the razor blade is somewhat small compared to someone holding a pane of glass that is sharp and heavy allowing more force to be put on the glove.

Products that provide "Cut Resistance" and "Cut Protection" do not completely prevent or eliminate the potential for cuts or punctures, and are not intended or tested to provide protection against powered blades or other sharp or rotating equipment. Users are encouraged to always use caution and care when handling sharp materials.

Cut Protection Performance Testing
The Cut Protection Performance Test (CPPT) is an ASTM F 1790 standard cut test. The cut performance rating measures the amount of force (in grams) applied for failure to occur at a 25 mm distance of travel for a standard cutting blade. The performance rating is classified by ANSI/SEA 105-2005 from a 0-5 level based on the outcome of the CPPT test. Performance ratings are as follows:

ANSI Cut Level Cut (Grams)
0 < 200
1 ≥ 200
2 ≥ 500
3 ≥ 1,000
4 ≥ 1,500
5 ≥ 3,500

How can Ansell help you improve cut protection in your workplace?
Ansell Occupational can contribute to your cut protection program by providing you with appropriate gloves and sleeves. Our associates have visited many worksites and can advise you on multiple aspects of cut protection. They are trained to help you pick the right gloves, and are backed by technical experts in all areas of hand protection.

Want to learn more about cut protection? Download the whitepaper.

For assistance on improving cut protection in your workplace, contact us today.