Cut ratings indicate the glove’s resistance to cutting hazards. The higher the rating, the more protection the glove provides against cuts.  Different regions have different standards for cut ratings. Here’s a brief overview of the most common standards:

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EN 388 (European Standard)

This standard uses both the “Coup Test” and the “TDM Test” for gloves manufactured after 2016.

Ratings are represented by a series of four (or more) numbers (e.g., 4X43C). The third number (or letter X if not tested) represents the Coup Test result, while the last character (a letter from A to F) represents the TDM Test result, with A being the lowest and F the highest cut resistance.  For the EN 388 and ISO 13997 standards, the cut rating goes up to F.

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ANSI/ISEA 105 (American Standard)

This standard uses the “ASTM F2992-15 Test” and rates gloves from A1 (lowest) to A9 (highest) based on their cut resistance.

A1 gloves can withstand weights of 200-499 grams, while A9 gloves can withstand weights of 6000+ grams.

ISO 13997 (International Standard) For the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard, the cut rating goes up to A9.

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It’s essential to understand the specific standard referenced when looking at glove cut ratings to ensure you’re getting the appropriate level of protection.

It’s essential to refer to the glove’s chemical resistance chart, which lists the chemicals the glove is tested against and its resistance level.  This link will give provide a reasonable guide for 4 different glove materials.  However, please consult mfg specifications when in doubt.

• Latex gloves offer good protection against many acids and bases but may degrade with some organic solvents.
• Nitrile gloves provide excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including oils and solvents.
• Vinyl gloves are less resistant to chemicals than latex or nitrile but are often used for low-risk tasks.

Some gloves are designed to offer multi-hazard protection. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the specific glove chosen meets the required standards for both cut resistance and chemical protection.

Yes, there are thermal gloves designed for extreme temperatures. Ensure the glove you choose is rated for the specific temperature range you’ll be working in.

Dexterity refers to how easily you can move your fingers and handle objects while wearing the gloves. Higher dexterity means you can perform more intricate tasks without removing the gloves.

Some gloves are designed to be washable, while others are not. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions. Washing can sometimes degrade the protective qualities of the glove.

Coated gloves have a layer of material (like nitrile or latex) on the palm and fingers, enhancing grip and offering additional protection. Uncoated gloves do not have this layer and might offer more breathability.