With over 100,000 workers suffering from hand injuries each year, each of who require an average of six days away from work to recover, it is essential for employers to obtain the appropriate protection found in cut proof and/or puncture resistant gloves. Injuries caused from inferior work gloves or lack there of, account for a loss of productivity in the work place, which means less money in the company’s pocket. When it comes to choosing the right glove for the job, there are many options from which to choose.
Whether you are looking for puncture proof or cut resistant work gloves, this helpful information can get you started on identifying the correct work glove for your company employees.
Levels of Cut Resistance:
This helpful info-graphic provides a scale from 1-5 showing a range of resistance levels. There are five main levels including nuisance cuts, low, moderate, high, and extreme cut hazards. After identifying the necessary level of cut and puncture resistance needed for your company, the second diagram provides a spectrum to help identify the appropriate glove material to be selected. Ranging from Latex to Metal Mesh, there are several to choose from, and here we attempt to lay out key features of each to make your selection process easier.
Puncture/Cut Resistant Materials:
Polyester:
- Synthetic fabric that is strong and durable that is cut and puncture resistant
- Hydrophobic in nature, meaning it is resistant to water and quick-drying
- Chemical and abrasion resistant
- Cut Resistance level 3
- Ideal for use in construction and hardware industries
Nylon:
- Synthetic fiber called a polyamide
- Exceptionally strong and abrasion resistant
- Low in moisture absorbency
- Cut Resistance level 3
- Provide excellent touch sensitivity and dexterity
- Ideal for use in electronic operations, assembly, and small item handling
Dyneema:
- Super-strong fiber made from Ultra-High Molecular-Weight Polyethylene
- Maximum strength combined with minimum weight
- 15x stronger than quality steel, 40% stronger than other aramid fibers (per unit weight)
- Durable and resistant to water, chemicals, and UV light
- Cut resistance levels 3 - 5
- Perfectly suited for use in a full range of food preparation as well as construction, steel, and automotive industries
Kevlar:
- A synthetic aramid fiber that provides high cut/puncture resistance
- Inherently flame resistant, ideal for use in high heat kitchen environments
- 5x stronger than steel (per unit weight)
- Cut resistance level 3
- Provides comfort through lightweight construction
- Ideal use in food service/preparation, glass, and automotive industry
Metal Mesh:
- Made of interlocking stainless steel rings to form a mesh providing advanced cut and puncture resistance
- High durability because of stainless steel construction
- Ideal for environments requiring use of sharp cutting instruments
- Cut resistance level 5
- Ideal for cutting and preparing meat and poultry
- Only material that guarantees protection from puncture resistance because of metal construction