Ensuring Safety with Superior Hand Protection
A Guide to Hand Protection
AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS FOR HAND PROTECTION
The Australian / NZ Standard is AS/NZS 2161.
Historically, when developing and updating many Australian & New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS) for hand protection, Standards Australia have turned to their European (CE) counterparts and have adopted their standards for Australia. Additionally, standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), of which Standards Australia is a member, have also been adopted.
CUT RESISTANCE LEVELS
The cut levels for gloves under the old EN 388:2003 standard used a different scale than the updated EN 388:2016 standard. The old EN 388:2003 standard classified cut resistance into levels ranging from 1 to 5, with each level representing a specific range of cut resistance.
The EN 388:2016 standard replaced this system with a more precise testing method using the ISO 13997 test. In this updated system, cut resistance is rated on a different scale (A through F) which provides a more accurate measurement of cut resistance when it comes to hand protection.
Gloves can withstand a cutting force of 2 – 4.9 newtons (204 – 508 grams)
This is the lowest cut resistance level and indicates that the gloves offer basic protection against cuts and abrasions
Gloves can withstand a cutting force of 5 – 9.9 newtons (509 – 1019 grams)
This level of protection is suitable for tasks that involve a moderate risk of cuts and abrasions, offering more durability and safety than Level A gloves.
Gloves can withstand a cutting force of 10 – 14.9 newtons (1020 – 1529 grams)
These gloves are suitable for tasks with a higher risk of cuts and abrasions. They are commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and logistics, where handling sharp materials or tools is common.
Gloves can withstand a cutting force of 15 – 21.9 newtons (1530 – 2242 grams)
This level of cut resistance is suitable for tasks involving a significant risk of cuts and abrasions, such as handling sharp-edged materials, tools, or machinery
Gloves can withstand a cutting force of 22 – 29.9 newtons (2243 – 3058 grams)
This level of protection is often used in industries where workers are exposed to sharp objects or high-risk environments, such as heavy manufacturing, construction, or metal handling.
Gloves can withstand a cutting force of 30+ newtons (3059+ grams)
These gloves are designed for tasks with the highest risk of cuts and lacerations, such as handling very sharp tools or materials. They are typically used in industries where extreme cut protection is required, such as in heavy manufacturing, metal processing, or other high-risk environments.
Gloves can withstand a cutting force of approximately 1.2 to 2.0 newtons.
Gloves can withstand a cutting force of approximately 2.1 to 3.0 newtons.
Gloves can withstand a cutting force of approximately 3.1 to 5.0 newtons.
Gloves can withstand a cutting force of approximately 5.1 to 10.0 newtons.
Gloves can withstand a cutting force of more than 10.0 newtons.
Abrasion Resistance:
Measures how well the glove material withstands wear from abrasion.
Blade Cut Resistance
Assesses how well the glove material can withstand cutting forces from a sharp blade, which is critical for protecting against sharp edges and cutting hazards.
Tear Resistance:
Assesses the force required to tear the glove material.
Puncture Resistance:
Evaluates the glove’s ability to resist penetration from pointed objects.
How Do I know what Cut Rating a Glove is ?
In Australia, gloves that offer cut and hand protection are generally required to have a cut rating if they are intended to be used in environments where there is a risk of cut injuries. This is in line with the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2161.3:2005, which covers the requirements for protective gloves.
When it comes to hand protection, the cut rating indicates the level of cut resistance the gloves provide, and it’s typically represented by a standardized rating system. For gloves to be compliant with Australian standards, they need to be tested and certified according to these standards, and their cut resistance should be clearly marked on the glove or its packaging.
If you’re sourcing or using cut-resistant gloves, look for the relevant cut rating logo or label, which ensures that the gloves meet the necessary safety requirements for your specific application.
Other Markings for Different Types of Gloves & Properties
Protective Gloves against Mechanical Risks
Protective gloves against thermal risk (heat and/or fire)
Protective gloves against cold
Each glove should be marked with:
Name of manufacturer
Glove and size designation
Date of manufacturing (month & year) (where applicable)
CE mark
Appropriate pictograms accompanied by the relevant performance levels and the reference of the EN standard
Each glove should be marked with:
- Name and address of the manufacturer or representative
- Glove and size designation
- CE mark
- Usage info – simple design: ‘for minimal risks only’ or intermediate design or complex design: relevant pictograms
What are some different types of gloves available ?
Fingerless Mechanics Gloves
Profit Fingerless Glove
- One piece 0.8mm Synthetic leather palm
- 5mm SBR foam insert for best Vibration Attenuation (VA)
- Reinforced foam padded inner palm with non slip Gecko grip
- Express mesh backing for breathability and comfort
- Padded knuckle protection
Welders Gloves
Pyromate Big Kev Welding Glove
- Supple goatskin leather – durable and tough
- Lined with fine gauge Kevlar interlock knit for precise fit
- Excellent touch sensitivity and dexterity
Riggers
Riggamate Natural Cowgrain Gloves
- Wing thumb, stitch free palm
- Outstanding durability & comfort
HI-Vis Gloves
G-TEK CUT 5 HI VIS GLOVES
- Cut Level 5 / C protection close fitting liner minimising any hand fatigue or resistance of movement for all day wear.
- Fully breathable micro-porous coating on Hi Vis HPPE / Glass fibre seamless knit 15 gauge liner.
- Anti Microbal treated liner for hygiene and reduced bacteria odour.
- Amazing dexterity and sensitivity from Skin Contouring seamless knit liner combined with unique GuardTek coating.
- High water vapour transmission keeps hands Cool & Dry.
- Hi Vis Yellow Liner for maximum visibility and safety.
