Cuts are one of the most common hand injuries at work. They happen in metal shops, warehouses, glass plants and on building sites. Cut resistant gloves help a lot, but only if you pick the right level.
Go too low and the glove won't protect you. Go too high and it feels stiff, so workers take it off. This guide explains cut levels in plain words, so you can choose the right anti cut gloves for your team.
New to work gloves? Start with our main safety gloves guide.
Where to Find the Cut Level on Cut Resistant Hand Gloves
Look for a small shield symbol marked "EN 388" on cut resistant hand gloves or their pack. Under it you'll see a code, such as 4543D.
Two parts of the code tell you about cuts:
- The second number (1 to 5) comes from an older test. This is where names like level 3, level 4 and cut 5 gloves come from.
- The letter at the end (A to F) comes from a newer, more accurate test called ISO 13997.
If the number and the letter seem to say different things, go with the letter. Modern fibres can blunt the blade in the older test, which makes the number less reliable.
Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5: What's the Difference?
- Level 3 cut resistant gloves: light to medium protection. Good for general handling and small parts.
- Level 4 cut resistant gloves: a step up. Good for assembly, building work and parts with some sharp edges.
- Cut resistant gloves level 5: the top score on the older test. Good for sheet metal, metal work and sharp parts.
Because this older scale isn't always reliable, always check the A to F letter too.
ISO Cut Levels A to F at a Glance
|
Cut level |
Force needed to cut |
Good for |
|---|---|---|
|
A |
2 N |
Light handling, packing, simple assembly |
|
B |
5 N |
Small parts with few sharp edges |
|
C |
10 N |
Medium jobs, car assembly, building work |
|
D |
15 N |
Sheet metal, metal work, sharp parts |
|
E |
22 N |
Glass, metal stamping, heavy metal work |
|
F |
30 N |
Very sharp blades, glass making, recycling |
N stands for newtons, a unit of force. Put simply, the higher the number, the harder it is to cut through the glove.
What Are Cut Level D Gloves Good For?
Cut level D gloves are one of the most popular choices. They give strong protection against sharp metal edges but still feel light enough for detailed work. That makes them a good fit for sheet metal, fabrication and car parts.
For glass, many teams go one step higher. Cut resistant gloves for glass handling are usually level E or F.
What Are Anti Cut Gloves Made Of?
The protection comes from the inner layer, called the liner. Common liner materials are:
- HPPE: a light, cool and flexible fibre, often used for levels C to E.
- Kevlar (aramid): kevlar gloves are strong against cuts and also handle some heat.
- Glass fibre or steel blends: mixed with HPPE to reach higher levels without adding much bulk.
On top of the liner, a palm coating adds grip. PU coating feels thin and gives great finger control for dry work. Nitrile foam grips better when parts are a little oily or wet.
Some jobs also have crushing or knock risks. Impact cut resistant gloves add rubber pads on the back of the hand for this.
Are Cut Proof Gloves Really Cut Proof?
No. People often search for cut proof gloves, but no glove is fully cut proof. Even level F gloves only lower the risk. They aren't made for saw blades, serrated knives or moving machines.
How to Pick the Right Cut Resistant Gloves
- List the sharp things your team handles, like metal edges, glass, blades or wire.
- Look at past injuries to see where cuts have happened before.
- Choose the lowest level that covers the risk. For most metal and assembly work, level C or D is a good fit.
- Let workers try them for a few shifts. If gloves aren't comfortable, they won't be worn.
Examples of Cut Resistant Gloves in UAE
Here are two popular cut resistant gloves uae workplaces use:
- Valpro Cut 5 PU, Cut Level D: HPPE liner with a thin PU palm, rated 4543D, good for sharp parts and electrical assembly
- Valpro Gorilla Cut 5 Microfoam: HPPE liner with a nitrile foam palm that grips in dry and wet conditions
You can see more in our cut resistant gloves range.
Cut Resistant Gloves FAQs
What is the highest cut level for gloves? On the ISO scale, level F is the highest. On the older EN 388 scale, level 5 is the highest.
What does cut 5 mean on gloves? Cut 5 is the top score on the older EN 388 blade test. Today, the A to F letter is a more reliable guide.
Which cut level do I need for sheet metal? For most sheet metal work, cut level C or D is enough.
Are kevlar gloves cut resistant? Yes. Kevlar is a strong fibre that resists cuts and some heat.
Related Guides
- Safety Gloves Guide: How to Choose the Right Hand Gloves
- Nitrile Gloves vs PVC, Latex, Vinyl and PU Gloves: how palm coatings change grip and feel
- Cut Resistant Gloves: Old and New Standards: how EN 388 changed in 2016
- When to Replace Work Gloves
Looking for a Cut Resistant Gloves Supplier?
Not sure which level your team needs? As a cut resistant gloves supplier in the UAE, SAMS Solutions can help you match the right glove to your job. Contact us any time.