Levels to ISO 13997 (TDM)
| Level | Cutting force from | ANSI |
|---|---|---|
| A | 2 newtons | A1 |
| B | 5 newtons | A2 |
| C | 10 newtons | A3 |
| D | 15 newtons | A4 |
| E | 22 newtons | A5 |
| F | 30 newtons | A6 |
The data sheets of the Hi5 cut-resistant gloves map the levels to the ANSI classes A1 to A6: A corresponds to A1, B to A2, C to A3, D to A4, E to A5 and F to A6. The ANSI/ISEA 105 scale continues to A9, while EN 388 has no level above F; see EN 388 or ANSI for what can and cannot be compared.
Does a listing still say “cut level 5”? That is the scale of the old EN 388 of 2003. How to read it: Cut level 5 gloves.
What the newton values mean and what they do not
The TDM test to ISO 13997 measures the force in newtons with which a straight blade cuts through the material after 20 mm of travel. Level A requires at least 2 N, level F at least 30 N. The steps between the levels are not equal: from A to B it is 3 N, from B to C and from C to D 5 N each, from D to E 7 N and from E to F 8 N.
The level describes how much force the blade needs on the test rig. In use, blades differ in sharpness, speed and angle. Even a level F glove is therefore not cut-proof: it demands more force from the blade than a level C glove, and nothing more.
The level applies to the palm, not the back of the hand. Why cut-resistant gloves often show an X in the second position of the EN 388 code is explained in the guide EN 388 explained.
Cut resistance in the Hi5 range
| Product | EN 388 | Cut resistance (TDM) | Construction |
|---|---|---|---|
| HI532 | 4X42B | Level B | 13G, PU coating |
| HI533 | 4X43C | Level C | 18G, nitrile micro-foam |
| HI534 | 4X43D | Level D | 13G, HPPE, sandy nitrile |
| HI535 | 4X43E | Level E | 13G, sandy nitrile |
| HI536 | 4X43F | Level F | 15G, nitrile micro-foam |
| HI552 | 4X42D | Level D | Chemical and cut resistance, nitrile |
| HI572 | 4X42C | Level C | 15G, ESD, nitrile |
The seven cut-resistant gloves in detail
The list follows the product data sheets: level and minimum cutting force, construction, features and the areas of use named there. It is ordered by level.
- HI532 · Level B (from 5 N), 13G, Polyurethane (PU), palm: Thin, durable PU coating: high abrasion resistance; Good grip on dry and slightly damp surfaces, flexibility and comfort; Certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100. Areas of use according to the data sheet: Assembly, Oil and gas, Steel and aluminium, Glass handling.
- HI533 · Level C (from 10 N), 18G, Nitrile micro-foam, palm: More grip in dry, damp and lightly oily working environments; Good dexterity and breathability; Certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100; Touchscreen compatible. Areas of use according to the data sheet: Assembly, Automotive industry, Construction, Glass handling.
- HI572 · Level C (from 10 N), 15G, Nitrile, palm: Suitable for use in ESD environments; Excellent fit, dexterity and strong grip; Ultra-thin and lightweight, cut level C; Reinforcement at the thumb crotch; Touchscreen compatible. Areas of use according to the data sheet: Assembly, Automotive industry, Engineering, Logistics and warehousing.
- HI534 · Level D (from 15 N), 13G, Sandy nitrile, palm: HPPE outer shell: good cut resistance plus comfort and flexibility; Good dexterity; grip on all surfaces, dry or oiled; Suitable for handling sharp objects; Certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100; Touchscreen compatible. Areas of use according to the data sheet: Assembly, Automotive industry, Steel and aluminium, Glass handling.
- HI552 · Level D (from 15 N), Sandy nitrile, palm: Cut-resistant lining: cut level D; Nitrile coating protects against water, oil and certain chemicals; Sandy finish for excellent grip. Areas of use according to the data sheet: Oil and gas, Steel and aluminium, Glass handling.
- HI535 · Level E (from 22 N), 13G, Sandy nitrile, palm: More grip in dry, damp and lightly oily working environments; Good dexterity and breathability; Certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100; Touchscreen compatible. Areas of use according to the data sheet: Assembly, Automotive industry, Construction, Glass handling.
- HI536 · Level F (from 30 N), 15G, Nitrile micro-foam, palm: More grip in dry, damp and lightly oily working environments; Good dexterity and breathability; Certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100; Touchscreen compatible. Areas of use according to the data sheet: Assembly, Automotive industry, Construction, Glass handling.
HI552 combines cut resistance with type A chemical protection to EN ISO 374-1, HI572 with suitability for ESD environments. Both are therefore also covered in the guides Chemical-resistant gloves and ESD gloves.
How to choose
- Describe the hazard: what are your employees cutting themselves on? Sheet metal, glass, cardboard, knives?
- Choose the level on the basis of your risk assessment, not the highest number available. Higher levels are often stiffer and less dextrous.
- Check the grip: dry, damp or oily. The coating determines this, not the cut level.
- Request samples and test them in everyday work.
Cut-resistant gloves do not protect against machines with moving parts. Do not wear them near rotating tools: there is a risk of entanglement.
More questions before you choose
- How long and how often is the glove worn? Anyone working with sharp parts all day needs a glove that keeps comfort and dexterity going for hours. For the occasional grip it can be stiffer.
- How wet or oily is the environment? The coating determines the grip. According to the data sheets, nitrile micro-foam and sandy nitrile are meant for dry, damp and lightly oily environments, the PU coating of HI532 for dry and slightly damp surfaces.
- Should the glove cover other hazards as well? For chemicals, HI552 comes into question, in ESD environments HI572.
- Do touchscreens or scanners have to be operated? According to the data sheets, HI533, HI572, HI534, HI535 and HI536 are suitable for touchscreens.
- Does the size fit? The cut-resistant gloves come in sizes 7 to 11, HI532 also in 6. A glove that is too big slips and reduces feel. How to measure is explained in the guide Glove size guide.
Cut resistance is not stab protection
The DGUV Expert Committee on Personal Protective Equipment points out that textile cut-resistant fabrics are not suitable as stab protection: all textile fabrics currently known let a point through. Anyone working with hand knives protects the knife hand with a cut-resistant glove and, where necessary, the hand holding the material with a stab-resistant glove. Source: DGUV Expert Committee PPE, FAQ on stab and cut protection (in German).
Frequently asked questions about cut resistance
What is the difference between cut level C and D?
Level C requires a cutting force of at least 10 N, level D at least 15 N. In the Hi5 range, HI533 has level C and HI534 level D. Which level you need follows from your risk assessment.
Which Hi5 glove has the highest cut resistance?
HI536 with level F (from 30 N), EN 388 4X43F. The data sheet maps it to ANSI class A6. Next comes HI535 with level E (from 22 N).
Is ANSI A4 exactly the same as EN 388 level D?
The data sheets of the Hi5 cut-resistant gloves map D to class A4. The class limits of the two standards are not defined identically, however. What can be compared and what cannot is set out in EN 388 or ANSI.
Are cut-resistant gloves also stab-resistant?
No. The cut test to EN 388 and ISO 13997 says nothing about stabs. The DGUV Expert Committee for PPE points out that textile cut-resistant fabrics let a point through; see the section “Cut resistance is not stab protection”.
Is there cut protection that works with touchscreens?
Yes. According to the data sheets, HI533, HI572, HI534, HI535 and HI536 are suitable for touchscreens. How the function works is explained in the guide Touchscreen gloves.
May I wear cut-resistant gloves near rotating machines?
No. There is a risk of entanglement. The glove protects against cuts from blades, not against machines with moving parts.
How do I get samples for a wear trial?
You can request samples through the enquiry form. Tell us the task and the level you want, and we will suggest suitable products.
