Understanding Glove ANSI/ISEA Ratings
Understanding glove ratings is crucial for selecting the proper protection against various hazards, particularly cuts and lacerations. The ANSI/ISEA (American National Standards Institute/International Safety Equipment Association) Cut Level system provides a standardized way to classify gloves based on their ability to withstand cut hazards.
The higher the ANSI level, the better cut protection the glove provides against sharp objects. A lower ANSI cut level may be sufficient if you are handling simple materials that are not sharp or unlikely to cause serious cuts. Jobs involving sharp tools, machinery, or materials that can cause severe cuts require a glove with a higher ANSI cut level.
Light Cut Hazards (A1)
- Examples of Industries: Material handling, assembly, maintenance, packaging, warehouse, general purpose, construction
- Grams of Cut Resistance: 200-499 grams
Light to Medium Cut Hazards (A2/A3)
- Examples of Industries: Bottle and light glass handling, canning, drywalling, carpet installation, HVAC, paper production, automotive assembly, metal handling, metal stamping, packaging, warehouse, appliance manufacturing
- Grams of Cut Resistance:
- A2: 500-999 grams
- A3: 1,000-1,499 grams
Medium Cut Hazards (A4/A5)
- Examples of Industries: Carpet installation, HVAC, paper production, automotive assembly, metal handling, metal stamping, packaging, warehouse, appliance manufacturing
- Grams of Cut Resistance:
- A4: 1,500-2,199 grams
- A5: 2,200-2,999 grams
Medium to Heavy Cut Hazards (A6/A7)
- Examples of Industries: Metal handling, metal stamping, packaging, warehouse, appliance manufacturing
- Grams of Cut Resistance:
- A6: 3,000-3,999 grams
- A7: 4,000-4,900 grams
Heavy Cut Hazards (A8/A9)
- Examples of Industries: Heavy metal fabrication, glass manufacturing, blade handling, meat processing
- Grams of Cut Resistance:
- A8: 5,000-5,999 grams
- A9: 6,000+ grams
By understanding ANSI/ISEA Cut Level ratings, employers and workers can make informed and knowledgeable decisions when selecting gloves to ensure the highest protection against cut and laceration hazards in the workplace. With our selection of GREAT STUFF™ Work Gloves, users can identify the proper level of protection needed for tasks. You can learn more about the gloves we offer here.
