Cut Resistance Glove Levels Explained: ANSI/ISEA 105 A1 Through A9

Q: What is the difference between the old ANSI A-F scale and the new A1-A9 scale?

A: The older ANSI/ISEA 105-2011 standard used levels A through F tested with the Coup (circular blade) method. The 2016 revision introduced A1-A9 with the TDM-100 linear blade test. The scales are not directly comparable — an A4 in the old system does not equal A4 in the new system. Verify which standard applies to the gloves you are comparing.

Q: Does a higher cut resistance level mean the glove is always better?

A: Not necessarily — higher cut resistance levels often mean stiffer, heavier gloves with reduced dexterity. For precise assembly work, an A6 glove that limits hand movement can create ergonomic hazards and increase the risk of repetitive stress injury. Select the level that adequately addresses the cut hazard while maintaining required dexterity.

Q: Are A1-A9 levels the same as the European EN 388 levels?

A: No — EN 388 uses different test methods (Coup test) and letter/number designations. An A4 ANSI glove is not equivalent to an EN 388 Level 4. Some gloves carry both ANSI and EN 388 ratings. When comparing gloves across standards, look for the specific test data (grams or Newtons) rather than the level letter/number.

Q: What glove level is required by OSHA?

A: OSHA 1910.138 requires hand protection appropriate to the hazard but does not specify ANSI cut resistance levels. OSHA references appropriate protection — employers must select gloves that adequately protect against identified cut risks per the PPE hazard assessment (1910.132). The ANSI A-level system provides the framework for making that selection.

Q: Do cut-resistant gloves also protect against puncture?

A: Cut resistance and puncture resistance are separate properties tested separately under ANSI/ISEA 105. A glove with high cut resistance may have low puncture resistance and vice versa. Check the full ANSI 105 data sheet for a glove to see separate ratings for cut, puncture, abrasion, and (if applicable) heat and chemical resistance.

Q: What is the best glove for glass handling?

A: Glass handling exposes workers to sharp glass edges (cut hazard) and slippery surfaces (grip concern). A4-A6 cut resistance with a grip-enhancing coated palm (nitrile, polyurethane, or foam nitrile) is typically specified. Coated gloves maintain dexterity while the cut-resistant liner provides protection. For sharp glass edges in manufacturing, A5-A6 is more conservative.

Q: Can I wash cut-resistant gloves?

A: Many cut-resistant gloves are machine-washable, but follow manufacturer instructions. High-performance fibers (Dyneema, Kevlar) can withstand standard washing. Steel fiber blends may require specific care to prevent rust or fiber damage. Coated palm gloves may have coating durability limitations — verify wash cycle compatibility with the specific glove model.

Q: How often should cut-resistant gloves be replaced?

A: There is no fixed OSHA-required replacement interval for cut-resistant gloves. Replace when: cut resistance liner shows wear (holes, thinning); coating is worn off the high-wear areas; glove no longer fits properly; or after any significant cut incident (fibers may be locally weakened). Some employers implement volume-based replacement (e.g., after X hours or per inspection cycle).

Q: Are higher-level cut gloves thicker?

A: Generally yes — higher cut resistance requires more or denser cut-resistant material, which typically increases glove thickness and stiffness. Some manufacturers engineer lightweight high-resistance gloves using advanced fiber composites that maintain dexterity at higher levels. Compare glove gram weight and specific dexterity ratings when high-level cut resistance AND fine motor control are both required.

Q: Where can I find ANSI-rated cut resistant gloves?

A: WCSafety.com carries a range of ANSI/ISEA 105-rated cut-resistant gloves from A2 through A9 levels for applications from light assembly to heavy metal fabrication.

Q: Do cut-resistant gloves protect against chemical exposure?

A: Cut resistance and chemical resistance are separate properties. Many cut-resistant gloves use dry liner materials (HPPE, steel fiber) that provide no chemical protection. For combined cut and chemical hazard, use gloves rated for both — typically a chemical-resistant outer shell with a cut-resistant liner. Verify chemical resistance for the specific chemical per manufacturer data.

Q: What is the significance of palm vs. full-hand cut resistance?

A: Most cut-resistant gloves are designed for palm and finger cut exposure — the primary contact area. Some gloves offer cut resistance only on the palm with a less protective back-of-hand. For tasks where the back of the hand contacts cutting hazards (under sheet metal edges, reaching into machinery), specify full-hand or back-of-hand cut resistance.

Q: Are ANSI A9 gloves practical for daily use?

A: A9 gloves are engineered for extreme cut hazard environments — blade manufacturing, high-density metal fabrication. The materials and construction required for A9 performance often result in gloves with limited dexterity and greater weight. Daily use in less-hazardous environments with A9 gloves creates ergonomic challenges. Use the minimum adequate cut level for the hazard to maintain worker comfort and compliance.

Q: Can I use the same gloves for food handling and manufacturing cut hazards?

A: Food processing cut-resistant gloves must meet FDA food-contact compliance (often food-safe coating materials) in addition to cut resistance ratings. Industrial cut-resistant gloves are not necessarily food-safe. Gloves used in food processing should specify both ANSI cut level AND FDA-compliant materials. Separate gloves for food and non-food applications are best practice.

Q: Does glove thickness affect cut resistance rating?

A: Thickness contributes to cut resistance but is not the sole determinant — material type (HPPE vs. steel fiber vs. composite) has a greater effect on cut resistance per unit of thickness than thickness alone. A thin Dyneema glove may outperform a thick cotton glove on cut resistance. The ANSI A-level rating represents tested performance regardless of how that performance is achieved.