Cut-Resistant Safety Gloves: A Brief Rundown

If you are someone who works with applications where there are a lot of sharp edges that could
cause nasty cuts, then you have probably tried your fair share of cut-resistant gloves. If you
are new to such an industry, then it is time that you learnt about your hand’s new best friend.

In this article, we will explain what to look for in EN 388:2016 certified cut-resistant
safety gloves, discuss the best manufacturing materials for these gloves, as well as where to
find the perfect cut-resistant safety gloves in South Africa.

Other than ensuring that your cut resistant safety gloves are made from the most innovative
materials that provide you with the protection you deserve, there are a few key features that
one should keep in mind when shopping for a cut-resistant safety glove.

• Flexibility: Flexibility is key when working with your hands, which is why
  you want to invest in a glove that not only provides a high level of cut resistance
  but that also allows you to bend and flex your hand as needed.
• Debris Protection: There is nothing worse than debris getting into your glove
  while working. Thus, it is advisable to invest in a glove that has an elastic knit
  wrist to ensure no dust or dirt enters your gloves and causes irritation.
• Grip: Even though this is not necessarily a must-have on a cut-resistant glove,
  it is highly advisable to find a glove that has a sandy nitrile grip.
  This will ensure that you have a desirable grip in dry, wet, and oily conditions.
• Performance Ratings According to EN 388:2016 Certification: Even though it goes without saying that
  you want a glove that is highly cut-resistant, it is important to keep an eye out for a variety of
  performance ratings when choosing the perfect glove for your working environment. Some of the performance
  ratings to keep an eye out for include cut resistance, abrasion resistance, tear resistance, puncture
  resistance, as well as knuckle and finger protection. Make sure your safety gloves are certified in
  accordance with the latest EN 388:2016 standard.

Cut-resistant gloves are typically made of woven fabric. This fabric often
consists of a blend of Spectra, Kevlar, Aramid, and stainless-steel fibers.
Though this does results in a relatively high cut-resistant glove (often a level 4 or 5),
there is a better option to this blend. The new Core9™ technology consists of steel, fiberglass,
and 13-gauge HPPE. Gloves that have been manufactured with this technology have received a
6437-gram score on their TDM-100 Cut-Resistant Test.

The HexArmor Helix® 2062 makes use of Core9™ technology that provides the wearer with a
full 360° En 388:2016 cut resistance level “F”. On top of its 6437-gram score, it also
has a score of “5” for puncture and abrasion resistance, ensuring that the wearer's hands are
truly protected.

When it comes to cut-resistant safety gloves, HexArmor is the way to go, and in
South Africa, UVEX is the company that can provide you with these groundbreaking gloves.