Cut Resistant

Why wear cut resistant gloves?

Cuts, specifically to the hand, fingers and wrist, are the most common occupational injury in the UK. It is therefore paramount that employers protect workers who are at risk from serious injury as a result of handling sharp blades or tools, operating power tools or coming into contact with piercing materials. Common industries where this is relevant include:

• Construction
• Mechanics
• Engineering
• Agriculture

Employer Responsibilities

According to the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, if there is a risk of injury in a workplace which could be avoided with the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), then employers are required to provide suitable protective equipment for their employees. This means that PPE, and more specifically cut resistant gloves, should always be provided when there is a risk of injury from sharp tools, materials or objects. Employers are also required according to the regulations to replace protective gloves and clothing when needed.

Safety Standards for Cut Resistant Gloves

The EN 388:2003 European Standard applies to all forms of hand protection which protect against abrasion, blade cuts, punctures and tearing from mechanical risks. It sets out requirements including test methods, labelling and information which must be supplied with protective gloves.

This standard means that a four-digit code must be displayed on the packaging of all cut-resistant hand protection. Each number in the code refers to the product’s ability to perform in the following areas:

• Resistance to abrasion
• Blade cut resistance
• Tear resistance
• Puncture resistance

All protective gloves are also bound by EN 420, which sets out requirements that gloves must meet in order to be deemed fit for purpose.