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Understanding the ANSI ISEA 105 scale
Buying the highest cut level available feels like the safe choice, but a bulkier, stiffer glove that a technician takes off because it kills their dexterity protects nobody. The right glove is the one that matches the actual task and gets worn consistently.
The current standard uses a nine level scale from A1 to A9, where higher numbers indicate greater resistance to cutting force, measured in grams of force needed to cut through the material during standardized testing. This replaced an older five level scale in 2016 specifically to give a more precise match between rating and real world protection.
Understanding EN 388, common across GCC markets
The European EN 388 standard uses a different scale and different test method than ANSI. A glove marked with both ratings has been tested against both standards, but do not assume a given ANSI level and EN level represent identical protection, they are measured differently and should be read separately.
Matching cut level to task
- Light assembly, packaging and general handling, lower cut levels prioritizing dexterity
- Construction, maintenance, sheet metal handling and general rig work, mid range cut levels balancing protection and flexibility
- Fabrication, recycling and heavy sharp material handling, higher cut levels where dexterity is a lower priority than protection
Material and construction affects real world performance
Cut resistance comes from fiber construction, often a blend including materials like Kevlar or engineered polymer yarns, not from thickness alone. Palm coatings add grip and abrasion resistance and can also affect oil and wet handling performance, which matters for rig environments where hands are frequently exposed to hydrocarbons.
Common selection mistakes
- Choosing the highest cut level regardless of task, leading to gloves that are uncomfortable enough that workers stop wearing them
- Assuming ANSI and EN cut ratings on different gloves are directly comparable
- Ignoring palm coating and grip performance when the task involves oily or wet surfaces
- Buying one glove type for an entire facility instead of matching different tasks to different cut levels
Relevant BPS product. BPS supplies cut resistant gloves rated for rig and workshop use across the cut levels most relevant to construction, maintenance and generator service work.
What to send with your RFQ. Primary task the gloves will be used for, whether oily or wet conditions are common, required quantity, and preferred cut level standard, ANSI or EN, based on your existing PPE program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ANSI cut level do I need for general maintenance work?
Most general maintenance and construction tasks fall in the A4 to A6 range, balancing solid cut protection with enough dexterity to handle tools and fasteners comfortably.
Are ANSI and EN 388 cut ratings the same scale?
No. They use different test methods and different scales. A glove showing both markings has been tested against both standards separately, they should not be read as interchangeable numbers.
Does a higher cut level always mean a better glove?
Not for every task. Higher cut levels typically mean thicker, less flexible gloves. If the added protection is not needed for the actual hazard, the tradeoff in dexterity can reduce compliance, since workers are more likely to remove an uncomfortable glove.
Source referenced in this guide: Ansell, What Are the Levels of Cut Resistant Gloves
Need help identifying the correct part?
Send the equipment make and model, existing part number, required quantity and available photos or technical documents.
Related Guides
- Steel Toe Safety Shoes: Standards and Selection Guide
- What Technical Documents Should You Request With Industrial Parts (coming soon, links to blog)
Editorial note. ANSI ISEA 105-2016 scale and EN 388 distinction checked against Ansell and multiple independent PPE sources, safe to publish. This page is rewritten in place at the existing safety gloves URL, no redirect needed.