Home
Home
Close-up of a person’s hand wearing Majestic's 21242HO Impact-Protective glove.

Why ANSI Cut Ratings Matter

ANSI standards offer a clear framework to evaluate the performance of gloves and their protection against cut risks. With established classifications and labeling requirements, these standards enable professionals to make informed decisions about the protective gear they need to keep themselves and their teams safe.

Cut risks are relevant across many industries, including construction, manufacturing, food processing, and warehousing. ANSI-rated gloves help workers in these environments to stay focused on their tasks rather than the risks involved. It’s important to remember that not all gloves offer the same level of protection—depending on the industry and job, higher levels of protection may be needed to ensure safety and productivity.

Cut Resistance

ANSI/ISEA 105: This standard ranges from A1 to A9, with A9 providing the highest level of cut resistance. The test measures the force in grams required to cut through the glove material. ANSI A2-rated gloves are ideal for low-cut hazards like electronics assembly and handling, whereas A9-rated gloves are essential for high-risk tasks such as handling sharp metal sheets in the HVAC industry.

Cut Level Weight (grams) to Cut Through Material Typical Tasks
A1 200 - 499 grams General material handling, warehouse work
A2 500 - 999 grams Small parts assembly, light construction
A3 1,000 - 1,499 grams Handling sheet metal, assembly line work
A4 1,500 - 2,199 grams Glass handling, metal fabrication
A5 2,200 - 2,999 grams Heavy construction, automotive assembly
A6 3,000 - 3,999 grams High-risk sharp object handling, sheet metal work
A7 4,000 - 4,999 grams Heavy glass handling, extreme metal work
A8 5,000 - 5,999 grams Heavy industrial work, sharp metal stamping
A9 6,000+ grams High-cut hazard environments, extreme metal work

Recent Updates to ANSI/ISEA 105

The ANSI/ISEA 105 standards were updated in November 2024 to improve the clarity and uniformity of glove performance ranges to help workers select the right protection for their application. While the testing methods and levels of protection remain unchanged, the new standard introduces a pentagon-shaped pictogram on products, which clearly displays it's cut, abrasion, and puncture resistance ratings.

The number at the top of the pentagon indicates the product's cut resistance. This change allows users to easily recognize the most critical aspect of hand protection at a glance. According to ANSI, Cut levels A1, A2, and A3 protect against scrapes; A4, A5, and A6 protect against cuts where stitches would be required; and A7, A8, and A9 protect against extreme injuries1.

Image 1

Cut 3

  • Light to Medium Hazard Protection
Image 2

Cut 6

  • High Hazard Protection
Image 3

Cut 9

  • Extreme Hazard Protection
Person using Majestic's Award-Winning Cut-Resistant Glove

Keep Your Workplace Safe

When selecting cut resistance products for yourself or your team, look for the ANSI and EN standard ratings on the glove. These ratings ensure that the gloves provide the necessary protection for specific hazards, reducing the risk of injuries. Making good PPE choices enhances safety, productivity, and worker confidence, ensuring tasks are performed efficiently and securely.

Majestic's Cut Resistant Innovation

Quality is no accident at Majestic Glove. We continue to develop new cut-resistant materials, such as Korplex® and Dyneema®, and evaluate innovative manufacturing processes to intensify the standard in cut protection. Each cut-resistant glove is extensively tested internally and by third parties to ensure uncompromising safety, durability, and performance. Through rigorous testing, Majestic reinforces its commitment to delivering Reliability in Safety.

Worker opening a door using Majestic's impact-resistant Concussion Gloves

Prevent Cut Injuries

According to OSHA, 71% of hand and arm injuries could have been prevented with proper PPE. However, 70% of workers don't wear hand protection, and of those who do, 30% wear the wrong type of glove for the task2. Prevent these injuries and improve your workplace by ensuring that the right PPE is available and educate your team on its proper use. Majestic's range of cut-resistant gloves can help meet these needs by providing the necessary protection and comfort for various tasks.

Learn More About ANSI Standards

Impact Resistance

Impact Resistance

Cut Resistance

Cut Resistance

Abrasion Resistance

Abrasion

Puncture Resistance

Puncture

High Visibility Standards

High Visibility

Updates & Revisions

ANSI and EN 388 safety standards evolve regularly to incorporate the latest safety research and advancements. Staying informed about these changes ensures you have access to the most effective protective equipment and can better manage workplace risks. Check back here for the latest updates to ANSI and EN 388 standards as they become available.

Shop Majestic Safety Gloves & Equipment

Footnotes

  1. American National Standards Institute (ANSI), "ANSI/ISEA 105-2016: American National Standard for Hand Protection Classification," ANSI website.
  2. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), "Workplace Injury, Illness and Fatality Statistics," OSHA website.

© 2024 Majestic Glove