Cut Resistant Gloves

About Cut Resistant Gloves

Cut resistant gloves are essential personal protective equipment designed to safeguard hands from lacerations when working with sharp objects, metal edges, glass, blades, and other cutting hazards. Unlike standard work gloves, these specialist safety gloves utilise advanced materials including high-performance polyethylene (HPPE), aramid fibres, and steel wire, woven together to create a protective barrier that significantly reduces cut risk whilst maintaining dexterity and comfort. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range rated from Cut Level 1 through to Cut Level 7, allowing tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts to select the appropriate protection for their specific application.

Our collection features trusted brands including Milwaukee, Portwest, Makita, Polyco, and Scan, offering options with various coatings such as nitrile-dipped palms for enhanced grip, hi-vis designs for improved visibility on site, and winter-lined variants for cold weather work. Many models incorporate additional features including impact protection, breathable construction, and touchscreen compatibility, ensuring these gloves meet the demands of modern work environments whilst complying with EN 388:2016 safety standards.

Applications

Cut resistant gloves are essential PPE across numerous trades and industries where sharp materials and cutting hazards are present:

• Glaziers and Window Fitters – handling glass sheets and sharp edges during installation
• Metal Fabricators and Sheet Metal Workers – working with sharp metal edges, burrs, and cutting operations
• Automotive Technicians – dealing with sharp metal components and potential cutting hazards
• Construction Workers – general site work involving sharp materials, metal fixings, and timber with splinters
• HVAC Engineers – cutting and handling sheet metal ductwork
• Electrical Contractors – stripping cables and working with sharp cable ties and metal components
• Warehouse and Logistics Staff – unpacking items and handling materials with sharp packaging edges
• Recycling and Waste Management Operatives – sorting materials containing glass, metal, or sharp objects
• Landscapers – using cutting tools and handling thorny vegetation

Choosing The Right Cut Resistant Gloves

Assess Cut Risk Level: Determine the protection required for your application. Light assembly work may only need Cut Level 1-2, whilst handling glass or sharp metal demands Cut Level 5 or higher. Consult your risk assessment to establish the minimum protection level needed.

Consider Dexterity Requirements: Higher cut protection often means reduced flexibility. For precision tasks requiring fine motor control, opt for higher gauge knit gloves. For heavier industrial applications, lower gauge gloves with maximum protection may be more appropriate.

Evaluate Coating Options: Nitrile-dipped palms provide excellent grip in oily or wet conditions, ideal for automotive and engineering work. Polyurethane coatings offer lighter, more breathable options for dry environments. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks various coating configurations to suit different working conditions.

Check Additional Features: For outdoor or roadside work, hi-vis designs improve safety. Winter-lined variants are essential for cold weather work. Impact protection adds defence against crushing hazards, whilst touchscreen-compatible fingertips allow device operation without removing gloves.

Ensure Proper Fit: Gloves that are too large reduce dexterity and grip, whilst tight gloves cause fatigue. Measure your hand circumference and refer to manufacturer sizing charts for optimal fit.

Safety Information

Regular Inspection: Examine gloves before each use for cuts, tears, or excessive wear. Damaged gloves must be replaced immediately as compromised materials cannot provide adequate protection.

Understand Limitations: Cut resistant gloves reduce cut risk but are not cut-proof. They will not provide complete protection against powered cutting equipment such as chainsaws or angle grinders. Always follow manufacturer guidelines regarding appropriate applications.

Certification Compliance: Ensure gloves meet current EN 388:2016 standards and display appropriate CE marking. Employers have a legal duty under HSE regulations to provide suitable PPE and ensure staff are trained in its correct use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between cut levels, and which do I need?
Cut levels range from 1 (lowest protection) to 7 (highest protection) under EN 388:2016. Level 1-2 suits light assembly work, Level 3-4 is appropriate for construction and general handling of sharp materials, whilst Level 5-7 is necessary for glass handling, metal fabrication, and high-risk cutting applications.

Can I wash and reuse cut resistant gloves?
Many quality cut resistant gloves from brands like Milwaukee and Portwest can be machine washed, extending their service life. Always check manufacturer care instructions on the label. Generally, wash in cool water with mild detergent and air dry away from direct heat.

Are cut resistant gloves suitable for electrical work?
Standard cut resistant gloves are not electrically insulated and should never be relied upon for electrical protection. If working with both cut hazards and electrical risks, you need gloves specifically rated for electrical work with appropriate voltage protection.