Cut-resistant gloves: cut levels A to F under EN 388 explained

Short answer: under the hammer pictogram on a work glove you find a code such as 4X43C. The four numbers and the letter show how well the glove resists abrasion, cuts, tearing and puncture. The letter A to F is the cut level according to the ISO 13997 cut test: A is the lowest, F the highest cut protection. Choose the level based on the risk of the work, not on the highest number.

👷 Calling in a professional is never unnecessary, including when choosing PPE. On site, the risk assessment determines which protection is needed; the supervisor or safety officer knows the risks of the work. No glove protects completely against every cut and puncture risk.

How to read the EN 388 code

The code under the pictogram has five or six positions:

1. Abrasion resistance (0 to 4): how many abrasion cycles the material withstands.
2. Cut resistance by the coup test (0 to 5 or X): the older test with a rotating blade.
3. Tear resistance (0 to 4): how much force is needed to tear the fabric.
4. Puncture resistance (0 to 4): how well the glove stops a point.
5. Cut resistance by ISO 13997 (A to F or X): the newer, more reliable cut test.
6. Impact protection (P), optional: if there is a P, the glove has been tested and passed against a hard impact on the back of the hand.

An X means that test was not done or does not apply. With modern cut-resistant yarns, the coup test often shows an X, because those fibres blunt the test blade and the result is then unreliable.

Cut levels A to F in plain language

In the ISO 13997 test, the force a blade needs to cut 20 mm through the material is measured. The more force, the higher the letter:

• A: from 2 newtons. Light assembly without sharp edges.
• B: from 5 newtons. General work with an occasional sharp edge.
• C: from 10 newtons. Working with sheet material, insulation or packaging with sharp edges.
• D: from 15 newtons. Handling sheet steel, profiles and glass.
• E: from 22 newtons. Heavy work with sharp metal parts.
• F: from 30 newtons. The highest level, for example with a lot of sharp sheet metal or glass.

Note: an old coup test score of 5 is not the same as level E or F. The two tests are not directly comparable.

Which glove for which job?

• Assembly, tiling and general work: a well-fitting nitrile glove such as the work gloves with nitrile coating or the Nitrile Flex nylon gloves in size 7 gives grip and feel. Read more about nitrile in our blog on nitrile work gloves for professionals.
• Sharp edges, sheet metal, profiles and glass: choose a cut-resistant glove such as the cut-resistant gloves, also available as Nitrile Flex Dots Cut cut-resistant gloves in size 8, Nitrile Flex Dots Cut cut-resistant gloves in size 9 and Nitrile Flex Dots Cut cut-resistant gloves in size 11. Check the EN 388 code on the product page or on the glove itself.
• Cutting with a knife: if you cut insulation or film to size with a mineral wool cutter or 180 mm hook knife, wear a cut-resistant glove on the holding hand.
• Cold: outdoors in winter a lined glove such as the Frost lined gloves in size 9 is more comfortable. If you need cut protection and warmth together, check the code and, if needed, wear a cut-resistant glove under a warmer layer as long as grip is not reduced.

⚠️ Do not wear gloves near rotating parts such as a pillar drill or lathe, where the glove can be caught. Cut-resistant does not mean safe from entanglement.

Size and comfort

A glove that is too big loses grip and snags; a glove that is too small pinches and does not get worn. Measure the circumference of your hand over the knuckles and choose the size from the size chart. Read more about size and coating in our buying guide for work gloves. Replace a glove as soon as the coating comes loose or it has a cut.

The rest of your PPE

Cut protection is part of a complete set: safety goggles or Airflex safety glasses against splinters, a safety helmet on site and low S3S safety shoe against falling parts and nails. Also read our blog on safe working on the construction site.

What does the letter X in the code mean?

That the test was not carried out or does not apply. Then look at the other positions, especially the ISO 13997 letter for cutting work.

Is a higher letter always better?

Not necessarily. Heavier cut protection is often thicker and gives less feel. Choose the level that matches the risk, so the glove is actually worn.

Does a cut-resistant glove protect against stabs?

Cut and puncture protection are different properties. Look at the fourth position for puncture, and stay careful with nails, threaded rods and needles.

Read the code, match the cut level to the risk and choose a size that fits well. Then you wear a glove that really protects.

Read also: Grip and feel: nitrile-coated work gloves with grip dots

Where can you find everything for this job?

At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.

• Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
• Create a customer account and order easily.
• Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
• Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
• Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.

In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.

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