Why is it important to know about work glove abrasion and cut resistance?

Work gloves are essential for protecting hands from injuries. Understanding abrasion and cut resistance helps select the right gloves for specific workplace hazards.

Pourquoi est-il important de connaître la résistance aux coupures et à l’abrasion des gants de travail ?

Les gants de travail sont essentiels pour protéger les mains contre les blessures. La résistance aux coupures et à l’abrasion permet de choisir des gants adaptés aux risques spécifiques de l’environnement de travail.

What is abrasion and how does it affect work gloves?

Abrasion occurs due to friction, wearing down materials over time. When work gloves suffer abrasion, their protective layer diminishes, increasing the risk of injuries or irritation.

Qu’est-ce que l’abrasion et comment affecte-t-elle les gants de travail ?

L’abrasion est l’usure causée par le frottement répété contre une surface rugueuse. Lorsque les gants de travail s’usent, la couche protectrice diminue, augmentant ainsi le risque de blessures ou d’irritations.

How is work glove abrasion resistance measured?

Work gloves are tested under the ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 standard, which rates abrasion resistance from 0 to 6. The higher the rating, the better the glove withstands wear and tear.

Comment les niveaux de résistance à l’abrasion sont-ils évalués ?

La résistance à l’abrasion des gants de travail est évaluée selon la norme ANSI/ISEA 105-2016, qui classe les gants en 7 niveaux (de 0 à 6). Plus le niveau est élevé, meilleure est la protection contre l’abrasion.

How are work gloves tested for cut resistance?

Work gloves are tested under the ANSI standard from levels A1 to A9. The test involves using a sharp blade to measure how much force is required to cut through the material.

Comment les gants de travail sont-ils testés pour leur résistance aux coupures ?

Les gants résistants aux coupures sont classés selon la norme ANSI en niveaux A1 à A9. Ils sont testés en laboratoire à l’aide d’une lame tranchante qui coupe le matériau sous une pression mesurée.

What materials offer the best cut resistance?

Gloves made from materials like Intercept™ fiber from Ansell, Kevlar, fiberglass, polyethylene fibers, composite fiber, and steel provide excellent cut resistance.

Quels matériaux offrent la meilleure résistance aux coupures ?

Les gants fabriqués avec des matériaux comme la fibre InterceptMD d’Ansell, le Kevlar, la fibre de verre, le polyéthylène haute performance et l’acier offrent une excellente résistance aux coupures.

What types of gloves offer better protection against abrasion?

For better abrasion resistance, we recommend coated gloves (nitrile, latex, PVC, polyurethane, rubber), leather gloves, safety sleeves, and gloves from the Ansell HyFlex series.

Quels types de gants offrent une meilleure protection contre l’abrasion ?

Les gants enduits en nitrile, latex, PVC, polyuréthane ou caoutchouc, ainsi que les gants en cuir et les manchettes de sécurité, sont recommandés pour une protection accrue contre l’abrasion.

What factors should be considered when selecting work gloves?

In addition to protection, factors like dexterity, touchscreen compatibility, heat and cold resistance, grip, breathability, and tactile sensitivity should be considered.

Quels facteurs doivent être pris en compte lors du choix des gants de travail ?

Outre la protection, il est important de considérer la dextérité, la compatibilité avec les écrans tactiles, la résistance à la chaleur et au froid, l’adhérence, la respirabilité et la sensibilité tactile.

Work gloves: all you need to know about abrasion and cut resistance

SPI10/27/2026

Cut resistance and abrasion resistance are two important factors when choosing protective work gloves. Cut resistance measures a glove's ability to withstand contact with sharp objects, while abrasion resistance measures its ability to resist wear caused by repeated friction.

Understanding these differences can help workers select gloves suited to their tasks, workplace hazards, and required level of protection. Then, you can make the right decision to protect your hands at work.

What is abrasion?

Abrasion occurs when repeated friction or contact with rough surfaces causes a material to wear down. In workplace settings, abrasion-resistant gloves help protect the hands during tasks involving frequent handling of rough or abrasive materials.

Over time, friction can damage the glove's protective surface, reducing its durability and potentially exposing workers to skin irritation or injury.

What about the standards?
North American standards help identify the protection rate of each glove. The standards are established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
The ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 standard had been updated in 2016 and evaluates the work glove’s abrasion resistance. Work glove abrasion resistance is assessed according to 7 levels, from 0 to 6. The higher the number, the better the protection.

How do work gloves protect against cuts?

Cut-resistant work gloves help reduce the risk of hand injuries when handling sharp materials such as glass, sheet metal, or cutting tools.

The ANSI/ISEA 105 standard establishes performance classifications for protective gloves, including resistance to cuts, abrasion, and punctures.

The updated ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 edition introduces revised labeling requirements to help workers identify and compare protection levels more easily.

Under the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard, cut resistance is classified from A1 to A9. Higher levels indicate greater resistance to cutting during standardized laboratory testing. However, the appropriate level depends on the hazards associated with the task.

During testing, a blade is drawn across the glove material under controlled conditions to measure the force required to cut through it. The results are used to determine the glove's cut-resistance classification.

The protection level symbol is found on top of the glove.

Work glove resistance is mainly attributable to its design. The protection offered by nitrile or Kevlar is not the same. The protection level will depend on the types of materials used in the composition of the glove yarn.

Here is the table on which the ANSI standard is based:

ANSI Level	A1	A2	A3	A4	A5	A6	A7	A8	A9
Weight (grams) needed to cut through material	≥200	≥500	≥1000	≥1500	≥2200	≥3000	≥4000	≥5000	≥6000
Applications	General Purpose, Warehousing, Small Parts Assembly.	Plastic Handling, Pulp and Paper.	Raw material handling, General Manufacturing, Construction.	HVAC, Aerospace, Food Preparation.	Glass or Metal Sheet Handling, Automotive Assembly, HVAC.	Metal Fabrication, Glass Manufacturing, Changing Blades.	Meat Preparation/Processing, Glass Manufacturing Metal Stamping.	Metal Stamping, Recycling, Heavy Assembly.	Sharp Metal Stamping, Recycle Sorting, Metal Fabrication.

*Levels A3 and below are generally used in applications where the cut risk is lower, such as hardware assembly, warehouse work and general handling.

Levels A4 and above are used in applications where cut risk is much higher, such as handling glass sheets, metal press work or heavy assembly.

What is the solution to get more reliable and durable gloves?

For added abrasion protection, we are recommending the following gloves:

Coated gloves
- Nitrile
- Latex
- PVC
- Polyurethane
- Rubber
Leather gloves
Safety sleeves

The Ansell Hyflex Series is composed of work gloves with excellent abrasion resistance.

As for cut resistance, we recommend gloves made with the following materials:

Ansell INTERCEPT™ cut-resistant fibers
Kevlar® aramid fibers
Fiberglass
High-performance polyethylene (HPPE) fibers
Composite fibers
Steel or stainless-steel fibers

Shop the different Ansell work gloves

Although some work gloves offer the protection you need, it is essential to consider other factors. You will get optimum protection, but the usefulness and comfort of the gloves may not be up to par.

How do you choose the right work gloves for your tasks?

Choosing the right work gloves starts with identifying the hazards associated with each task. Workers handling sharp metal or glass may require higher cut resistance, while those frequently handling rough materials should prioritize abrasion resistance.

Beyond protection ratings, factors such as grip, dexterity, comfort, and working conditions should also be considered. The best gloves are those that provide appropriate protection without unnecessarily limiting hand movement or performance.

Here are a few factors to consider:

Dexterity level
Touchscreen compatible
Heat and cold resistance
Grip (or grasping in wet, oily, or dry conditions)
Tactile sensitivity
Breathability

The AnsellGUARDIAN Program

Do you need personal protective equipment (PPE) adapted to your workplace? The AnsellGUARDIAN program helps you find the PPE that best meets your safety needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cut-Resistant and Abrasion-Resistant Gloves

What is the difference between cut resistance and abrasion resistance?

Cut resistance measures a glove's ability to withstand cutting by a blade, while abrasion resistance measures its ability to resist wear caused by repeated friction. Both characteristics help determine whether protective gloves are suitable for specific workplace hazards.

How do you choose the right cut-resistance level for work gloves?

The appropriate cut-resistance level depends on the materials handled, the tasks performed, and the hazards present. The ANSI/ISEA 105 standard classifies cut resistance from A1 to A9, with higher levels indicating greater resistance during standardized testing. A workplace hazard assessment helps determine the appropriate level.

Do cut-resistant gloves also protect against abrasion?

Not necessarily. A glove may provide excellent cut resistance without offering the same level of abrasion resistance. Since these properties are evaluated separately, workers should check both ratings when selecting gloves for tasks involving sharp or rough materials.

What materials are commonly used in cut-resistant gloves?

Cut-resistant gloves may contain high-performance materials such as Kevlar® aramid fibers, high-performance polyethylene (HPPE), fiberglass, or composite fibers. The combination of materials influences the gloves' cut resistance, flexibility, comfort, and dexterity.

When should cut-resistant or abrasion-resistant gloves be replaced?

Protective gloves should be inspected before each use and replaced when they show signs of damage or excessive wear, such as holes, tears, damaged fibers, or loss of grip. Damaged gloves may no longer provide the expected level of protection.