When working around sharp materials, selecting the right cut-resistant glove is one of the most important decisions you can make. But with ratings ranging from Cut A to Cut F, it can be difficult to understand what each level actually means and when a higher level of protection is required.

A Cut F glove provides the highest level of cut resistance under the AS/NZS 2161.3:2020 / EN 388:2016 standard, making it the preferred choice for applications where workers are regularly exposed to extremely sharp edges, heavy materials, and high-risk handling tasks.

AS/NZS 2161.3:2020 is the Australian standard that is equivalent to EN 388:2016 European standard and is used to measure a glove's resistance to mechanical hazards, including:

• Abrasion
• Cut (Coupe)
• Tear
• Puncture
• Cut (TDM ISO 13997)
• Impact (where applicable)

For cut resistance, AS/NZS 2161.3:2020 uses either the Cut “Coupe” or ISO 13997 (TDM) test. If the blade is dulled during the cut “coupe” test then the ISO 13997 (TDM) test is used instead. The ISO 13997 (TDM) test measures the amount of force required for a straight blade to cut through the glove material.

Results are classified using the following scale:

Cut Level Force Required

A - 2 N

B - 5 N

C - 10 N

D - 15 N

E - 22 N

F - 30 N or greater

A Cut F glove must withstand at least 30 Newtons of cutting force, making it the highest cut resistance rating available under the standard.

Cut F gloves are designed for applications where workers face a high risk of severe lacerations from sharp or heavy materials.

Typical applications include:

• Steel fabrication
• Sheet metal handling
• Glass manufacturing and glazing
• Metal stamping and pressing
• Recycling and waste sorting
• Mining
• Construction
• Automotive manufacturing
• Heavy engineering
• Handling sharp-edged components

These industries often involve continuous exposure to burrs, sharp edges, broken materials or heavy components that require the highest level of cut protection.

Not necessarily.

Higher cut protection often requires stronger fibres and more robust glove constructions. While modern Cut F gloves are significantly lighter and more dexterous than earlier generations, choosing the highest cut level isn't always the most appropriate solution.

Selecting the correct glove should always be based on a workplace risk assessment. If the application only presents a low to moderate cut hazard, a Cut C or Cut D glove may provide adequate protection while offering greater flexibility or comfort.

However, where workers regularly handle extremely sharp materials or where the consequences of a cut injury are severe, a Cut F glove offers the highest available level of cut protection under EN 388:2016.

Cut-resistant gloves should be selected based on the specific hazards of the task, not simply the highest rating available.

Understanding what a Cut F rating represents helps safety professionals make informed PPE decisions that balance protection, comfort and productivity.

Where the risk of serious laceration is high, Cut F gloves provide the highest level of certified cut resistance, helping workers perform demanding tasks with greater confidence while reducing the risk of hand injuries.

Article source: What is a Cut F glove? Understanding the highest level of cut protection