In Canada, there is no standard regulating cut-resistant hand protection; different agencies contributing to the protection of workers are only offering recommendations. In the face of this situation, a company wishing to protect their workers should look at which standard?
Worldwide, there are two different standards: the ANSI 105-2016 standard and the EN388 standard. The first one is American and the second is European.
The difference between standards ANSI 105-2016 and EN388
The two cut-resistant hand protection standards have a few differences.
The American standard (ANSI) identifies nine (9) different cut-resistance levels while the European standard (EN388) only has six (6). The ANSI standard requires that the blade be changed at every tested glove while the blade is only replaced after 40 tests in Europe. Also, the blade is very different in each: it is square for the ANSI standard and round for the EN388 standard.
| ANSI 105-2016 | EN388 | |
| Cut-resistance level | 9 levels | 6 levels |
| Shape of blade | Square | Round |
| Number of tests per blade | 1 test | 40 tests |
| Testing | External frim | Glove manufacturer |
This is one of the reasons why Superior Glove recommends that you refer to the American standard.
The cut-resistance levels and which one to choose
