ANSI A1
ANSI A1 is a light cut resistance level for low-risk handling tasks.
Example: A1 may fit light material handling where sharp edges are not the main hazard.
Glossary
Industrial Safety Glove Glossary
Plain-language definitions for cut resistance, standards, materials, coatings, glove construction, and procurement terms.
A
ANSI A2
ANSI A2 is a low cut resistance level used for light industrial tasks.
Example: A2 can fit packaging or parts handling with limited cut exposure.
ANSI A3
ANSI A3 is a moderate-light cut resistance level for general handling tasks.
Example: A3 can be considered when workers face occasional light sharp-edge contact.
ANSI A4
ANSI A4 is a common industrial cut level for moderate cut hazards where dexterity still matters.
Example: A4 is often evaluated for automotive, maintenance, construction, and material handling work.
ANSI A5
ANSI A5 is a mid-range cut level for applications that need more protection than A4.
Example: A5 can fit tougher sharp-edge handling where comfort remains important.
ANSI A6
ANSI A6 is a higher cut level used where sharp materials or injury history justify added protection.
Example: A6 may be considered for heavier metal, glass, or fabrication tasks.
ANSI A7
ANSI A7 is a high cut resistance level for severe industrial cut hazards.
Example: A7 can fit high-risk sharp-edge tasks when workers can still perform the job safely.
ANSI A8
ANSI A8 is a very high cut resistance level for severe cut exposure.
Example: A8 should be selected only when the hazard requires it and dexterity remains acceptable.
ANSI A9
ANSI A9 is the highest ANSI cut resistance range and is used for extreme cut hazards.
Example: A9 can fit severe blade or sharp-material exposure where lower levels are insufficient.
ANSI/ISEA 105
ANSI/ISEA 105 is a U.S. standard for classifying hand protection performance.
Example: Safety teams use ANSI/ISEA 105 cut levels to compare glove protection.
Abrasion Resistance
Abrasion resistance is the ability of a glove surface to withstand rubbing and wear.
Example: Abrasion resistance matters in metal handling, construction, and repetitive material movement.
Aramid
Aramid is a heat-resistant synthetic fiber family used in some protective gloves.
Example: Aramid liners can be selected for heat or cut-related tasks.
ATEX
ATEX refers to European requirements related to explosive atmospheres and equipment safety.
Example: Oil and gas buyers may ask whether products fit ATEX-related site requirements.
C
Cut Resistance
Cut resistance is a glove material's ability to resist being cut under a defined test method.
Example: Cut resistance should be matched to the actual task hazard.
Cleanroom
A cleanroom is a controlled environment where contamination and particle levels are managed.
Example: Some battery, aerospace, and electronics tasks require clean handling practices.
Certificate of Conformity
A Certificate of Conformity is a document stating that a product meets specified standards or requirements.
Example: A procurement team may request a CoC before approving a glove SKU.
Cost Per Wear
Cost per wear measures glove cost by usable wears or shifts instead of unit price alone.
Example: A premium glove can have lower cost per wear if it lasts longer.
D
Dyneema
Dyneema is a branded ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fiber used in some cut-resistant gloves.
Example: Buyers may compare Dyneema, HPPE, aramid, and graphene-enhanced gloves.
E
EN 388
EN 388 is a European glove standard for mechanical risks such as abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture.
Example: Procurement may require EN 388 values on product spec sheets.
ESD-Safe
ESD-safe describes products intended to reduce electrostatic discharge risk in sensitive environments.
Example: Data center and electronics teams may require ESD-safe glove options.
F
FOD
FOD means foreign object debris and is a concern in aerospace and clean manufacturing settings.
Example: Aerospace teams may prefer gloves that reduce lint and loose debris risk.
G
Graphene
Graphene is a carbon-based material used in Armor Guys Kyorene platforms to support thin, comfortable protection.
Example: Graphene-enhanced liners can help balance cut protection and dexterity.
Gauge
Gauge describes knit density and often relates to glove thickness, feel, and dexterity.
Example: A 24-gauge glove can feel thinner and more tactile than a lower-gauge glove.
Gauntlet Cuff
Gauntlet cuff is an extended cuff style used for added wrist or forearm coverage.
Example: Gauntlet cuffs may be selected when splash or debris exposure is a concern.
H
HPPE
HPPE means high-performance polyethylene, a common cut-resistant glove fiber.
Example: HPPE gloves are often compared with graphene-enhanced alternatives.
I
ISO 13997
ISO 13997 is a cut resistance test referenced in EN 388 for higher cut performance evaluation.
Example: The final letter in many EN 388 ratings reflects ISO cut performance.
K
Kyorene
Kyorene is Armor Guys' graphene-enhanced glove platform.
Example: Kyorene product lines are used when buyers need graphene-enhanced protection.
Kevlar
Kevlar is a branded aramid fiber used in heat and cut-resistant protective products.
Example: Kevlar may appear in comparisons for cut, heat, and durability.
Knit Wrist
Knit wrist is a cuff style designed to help keep the glove in place and reduce debris entry.
Example: Knit wrist cuffs are common in assembly and material handling.
L
Latex Coating
Latex coating is a flexible glove coating often used for grip in some handling environments.
Example: Latex may be avoided where latex sensitivity is a concern.
Lead Time
Lead time is the time between ordering and receiving product.
Example: Procurement teams use lead time to plan inventory and safety stock.
M
MicroFoam Nitrile
MicroFoam nitrile is a nitrile coating texture designed to support controlled grip and flexibility.
Example: MicroFoam nitrile is useful when workers handle oily or mixed-condition parts.
MSDS
MSDS is the older term for Material Safety Data Sheet, now generally replaced by SDS.
Example: Some buyers still ask for MSDS when they mean SDS.
MOQ
MOQ means minimum order quantity.
Example: Distributors and procurement managers may ask for MOQ before rollout.
MAP
MAP means minimum advertised price.
Example: Distributor programs may define MAP rules for reseller consistency.
N
Nitrile Coating
Nitrile coating is a glove palm coating often used for oil grip, abrasion resistance, and durability.
Example: MicroFoam nitrile can support grip in dry, wet, or oily conditions.
O
OSHA 1910.138
OSHA 1910.138 is the U.S. hand protection rule requiring appropriate gloves for employee hand hazards.
Example: An EHS team may cite OSHA 1910.138 when documenting glove selection.
OEKO-TEX
OEKO-TEX is a textile safety certification system for harmful substance testing.
Example: OEKO-TEX can support procurement confidence for skin-contact textile products.
P
Puncture Resistance
Puncture resistance is a glove's ability to resist penetration from pointed hazards.
Example: Puncture resistance matters when handling wire, staples, splinters, or sharp fragments.
Polyurethane Coating
Polyurethane coating is a thin glove coating often used for dry grip and precision handling.
Example: PU-coated gloves are common in clean assembly and dry inspection tasks.
Palm Coating
Palm coating is the coated surface on the palm and fingers that affects grip, wear, and liquid handling.
Example: Choose palm coating based on dry, wet, oily, or clean handling needs.
PPE Program
A PPE program is the process for selecting, training, supplying, and monitoring personal protective equipment.
Example: Glove selection should fit the broader PPE program and documented hazards.
R
REACH
REACH is a European chemical safety regulation that can affect material compliance documentation.
Example: Procurement teams may request REACH information during vendor qualification.
RoHS
RoHS restricts certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
Example: Electronics and EV battery buyers may ask about RoHS-related documentation.
RFQ
RFQ means request for quote.
Example: Procurement may submit an RFQ for bulk glove pricing.
S
Seamless Knit
Seamless knit construction reduces seams that can create pressure points or irritation.
Example: Seamless knit gloves are common for all-day industrial wear.
SDS
SDS means Safety Data Sheet and provides safety information for materials or chemicals.
Example: Buyers may request SDS documents for coated gloves or related materials.
Sample Trial
A sample trial is a controlled test of glove SKUs in real work conditions before standardization.
Example: Sample trials should collect fit, grip, durability, and removal feedback.
T
Tear Strength
Tear strength describes how well glove material resists tearing once stressed or damaged.
Example: Tear strength can affect glove life during repetitive handling.
Touchscreen Compatible
Touchscreen compatible gloves allow workers to use screens without removing gloves.
Example: Touchscreen compatibility matters in data centers, logistics, and digital workstations.
Total Cost of Ownership
Total cost of ownership includes purchase cost, replacement frequency, compliance, waste, and operational impact.
Example: Procurement should compare TCO when evaluating premium PPE.
W
Worker Acceptance
Worker acceptance is whether employees will consistently wear the selected glove during the task.
Example: A protective glove fails in practice if workers remove it for dexterity.