How to Choose Cut-Resistant Glove Levels? Full Guide to EN 388 Cut Level B–F (Industrial Purchasing & Tender Guide)

In the field of industrial safety protection, “how to choose cut-resistant glove levels” is one of the most common questions for factory buyers, project managers, and tender documents.

Whether it is construction sites, metal processing, or mining and heavy industry, EN 388 cut-resistant gloves are essential basic PPE when working with sharp objects.

This article is based on the EN 388:2016 + A1 mechanical protection glove standard, explaining the meaning of Cut Level B–F, industry selection logic, and common purchasing mistakes—helping you make the right choice for real industrial projects.

1. Why Do Industrial Buyers and Tender Documents Require EN 388?

EN 388 mechanical protective glove standard is one of the most widely used international test standards for mechanical risks. It applies to:

● Industrial safety gloves / Industrial protective gloves

● Construction protective gloves / Construction site gloves

● Mining protective gloves / Mining safety gloves

● Mechanical protection gloves

In tendering and project procurement, EN 388 is not only a performance reference standard but also a compliance requirement.

Gloves without clear EN 388 test ratings often fail to pass tender evaluation or be accepted into qualified supplier lists.

2. Main Test Items in EN 388:2016 + A1

The latest EN 388:2016 + A1:2018 provides a more detailed classification of mechanical protection performance, including:

1. Abrasion Resistance

2. Cut Resistance (ISO 13997 test method)

3. Tear Resistance

4. Puncture Resistance

5. Impact Protection (marked with the letter “P”)

Among these, cut resistance level is the most important—and also the most misunderstood—part for industrial buyers.

3. What Do Cut Level B–F Mean?

Under EN 388, cut resistance is evaluated by the ISO 13997 straight blade cut test, with levels increasing from B to F:

Cut Level	Cut Resistance Meaning	Typical Risk Level
Level B	Basic cut resistance	Light sharp-object risks
Level C	Medium cut resistance	General industrial risks
Level D	Higher cut resistance	Frequent sharp contact
Level E	High cut resistance	Heavy-duty environments
Level F	Highest cut resistance	Extreme cut hazards

Note:

Level A is gradually phased out, and the mainstream market now focuses on Cut Level B–F.

4. How to Choose Cut Level by Industry?

1️⃣ Construction Handling / Construction Sites

● Recommended level: Cut Level B–C

● Risk features: rebar edges, building material burrs

● Key focus: abrasion resistance, grip, flexibility

Construction protective gloves should not blindly pursue the highest cut level.

2️⃣ Metal Processing / Mechanical Manufacturing

● Recommended level: Cut Level D–E

● Risk features: metal sheets, glass, sharp components

● Key focus: stable cut resistance + abrasion resistance

This is one of the most common industries using EN 388 gloves.

3️⃣ Mining & Heavy Industry / Heavy Equipment Maintenance

● Recommended level: Cut Level E–F

● Risk features: high cut risk + high impact + high-intensity work

● Key focus: cut resistance + impact protection

Mining protective gloves often require comprehensive mechanical protection.

5. Is “Higher Cut Resistance Always Better”?

The answer: Not necessarily.

A higher cut resistance level usually means:

● Thicker gloves

● Reduced flexibility

● Higher costs

In precision electronics, food processing, and assembly workstations, an overly high cut level may reduce working efficiency and comfort.

The correct selection logic is:

Choose the most suitable cut level that meets safety requirements—not simply the highest level.

6. Common Purchasing Mistakes

In industrial protective glove procurement, the following mistakes are very common:

❌ Only looking at cut level, ignoring abrasion rating

❌ Ignoring coating type, leading to poor grip

❌ Not considering impact protection design for high-risk conditions

❌ Using heavy-duty mining gloves for delicate assembly workProfessional mechanical protection gloves must balance multiple performance factors.

7. Safetoe Cut-Resistant Glove Solutions

To meet different industries and hazard levels, Safetoe provides a clear and structured cut-resistant glove solution plan:

PD8045 B / C / D / E / F

Nitro Guard X5

● Level 5 cut-resistant abrasion-resistant nitrile coated touchscreen glovesCut levels available: B / C / D / E / F

● Liner: Level 5 cut-resistant HDPE liner

● Coating: palm nitrile coating (touchscreen compatible)

● Cuff: elastic knitted cuff

● Size: 7ʺ–11ʺ (S–XXL)

● Standard: CE EN ISO 21420:2020 & EN 388:2016 + A1:2018

Applications:

Automotive repair, glass processing, food processing, laboratories, precision electronics, construction sites, mechanical manufacturing, etc.

learn more PD8045

TPR9004

Armor Guard Pro

● Level 5 cut-resistant abrasion-resistant nitrile coated impact protection glovesLiner: Level 5 cut-resistant HDPE liner

● Coating: palm nitrile coating

● Backhand: TPR impact protection pads

● Cuff: elastic knitted cuff + adjustable hook-and-loop strap

● Standard: CE EN ISO 21420:2020 & EN 388:2016 + A1:2018

Applications:

Mining safety gloves, heavy equipment maintenance, mechanical manufacturing, and high-impact working environments.

learn more TPR9004

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