Since the introduction of the revised code standards in 2016 which redefined the coupe standard and saw the introduction of the ISO13997 test a modern-day myth emerged.
Why?
Because much of the industry started making gloves for the new ISO13997 standard and chose to place an X for the coupe standard which led to the assumption that gloves with an ISO13997 D, E and F is a coupe level 5. This is a false assumption. We believe that those involved in the selection of cut protection gloves need to know this, so they can make an informed choice as to the most suitable cut glove.
Do you know why manufacturers put an X for the coupe cut standard?
The coupe test is suitable for repetitive jobs that require precision handling in medium to high cut jobs even though the coupe test remains the most representative test for daily applications in the workplace. The X for coupe means the glove either dulled the blade or not tested by the manufacturer. If you see an X on your glove, ask your supplier what the coupe test result is and be ready to be surprised. If you still need convincing, then look at our market study of some familiar brands.
Our study: market comparison
As part of our continued pursuit of quality we have built a state-of-the-art test laboratory at our 100% owned manufacturing facilities which we use for the testing of each and every batch of gloves before they’re approved for release into the market. Our laboratory is accredited to the exact same standard as the official test houses are accountable i.e.. ISO 17025. The results are presented below.
| Manufacturer | Style | Coupe Level (marking) | Coupe Level (tested) | ISO Cut Level (marking) | ISO Cut Level (tested) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | A1 | X | 3 | C | C |
| A | A2 | X | 3 | F | F |
| B | B1 | X | 3 | F | E |
| C | C1 | X | 4 | E | F |
| D | D1 | X | 1 ! | C | C |
| D | D2 | X | 3 | D | D |
| E | E1 | X | 4 | F | D ! |
| F | F1 | X | 3 | F | F |
| G | G1 | X | 2 ! | D | D |
| H | H1 | X | 3 | E | D |
Which cut test should I use?
The answer is really simple. It depends on what you are doing. If you’re looking for a glove to use in repetitive jobs handling low to medium weight parts, then look to the coupe test result. However, if your worker(s) faces the risk of a one-off extreme cut from heavy items then ISO 13997 and ANSI/ISEA 105 (2016) are the tests to use.
Is there anything else to consider?
Find out more: www.comfortableperformance.com.
Comfort is the key to compliance
Did you know that 70% of workers who suffer hand injuries were not wearing gloves at the time of their accident. Simply put, gloves can never protect those who don’t wear them, which is why we spend so much time ensuring that comfort is built into all our gloves.
With the introduction of the new ISO 13997 standard and the additions to the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard, which grade gloves from A1 to A9, the race to the top began, even though gloves achieving an ISO 13997 F grade or ANSI A9 grade are purchased by less than 1% of the market. The best intentions can be dangerous, and the number of injuries confirms that. Over the last 10 years workplace injuries have fallen by 25%, BUT hand injuries have almost doubled in that time because the focus has been on using gloves that receive high test scores, i.e. that meet the EN, ISO and ANSI standards, which we call the ‘Cut Protection Paradox’. Don’t forget Comfort is the Key to Compliance which is why we build Comfortable Performance into all we do.
Our MaxiCut® Ultra™ still marks the benchmark for combining comfort with protection. We call this COMFORTABLE PERFORMANCE.