Cut-resistant gloves are one of the most critical PPE investments a Canadian employer can make in environments where workers handle sharp materials, blades, or abrasive surfaces. Hand injuries are consistently among the most frequently reported workplace injuries in Canadian manufacturing, construction, and warehousing — and a significant proportion are preventable with properly specified cut-resistant gloves. This guide covers the cut-level standards that apply in Canada, how to match glove specification to your actual hazards, and how to source gloves that protect workers without compromising productivity.
Cut-Resistant Glove Standards in Canada
ANSI/ISEA 105 (The American Standard)
The ANSI/ISEA 105 standard, published by the American National Standards Institute and the International Safety Equipment Association, is the most widely used cut-resistance classification for industrial gloves in Canadian workplaces. It defines cut levels A1 through A9 based on grams of force required to cut through the glove material using a standardized TDM-100 test.
- A1 (200g): Very light cut protection — general handling, assembly, light assembly
- A2 (500g): Light cut protection — packaging, general warehouse, food handling (non-sharp)
- A3 (1000g): Moderate cut protection — metal handling, automotive assembly, glass handling (light)
- A4 (1500g): High cut protection — metal fabrication, glass handling, HVAC work
- A5 (2200g): Very high cut protection — heavy metal fabrication, steel coil handling, blade work
- A6–A9: Extreme cut protection — industrial blade handling, glass manufacturing, meat processing
EN 388 (The European Standard)
EN 388 is the European cut-resistance standard and is referenced in some Canadian industry applications, particularly where equipment or gloves are sourced from European suppliers. The standard uses both a blade test (Coup test, level 1–5) and the newer ISO 13997 TDM test (levels A–F). Canadian employers sourcing EN 388-rated gloves should understand that EN 388 level 5 (Coup test) is not equivalent to ANSI A5 — different test methods produce different results for the same glove.
CSA Considerations
The CSA Group publishes Canadian standards for hand protection (CSA Z195 — Protective Footwear and related standards), but cut-resistant gloves are typically specified per ANSI/ISEA 105 in Canadian industrial practice. Confirm with your provincial OHS regulator and industry association which standard is specified for your sector.
Matching Cut Level to Application
Specifying higher cut resistance than a task requires wastes money and, more importantly, often reduces dexterity to the point where workers remove the gloves to do their job effectively. The goal is the minimum cut protection level that adequately controls the actual cutting hazard:
- General warehouse, light assembly: A2–A3 coated gloves (nitrile, polyurethane, or latex dip) — high dexterity, good grip, adequate protection for most non-sharp materials
- Metal parts handling, stamped metal, sheet metal edges: A4–A5 — heavier fibre content (HPPE, steel fibre, or engineered yarns) may reduce dexterity but provide meaningful protection against metal edge cuts
- Glass handling, automotive glass, architectural glass: A5–A6 — glass edge cuts are fast and deep; higher cut resistance is critical
- Blade work (box cutters, knives, blade changes): A6–A9 — direct blade contact requires the highest cut resistance levels available
- Meat processing, food cutting: A6–A9 stainless steel mesh or ultra-high cut fibres — combination puncture and cut protection is important in food processing
Coatings and Grip
Cut-resistant fibre is the base of the glove, but the coating determines grip and application suitability:
- Uncoated: For applications where coating would interfere with the task; lower grip than coated options
- Nitrile foam or sandy nitrile: Excellent grip in oily and wet conditions — the standard for Canadian metal fabrication and machining
- Polyurethane (PU): Thin, high dexterity coating — good for dry light assembly and electronics work
- Latex: Good wet grip for general handling; some workers have latex sensitivity
Workers with Latex Sensitivity
Canadian workplaces with workers who have identified latex allergies must provide latex-free alternatives. Nitrile-coated and PU-coated cut-resistant gloves are the standard latex-free option for industrial applications.
Sourcing Cut-Resistant Gloves in Canada
Wi-Supply supplies string knit work gloves with PU, nitrile, and latex coatings across cut-resistance levels for Canadian operations. We supply by the dozen and by the case for regular industrial consumption. Contact us for a consultation on the right cut level for your specific applications and for wholesale pricing on volume orders.
