At Platinum Chemicals, our selection of Wonder Grip Cut-Resistant Gloves is designed to meet the stringent safety standards of EN388:2016 and ISO 13997, providing top-tier protection for workers in industries where cut hazards are prevalent. These gloves, which include Wonder Grip's DexCut® and OPTY ranges, ensure reliable performance in high-risk environments, such as metal fabrication, glass handling, and construction, where sharp materials and tools are regularly encountered.

The DexCut® range is known for its superior cut resistance, using latex or nitrile palm coatings to offer a strong grip and robust durability. These gloves are essential for environments where both handling precision and cut protection are necessary. On the other hand, the OPTY range, with its PU palm-coated gloves, provides excellent tactile sensitivity, making it ideal for precision tasks that also require a high level of cut protection.

EN388:2016 – A Standard for Mechanical Risk Protection

The EN388:2016 standard is crucial for assessing a glove's ability to protect against mechanical risks, with a strong emphasis on cut resistance. This European standard is widely recognised and helps ensure that workers have reliable protection in environments where sharp tools and materials pose a constant threat.

Two main methods are used to assess the cut resistance of gloves under this standard: the Coupe Test and the ISO 13997 Cut Test (TDM Test). The Coupe Test measures how many cycles a rotating circular blade can complete before cutting through the glove. Although this test has been used for many years, it can become inaccurate when gloves are made of materials that tend to dull the blade. This is where the ISO 13997 Cut Test (TDM Test) becomes important. All Wonder Grip gloves in this range have been tested using the ISO 13997 method, which provides a more accurate assessment, particularly for gloves made with advanced materials that might blunt a rotating blade in the Coupe Test.

ISO 13997 Cut Test for Advanced Cut Resistance

The ISO 13997 Cut Test assesses the force required to cut through the glove material with a straight blade. This force is measured in Newtons (N), and the gloves are rated on a scale from A to F. The higher the rating, the more resistant the glove is to cuts, making it suitable for environments where workers are at risk of severe cut hazards.

• Level A: > 2 Newtons
  
  

• Level B: > 5 Newtons
  
  

• Level C: > 10 Newtons
  
  

• Level D: > 15 Newtons
  
  

• Level E: > 22 Newtons
  
  

• Level F: > 30 Newtons

The higher the rating, the greater the glove’s resistance to cuts, making it suitable for more hazardous tasks. Gloves rated D or above are often required for industries where workers handle extremely sharp objects, such as glass or sheet metal.

The Wonder Grip gloves in this category are particularly suitable for industrial environments requiring high levels of cut resistance. For example, the Wonder Grip 333 ROCK & STONE is designed for heavy-duty tasks, offering Cut Level B protection under the ISO 13997 standard. This makes it an excellent choice for workers dealing with moderate cut risks. Similarly, the Wonder Grip 733 DEXCUT provides Cut Level D protection, which is ideal for tasks involving more severe cut hazards. For added protection, the Wonder Grip 733 Plus DEXCUT features a ¾ Latex Back Coating, offering additional coverage to the knuckles and fingers while maintaining Cut Level D protection.

In cold environments, the Wonder Grip 780 DEXCUT maintains flexibility and cut resistance, even in temperatures as low as -20°C, making it a preferred choice for workers who need reliable cut protection in extreme cold conditions. The Wonder Grip 787 DEXCUT and Wonder Grip 788 DEXCUT are designed to provide both cut and heat resistance, making them suitable for tasks where both risks are present. The Wonder Grip 788 DEXCUT is also touch-screen compatible, allowing workers to use digital devices without removing their gloves, enhancing convenience on the job.

The OPTY Range – Precision Cut Resistance for Dexterous Work

For those who require high precision while maintaining cut protection, the Wonder Grip OPTY range offers an ideal solution. These gloves are coated with PU (Polyurethane) Palm Coating, which provides excellent sensitivity and grip while offering reliable cut resistance. The Wonder Grip OP-765 OPTY provides Cut Level B protection, making it suitable for tasks where light to medium cut hazards are present. Meanwhile, the Wonder Grip OP-775 OPTY and Wonder Grip OP-785 OPTY gloves offer Cut Levels C and D, respectively, combining medium to heavy cut protection with comfort and dexterity. For environments with the highest risk of cuts, the Wonder Grip OP-795 OPTY provides Cut Level E protection, making it the go-to glove for tasks where severe cut hazards are a constant threat.

Understanding the Markings for EN388:2016 and ISO 13997

Each glove in this range carries markings that indicate its performance according to the EN388:2016 standard. For cut resistance, a rating from A to F is given under the ISO 13997 test, reflecting the glove’s ability to resist cuts from sharp objects. The marking system also includes symbols that provide information about the glove’s overall mechanical protection, including resistance to abrasion, tear, and puncture. If a glove has not been tested for a specific category, it will be marked with an "X" in place of a numerical rating.

For instance, gloves like the Wonder Grip 733 DEXCUT, Wonder Grip 718 DEXCUT, and Wonder Grip OP-785 OPTY are marked with a "D" under the ISO 13997 test, indicating that they can withstand a higher level of cut force, making them suitable for more hazardous environments. Meanwhile, gloves with a Cut Level B or C rating are better suited for tasks where medium to light cut hazards are present.

Comprehensive Cut Protection with Wonder Grip Gloves

Platinum Chemicals' Wonder Grip Cut-Resistant Gloves offer a range of solutions to meet the diverse needs of industries requiring cut protection. With their advanced design and adherence to the EN388:2016 and ISO 13997 standards, these gloves ensure that workers are protected from the hazards posed by sharp tools and materials. Whether you're working in heavy industrial environments, handling fine precision tasks, or dealing with extreme cold or heat, the Wonder Grip DexCut® and OPTY ranges provide the necessary protection without compromising on comfort or dexterity.