5 Common Misconceptions About Cut-Resistant Gloves

Staying protected is a mandatory rule in any workplace environment. You want to stop everything from slipping on slick surfaces to impacts on your head. Bodily protection from appropriate personal protective equipment will reduce the chances of harm.

Bodily protection also extends to the hands. You want to protect your hands from impact injuries, lacerations, burns, and chemical exposure. Therefore, gloves are necessary, but many workers think their gloves are invincible. Here are five common misconceptions regarding cut-resistant gloves. Knowing them will help you stay safe and prevent further injuries.

Myth #1: Cut-Resistant Gloves Are Cut Proof

Many workers believe that cut-resistant gloves are synonymous with cut-proof ones. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. No gloves can describe themselves as truly cut proof due to their textiles needing the ability to move, flex, and allow for removal.

Because the textiles have these traits, they aren’t impenetrable. So don’t perform cut tests on your gloves. Cut-resistant gloves reduce the chances of severe cut-related injuries. Instead of losing a finger, only a surface wound may occur when you wear them.

Myth #2: Cut Resistance Weakens After Washing

A common misconception surrounding cut-resistant gloves is that their protective features wear off after a few washes. However, the structure becomes denser following some washing, improving the mechanical and protective properties.

It’s more common for gloves to weaken after years of use rather than after a couple of cleanings. If your gloves consist of weaker fibers, the protective features might not last as long.

Myth #3: They Lack Grip and Dexterity

Many people believe these gloves don’t provide the necessary grip or dexterity to perform their job correctly. However, cut-resistant work gloves have improved over the years to provide a more comfortable and lighter feel for every wearer.

Cut-resistant gloves come standard with textured finishes on the fingertips and palms to improve the grip. Additionally, thin and flexible fibers allow easy movement while preventing severe injuries.

Myth #4: A Higher Cut Level Means Better Protection

It’s common to assume that the higher the cut-resistance, the better the glove. This is false; ratings indicate protection against hazards rather than resistance strength.

Cut-resistant gloves protect people in many work environments, especially heavy-duty jobs requiring heavy-duty protection. The less effective the glove is, the harder it is to work properly. So instead of looking at just the resistance rating, you should look for how protective your work gloves are in the context of your occupation.

Myth #5: Cut Injuries Don’t Impact You

Many assume that hand injuries aren’t a big deal. In reality, hand injuries can lead to high costs due to hospital transportation, medical assistance, and any post-care treatments needed. These costs can quickly rise into the tens of thousands, so having the necessary hand protection can save you the pain and expense of hospital trips.