Heightened standards for safety testing, scientific advancements in materials, and improved levels of product performance are raising the bar for cut protection of hands. Let’s examine several trends worth noting.
ASTM subcommittee F23.20, Protective Clothing, Physical Hazards, has a task group that developed the cut test method F1790-97, which is used to determine the performance of a product’s cut resistance against sharp edges. This test protocol was developed to measure cut performance for a variety of protective apparel including hand protective products. Most of the individuals who contributed to this test method are from organizations involved in hand protection. This test method and test equipment evolved from more than 20 years of study and refinement.