OSHA 1910.138(b) is Mandatory
How to comply with OSHA 1910.138(b): edge test

FIRST: EVALUATE THE HAZARD
Factors to consider:
Edge sharpness – sharper edges require a dulling feature in the glove fabric such as glass,
ceramic, or stainless steel.
Length of the edge – longer edges pose greater cut hazards and may require greater tensile strength
and abrasion resistance.
Thickness of the metal – thicker metal has bigger burrs, thinner metal will have a sharper edge.
Weight of the object – can increase the force of the cutting edge, so tensile strength may be required.
Surface texture – oily or wet surfaces require gloves that can grip. Keeping an edge from moving is as important
as the cut resistance itself, so it is important to test for grip.
Type of edge – razor sharp or abrasive sharp.
Composition of the material – steel, glass, aluminum, etc.
Most importantly – the frequency that the edge is being handled.

HOW TO PERFORM AN EDGE TEST
Make sure all participants have proper safety gear.

If testing a knife blade, place the glove or sleeve on a flat surface and cut with a knife on a diagonal pass
on the palm section of the glove or width of the sleeve. This should be repeated with a new blade for each pass.

For sheet metal and glass, follow the procedures below.

Select samples of all hazardous edge materials in your facility.

Vice them up in a secure area.

Since coatings are designed to keep an edge from moving, test the fabric side of the glove.

Place the glove or sleeve across the edge with the measured surface exposed.

Make sure that the entire width of the glove or width of the sleeve is exposed to the edge.

Put enough pressure to replicate the weight of the object.

Run the glove or sleeve across the edge to replicate the potential length that the edge
could travel if it should slip.

Repeat this process several times to ensure that the glove or sleeve will handle multiple exposures to the edge.
This should replicate the way that the products are actually being used.

Remember that ASTM F2992-15 only measures one pass per glove section, not multiple exposures,
which is what happens in an actual application.

Lastly, test for grip. See below.

ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 is Voluntary

ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 mandates the use of the ASTM F2992-15 test method. This standard specifies that 3 gloves
be tested. The method requires that a swatch of the glove palm is mounted on a curved surface.15 individual blades
are tested at 3 different weights – 5 blade passes per weight, each on a different section of the glove palm. The test
measures the weight in grams to cut through the fabric on a 20 millimeter pass (slightly less than 1 inch).

The Drawbacks:
The test is performed with a straight edge blade cutting on a curved surface. This only measures
the ability of the glove or sleeve fabric to dull the blade edge to keep it from cutting through.

How can this replicate how someone cuts with a knife, inserting the point of the blade into the object being cut
and then pulling? This requires force and only tensile strength can stop force.

Sheet metal and machined metal have burrs along the edge. Burrs do not cut, they tear. How can a straight edge knife
blade test relate to the hazards presented by the burrs on a sheet metal edge? Only tensile strength can stop the tearing
action of sheet metal.

Glass is harder than metal, so how can a metal knife blade test relate to the hazards presented by sheet glass?

Our industry openly acknowledges a 20% variance within a lab and as much as a 40% variance between labs.
Is a cut test with a potential 60% variance an indication of protection?

The highest Cut Level, A9, means that the glove or sleeve successfully resisted 13.22 pounds
of pressure on a 1 inch pass.

How much knife blade force in your facility is less than 14 pounds?

What sheet metal or glass edges do you have that are less than 14 pounds in weight?

How many potential edges do you have in your facility that will travel less than 1 inch?

Does this cut test relate to the cut hazards in your facility?

Measure the potential exposure to the edge

Correct Edge Test
The width of the glove or sleeve should be exposed to the length of the edge.

Incorrect Edge Test
If just the edge of the glove or sleeve is exposed to the edge,
it will not replicate the practical application.

 HOW TO SELECT THE PROPER GRIP

Coat the surface of the object with the lubricant being used and measure the resistance to hand movement

Here are the typical coatings and their properties:

1) Polyurethane (13, 17, 19, 22, 65, 83, 91, 92, 93, 95, and 96 Series)
Most versatile grip; used for assembly applications driving screws
Resists sticking to rotating parts, reducing risk of a wrap-up
Porous coating that breathes, but will also allow liquids to penetrate
Provides the most dexterity but is the least abrasion resistant of the coatings

2) Solid Nitrile (43 and 90 Series)
High surface tension resists punctures and has excellent abrasion resistance
Works well in hydrocarbon-based liquids
Not designed for use in water-based liquids as it can become slippery
Due to its tacky grip, not for use near rotating parts

3) Foam Nitrile (21, 45, 50, 51, 52, 60, and 88 Series)
Can come open cell or closed cell foam
Open cell foam gives excellent grip in oily applications
Some manufacturers use single layer open cell foam, which will allow liquids to penetrate
Not designed for use in water-based liquids as it can become slippery
Due to its tacky grip, not for use near rotating parts

4) Natural Rubber (47, 48, 49, 75, and 76 Series)
Offers excellent abrasion and puncture resistance
Not designed for use in hydro-carbon based liquids
Available in different palm grips for wet applications
Latex can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals
Due to its tacky grip, not for use near rotating parts

5) Bi-Polymer (Wave Coating), (23, 28, 39, 40, and 41 Series)
Certain new synthetic coatings can offer superior abrasion resistance
Offer a good grip in a broad range of lubricants
Can be more expensive than other coatings, but will last longer
Due to its tacky grip, not for use near rotating parts