Skytec Foam Nitrile Cut Level F Cut Resistant Gloves - Ultra Lightweight Oily Handling

Who is this for

Foam nitrile cut resistant gloves at this specification are used primarily by automotive technicians, vehicle maintenance workers, and assembly operatives who require maximum TDM Level F cut protection alongside reliable grip on oily and greasy components throughout extended precision handling shifts. The breathable foam nitrile coating and ultra-lightweight 18-gauge construction make this glove suited to tasks where hand fatigue, moisture build-up, and reduced tactile sensitivity are as much a concern as the cut hazard itself. Procurement teams specifying PPE for automotive, manufacturing, and facilities management environments will find the EN388:2016+A1:2018 rating of 4X43F meets the requirement for maximum TDM Level F protection under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992.

Typical applications

• Vehicle repairs and maintenance tasks involving oily engine components, sharp metal edges, and fabricated parts where both cut protection and oily grip are required simultaneously throughout the shift.

• Component and product assembly in automotive and manufacturing environments where oily or lightly greased precision parts are handled repeatedly and hand fatigue over extended shifts is a concern alongside cut protection.

• Machinery and plant operation involving sharp-edged components, tooling, and mechanical parts in oily workshop conditions.

• Sharp and abrasive material handling in construction, utilities, and highways maintenance environments where maximum cut protection is required and the breathable coating reduces discomfort during continuous wear.

• Handling sharp vehicle body panels, chassis components, and fabricated metalwork during vehicle assembly or bodywork repair tasks.

• General precision handling tasks across manufacturing, facilities management, and automotive environments where TDM Level F cut protection and oily grip performance are both required from a single lightweight glove.

How to use

Step 1: Select the correct size. XS fits hand size 6, S fits 7, M fits 8, L fits 9, XL fits 10, XXL fits 11, XXXL fits 12. At 18 gauge, correct size selection is critical. An oversized glove creates liner bunching at the fingertips that reduces the tactile sensitivity this construction is designed to preserve.

Step 2: Pull the glove fully over the hand, ensuring all fingers are completely seated with the foam nitrile coating covering the full palm and finger surface. Check that no liner bunching is visible at the fingertip junctions.

Step 3: Seat the elasticated knit cuff flat against the wrist before beginning work.

Step 4: Inspect the foam nitrile coating before each use. Check the palm, fingertips, thumb crotch, and finger junctions for thinning, cracking, or any visible wear through the coating. The reinforced thumb crotch should be inspected first as this is the highest-wear point on the glove.

Step 5: After use, wipe with a damp cloth to remove oil, grease, and contamination. Air dry fully before storing. Do not use solvent-based cleaners.

Step 6: Replace when the foam nitrile coating shows visible thinning or cracking, or when grip performance on oily surfaces drops noticeably.

Common mistakes

• Selecting the wrong size: At 18 gauge, fingertip bunching in an oversized glove reduces tactile feedback more significantly than at heavier gauges. Size accurately for maximum dexterity and cut protection.

• Using these gloves for sustained wet or submerged handling: This is a palm-coated glove. The back of the hand and the knitted liner above the coating are not waterproof. For tasks involving sustained wet handling or water immersion a fully-coated waterproof alternative is required.

• Assuming foam nitrile provides chemical protection: The foam nitrile coating is a breathable grip surface, not a chemical barrier. These gloves carry no EN374 rating and must not be used for chemical handling or chemical splash tasks.

• Using near moving machinery: The knitted liner and foam nitrile coating create an entanglement risk near rotating parts and moving plant. Do not use where entanglement with machinery is possible.

• Leaving oil and grease contamination on the coating: Oil residue that hardens or polymerises on the foam nitrile surface blocks the micro-cellular structure and reduces breathability and grip performance. Wipe clean after every use.

• Ignoring thumb crotch wear: The reinforced thumb crotch extends service life at the highest-wear point but must still be inspected before every shift. Thinning or cracking at the thumb crotch is the primary replacement signal for this glove.

Safety

These gloves are certified to EN388:2016+A1:2018 (4X43F) and EN21420:2020 under UK PPE Regulations, CAT II. TDM Level F is the maximum cut resistance rating and is appropriate for high-frequency sharp material contact in automotive, assembly, and manufacturing environments. These gloves are palm coated only and are not suitable for sustained wet handling or water immersion. They are not suitable for chemical immersion, electrical hazard work, or heat and flame exposure. Avoid use near moving machinery where entanglement is a risk. A task-specific risk assessment under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 should confirm suitability before use.

Maintenance

Wipe with a damp cloth after each use to remove oil, grease, and particulate contamination. Do not use solvent-based cleaners as these degrade nitrile coatings. Do not machine wash. Air dry fully at room temperature away from direct heat sources and direct sunlight. Store in dry conditions between 10°C and 30°C, away from ozone, solvents, and chemical vapour. Do not exceed 40°C storage temperature. Inspect the foam nitrile coating at the palm, fingertips, and thumb crotch before every shift. Replace when thinning, cracking, or visible wear through the coating is present. When stored correctly, mechanical properties will not change for up to three years from the date of manufacture.