MAX HPPE Steel Composite PU Palm Coated Cut Resistant Gloves - TDM Cut Level F

Who is this for

HPPE steel composite PU palm coated cut resistant gloves at TDM Cut Level F are used primarily by knife handling operatives, blade room workers, heavy glass fabricators, sheet steel processors, and automotive manufacturing workers where the task risk assessment confirms TDM Level E is insufficient for the specific cut hazard profile. The 4444F rating makes these gloves the highest-rated all-round mechanical protection option in the MAX cut range. At 30 Newtons TDM resistance, they are specified where frequent contact with very sharp cutting edges, heavy glass sheets, or thin metal stampings creates a sustained maximum-level cut risk throughout the production shift. Waste management and recycling operatives sorting mixed sharp streams where glass, metal, and cutting tool components are handled simultaneously will find the combination of Level F cut resistance and Level 4 puncture resistance addresses both blade and probe-type hazards in one glove. Safety officers and procurement teams specifying the highest available cut protection for a workforce will find the 4444F rating provides confirmation that all four mechanical test positions have been completed and passed at maximum or near-maximum levels, not just the TDM cut test.

Typical applications

Knife handling and blade room work in food processing, manufacturing, and industrial environments where operatives handle, clean, sharpen, or store bladed tools and the TDM Level F rating provides the maximum available protection against incidental blade contact throughout the task.

Heavy glass sheet handling and fabrication in glazing, architectural glass processing, and industrial glass manufacturing where large, heavy glass sheets with sharp cut edges present a maximum-level cut risk during carrying, positioning, and installation.

Sheet steel and metal stamping component handling in automotive, engineering, and heavy manufacturing environments where press-formed components, stamped sections, and thin sheet metal edges present sharp, consistent cut hazards throughout the production cycle.

Waste management and recycling sorting operations where mixed waste streams containing glass fragments, metal offcuts, bladed tools, and sharp construction materials create an unpredictable maximum-level cut and puncture hazard for sorting operatives.

Demolition and strip-out tasks on construction sites where the hazard profile includes broken glass, sharp metal fixings, blade tools, and cut sheet materials in conditions where the risk assessment has identified TDM Level E as insufficient.

Automotive and aerospace component handling in manufacturing environments where precision-stamped metal components, composite edge materials, and sharp-edged fabricated sections create a sustained high-cut-risk profile across the production shift.

How to use

Step 1: Select the correct size using colour-coded cuffs. At 13 gauge, correct sizing maintains the close fit essential for both cut protection performance and tactile sensitivity.

Step 2: Inspect the PU coating and composite liner before each use. Check the palm and fingertip area for visible wear, thinning, or damage. Do not use a glove where the liner shows damage or the PU coating is cracked, as cut protection is compromised once the liner integrity is broken.

Step 3: Pull the glove fully over the hand, ensuring all fingers are completely seated with the PU coating covering the full palm and front of fingers. No bunching should be visible at the fingertips.

Step 4: Seat the elasticated knitted cuff flat against the wrist before beginning work.

Step 5: After use, wipe with a damp cloth to remove debris and contamination. Do not launder or dry-clean: performance levels are rated for new condition only.

Step 6: Air dry fully before storing. Store away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ozone.

Step 7: Replace when the PU coating shows visible thinning or cracking, when the composite liner shows wear at the fingertips or palm, or when cut protection can no longer be confirmed by visual inspection.

Common mistakes

Using TDM Level F where the risk assessment only requires Level C or E: Over-specifying cut protection is as problematic as under-specifying. A TDM Level F composite liner is stiffer and less dextrous than a Level C or E liner by virtue of the additional material required to achieve 30 Newtons resistance. Specifying Level F for tasks that only require Level C reduces operative dexterity and increases glove cost without delivering additional safety value for the actual hazard. Always confirm the required TDM level from the task risk assessment before specifying.

Assuming cut-resistant means cut-proof against powered tools: TDM Level F means the glove resisted a straight blade at 30 Newtons before penetration in a controlled laboratory test. Powered cutting tools including angle grinders, saws, and rotating blades will cut through any glove. Never use any cut-resistant glove as protection against powered cutting equipment.

Treating EN388 puncture Level 4 as needle-stick protection: The Level 4 puncture result (150N) reflects resistance to a blunt probe under the EN388 test method. It does not confer protection against hypodermic needles or fine-diameter sharp points. Where needle-stick risk is present, a specifically rated glove must be specified.

Using on wet or contaminated surfaces: PU coating performs in dry conditions. On oily or wet surfaces, PU loses grip traction. For applications where TDM Level F cut protection is required alongside grip in wet or oily conditions, a foam nitrile or sandy nitrile cut Level F alternative should be evaluated.

Washing or dry cleaning: Performance levels are rated for new condition only. Wipe with a damp cloth and air dry. Never launder.

Safety

These gloves are certified to EN388:2016+A1:2018 (4444F), CE marked Category II. TDM Cut Level F provides 30 Newtons straight-blade resistance under ISO 13997 and is the maximum cut protection achievable under EN388:2016. These gloves do not protect against powered cutting tools, heat, flame, chemical immersion, or needle-stick hazards. Do not use near moving machinery due to the entanglement hazard noted in the user instructions. The EN388 puncture resistance Level 4 (150N) is not needle-stick protection. A task-specific risk assessment under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 must confirm that TDM Level F is the appropriate specification for the actual cut hazard and that no additional protection types are required for the task.

Maintenance

Wipe with a damp cloth after use to remove debris and contamination. Air dry fully at room temperature before storing. Store in dry conditions away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ozone. Inspect the PU coating and composite liner before every use. Replace when the coating or liner shows visible damage, thinning, or wear, or when cut protection can no longer be confirmed by visual inspection.