NEW GLOVE PROVIDES LEVEL 5 CUT RESISTANCE AND EXTENDED FOREARM PROTECTION IN ONE
December 05th 2008

Ansell Healthcare, a global leader in barrier protective solutions, has introduced the new PowerFlex® 80-658 cut-resistant glove. Intended for high cut-risk work handling glass, metal, scrap waste and recycling, it is the first three quarter dipped glove with a cut resistance level of 5, to offer the extra forearm protection of an extended knitwrist.

Accidents to upper extremities still account for 5% of EU work accidents involving more than 6 months lost or permanent incapacity. Lacerations in the vulnerable wrist area are frequent and can result in vascular problems, and even “spaghetti wrist” injuries in extreme cases. The PowerFlex® 80-658’s extended knit wrist covers the wrist and part of the forearm, providing additional protection for the vital radial artery. (A size 9 PowerFlex® 80-658 glove is 290 mm in length.)

“We wanted to make this knitted dipped glove the very best we could offer in terms of cut resistance and safety,” explains Marcel Willems, Ansell’s Marketing Director Occupational Healthcare, “We are confident that many accidents will be avoided by the fact we have extended the knit onto the forearm.” During Ansell GuardianSM audits at thousands of workstations in manufacturing plants worldwide, workers have reiterated demands for cut protection level 5, more protection for the back of the hand and more forearm protection.

The PowerFlex® 80-658’s triple-layer yarn construction is composed of steel, fibreglass and Kevlar® in a unique combination which exceeds cut resistance level 5 in tests. The addition of cotton isolates the skin from direct contact with the cut resistant yarns, resulting in a glove that is softer and more comfortable to wear than many cut resistant gloves. The knit liner retains its properties through washing and is highly resistant to abrasion (level X).

The three quarter dipped finish adds additional protection where it’s needed most when handling metal or glass sheets: to the fingertips. The PowerFlex® 80-658’s latex coating’s raised crinkle finish ensures optimal dry grip and protection against splinters, and its liquid-repellency shields the wearer from water-based contaminants. Trials in major glass factories and metal waste recycling installations have shown very high worker satisfaction with the cut protection offered by the glove.

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