Overview
ISO 13999-2:2003 defines performance and design requirements for cut-resistant gloves, arm guards and protective sleeves made of materials other than chain mail. It applies to flexible materials (fabric, leather, soft plastics, composites) that offer protection against slashing cuts and limited stab resistance. These products are intended for tasks where the knife is not finely pointed or is used to cut away from the hand - for example in many food‑processing operations - and provide less protection than the chain‑mail solutions specified in ISO 13999-1.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and intended use: Protective clothing for hand and forearm protection when high‑pointed stab risk is low. Emphasizes the need for a job‑specific risk assessment.
- Design and coverage: Continuous protective surface without gaps; short‑cuff gloves must cover at least 75 mm proximal to the wrist; overlap between glove cuff and sleeve/arm guard must be at least 50 mm where no continuous connection exists.
- Cut resistance: Measured according to ISO 13997; gloves, sleeves and arm guards must require a cutting force of more than 20 N in all prescribed orientations.
- Penetration (stab) resistance: Using the impact‑cut test (ISO 13999‑3) at 0.65 J, the mean penetration shall not exceed 8 mm and no single penetration exceed 14 mm.
- Attachment strength: Components attached to gloves must withstand pulls (e.g., 150 N if worn outside cuff, 25 N if inside) and protective sleeves must resist displacement (tests describe pull forces and allowable movement).
- Material and hygiene: Materials must not cause injury or sensitization; manufacturers must list substances known to cause allergies. Products must retain properties after cleaning - pre‑testing includes five wash/dry cycles (or dry‑cleaning where specified).
- Ergonomics and marking: Ergonomic testing (Annex A) and clear labeling, instructions, care symbols and pictograms are required so users understand limits of protection.
Applications and users
ISO 13999-2 is relevant to:
- PPE manufacturers designing non‑chain‑mail cut‑resistant gloves and sleeves
- Product testing laboratories and conformity assessment bodies
- Safety managers and purchasing officers in meat processing, food handling, and light manufacturing
- Occupational health and safety professionals performing risk assessments and selecting appropriate protective clothing
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 13999-2, cut resistant gloves, arm guards, protective sleeves, penetration resistance, ergonomic testing, protective clothing standards, meat industry PPE.
Open preview (PDF)Protective clothing — Gloves and arm guards protecting against cuts and stabs by hand knives — Part 2: Gloves and arm guards made of material other than chain mail
