Cut Proof Clothing

PPSS Cut Resistant Jackets

Cut Proof Clothing

Cut proof clothing have been developed following thousands of cut related injuries at the workplace around the world.

After cut resistant gloves have been available for a number of years now, companies such as UK based PPSS decided to look into the development of a cut resistant fabric, which could be used in order to design cut proof clothing, such as sweatshirts, tops, sleeves, arm guards and even boiler suits (coveralls) in order to protect factory worker within metal pressing, glass handling, car manufacturing and similar industries.

It is with regret that cut injuries continue to be among the highest incidents for lost work time and indemnity costs among metal pressing companies, glass handling and other manufacturers. Providing our workforce with high quality and durable cut proof clothing can effectively protect their upper bodies from potentially horrendous cut injuries.

It would of course be a relatively simple procedure to protect against cuts and abrasions if it were not for the issue of mobility, flexibility and comfort. Solid steel cut proof clothing and sweatshirts would provide great protection but would keep the worker from being productive. Because we want, not only to protect the worker but also to allow him to continue to do the work he is doing with a minimum of discomfort and mobility restriction. For this reason we have found ourselves, over the years, trying to develop different cut resistant fibres and materials that will restrict movement to a minimum and yet still provide the best possible protection.

Leather for example was, for years, the best protection against cut related injuries but the best protection called for thicker leather which left the users with a minimum of dexterity and virtually no sensitivity. Other fabrics and more technical fibres, developed over the years have increased dexterity and allowed for more flexibility without compromising protection.

In June 2010 PPSS Group officially launched their BS EN 388:2003 blade cut resistance level 5 cut proof fabric Cut-Tex PRO, with the clear intention to reduce the risk of cut related injuries at work. During the development process of Cut-Tex® PRO, now widely regarded as one of the world's strongest cut resistant fabrics, the directors of PPSS Group attended numerous meetings with some of the industry leading companies within the above mentioned sectors. As the CEO of PPSS Group I have been a part of this meeting and been shown several images of sever cut injuries, sometimes penetrating main arteries, muscles and tendons.

PPSS Cut Proof Sweatshirts Tops

With these injuries and images in mind, the first protective garment we decided to develop was our cut resistant sweatshirt with turtle neck and thumbhole. We specifically decided to add a turtle neck in order to offer previously unmatched cut protection to the neck area and also effectively protect the main carotid and aortic artery from being cut in case the wearer is coming in accidental contact with sharp metal or glass.

The thumbholes were added in order to eliminate the risk of the wrist being exposed. Many images of cut injuries we have investigated displayed deep cuts across the radial artery, leading to a quick extensive bleeding. The protection of the radial artery was paramount for us right from the start and something we received extensive support from when explaining this detail to industry experts within the glass, metal pressing/handling industry.

Cut resistant sweatshirts made out of Cut-Tex® PRO are machine washable to 40 degrees, but in order to combat cross contamination and dangerous bacteria transfer within hospital environments, Cut-Tex PRO lined garments can also be washed up to 60 degrees if necessary.

Cut-Tex® PRO lined cut resistant sweatshirts offer EN 388:2003 Blade Cut Resistance Level 5 (the highest level possible) and EN 388:2003 Tear Resistance Level 4 (the highest level possible) and come in sizing ranging from XS to XXXL.

I genuinely believe that cut proof clothing will help reduce the risk of cut related injuries at work. However, there is no doubt in my mind that effective health and safety training and the highlighting of operational hazards and risks to the workforce is of even greater importance. The matter of fact is though, that injuries will always occur as long as human being exists. Our focus or concentration can be compromised by a number of variables e.g. personal circumstances, such amount of sleep, health and how much an individual enjoys their job role.

Cut proof clothing is only a safety net… not more… but certainly not less!

Please note PPSS is also manufacturer of extremely thin and ultra light covert ballistic vests.

For further information please do not hesitate and contact us by email info@ppss-group.com or call +44 (0) 845 5193 953