What Does It Mean When A Work Glove Is Marked Chrome-free?

When a work glove is marked chrome-free, this refers to the processing of the leather used to construct durable and absorbent work gloves, children’s shoes, and also used in automobile interiors. The tanning process used in a chrome-free work glove utilizes a variety of different substances in order to attain softness and the ability to withstand rotting when exposed to water. Chrome-free tanning also reduces the incidence of allergic reactions as opposed to leather tanned with chromium sulfate.

Tanning is the process that turns animal skins into leather. A variety of different materials are used in the tanning process, to include:

• Vegetable tanning: a process using tannin and other ingredients found in tree bark or vegetable matter. This form of leather is the only one suitable for use in leather carving or stamping. Unstable in water, after soaking and drying it shrinks and become harder and much less supple.


• Chrome tanning: this process uses chromium sulfate and was invented in 1858. This process yields a leather that is more pliable than vegetable tanning and is more stable in water.


• Aldehyde tanning: formaldehyde, animal brains, and oil are used in this process of tanning leather, although formaldehyde has been primarily discontinued due to the toxicity danger and sensitivity of many. This process is what is known as chrome-free and yields a very absorbent and supple leather.


• Synthetic tanning: a process that uses aromatic polymers, developed when vegetable tanners were in short supply in World War II.

When a work glove is marked as chrome-free, this means the leather was processed using oils or animal encephalon to enhance the characteristics of suppleness and to prevent water rot. The hue of the leather is usually very light or cream colored, and the leather itself is quite absorbent. Other leathers treated this way include chamois, which is usually processed with cod oil.

Using the aldehyde tanning process is safe and environmentally friendly as opposed to chrome tanning. To care for your chrome-free work gloves, never use strong detergents or cleaners or dry in front of a direct heat source. A mild soap, such as baby shampoo or a cleaner designed for leather goods, can be used, and chrome-free work gloves should be allowed to air dry. Makes sure to keep them dust free, and store them in a ventilated area. With the proper care, chrome-free work gloves can last for many years of use.

What Are Some Of The Work Glove Innovations

There have been many innovations in the world of work gloves. One of the best innovations is the creation of the HTP gloves. These fantastic gloves are made of nylon with a PVC foam sponge coating (Hydropellent Technology). These gloves are amazing at repelling liquids, while you maintain a grip whether wet or dry. There is another aspect of these gloves that makes them top of the line. There are treated with a product called Actifresh to kill bacteria and promote freshness.

HTP gloves offer designs that make life easier. They take advantage of the latest in hand technology, and are created by one of the largest glove manufacturer today. This is a product that you can trust. This product is extremely popular and sold by many companies online. It is very easy to obtain HTP gloves and other industrial items that contain Actifresh.

It doesn’t matter if you are wearing these gloves for materials handling, warehousing, shipping, assembly, or materials handling, you will feel nothing but great comfort while feeling good knowing you are maintaining a high level of safety. HTP gloves are great for general use as well. You probably will never find a more versatile, comfortable and safe glove. HTP gloves are curt resistant and can be used in a variety of different temperatures.

Actifresh is a great freshener that is composed of cyclodextrin. It is used to prevent bacteria and fungus in various industrial clothing including HTP gloves. Because of this technology, industrial clothing will be able to resist odor that is caused from external and internal environmental factors. These may include things such as sweating and people smoking.

Actifresh traps bacteria using a type of barrier-like fashion. This keeps bacteria from spreading. You can wear garments such as HTP gloves with the confidence of knowing that they are staying fresh. HTP gloves are stylish as well, with an almost sport-like look. If something looks trendy and attractive, workers will be more willing to wear it and promote safety.

HTP gloves and any garments using Actifresh can even be washed! Since the old bacteria are washed out, the Actifresh actually becomes able to trap more bacteria.

Due to new innovations such as HTP gloves and Actifresh, working environments are becoming more and more comfortable and sanitary. We can only hope that these innovations and advancements will just keep coming. There will be no complaints when everyone is working away in the pinnacle of fashion, comfort and safety.

Soon the days of safety equipment causing discomfort will totally be gone. People will be waiting to put on their HTP gloves and other gear. Everyone will be feeling confident that they smell great and don’t have to worry as much about bacteria in the work place. This really can increase the production of workers. The more comfortable workers are, the more likely they will be able to focus on what they have to do. HTP gloves and Actifresh are a huge innovation in the world of industry.

Choosing the Right Leather Work Gloves

Leather work gloves are used to protect against injuries from cuts, abrasions, and exposure to heat. But which leather glove is right for you? Because there are so many options that go along with leather gloves, it could pose a challenge. Most glove manufacturers offer good information on their websites to help with selecting the glove that is most appropriate for your application.

Some of the most common leather glove options include leather types, linings, and features.

Leather Types:

Cowhide – the most commonly used leather in the industry because of its great abrasion resistance and attractive appearance. Cowhide is comfortable, breathable, and very durable.

Pigskin – offers the best abrasion resistance and breathability. In addition, pigskin tends to become softer with use and withstands moisture without stiffening. When laundered, this leather will return more to its natural soft texture than other leathers.

Goatskin – highly recommended for applications requiring tactile sensitivity. The natural lanolin produced by goats helps to create the softest, most abrasion-resistant leather. Independent tests have proven that grain goatskin is twice as durable as cow grain and pig grain leather.

Deerskin – has the highest tensile strength of all leather, with excellent dexterity and softness. Deerskin is known to be one of nature's most luxurious, softest leathers, providing all-day comfort and sensitivity to touch.

Lining Types:

Fleece – most commonly used glove liner, made of napped brushed cotton.

Cotton - maximum moisture absorption and best dexterity for cotton gloves.

Cotton/Foam - cotton layer for moisture absorption; Foam layer for heat protection and cold weather use.

Wool - designed for higher heat and cold applications.

Foam/Thermo - with the comfort of a fleece layer and an additional two layers of polyester and polyurethane foam, this lining offers the most value for warmth insulation.

3M Thinsulate - warmest thin insulation on the market. Thinsulate has about 1.5 times more warmth than down feather lining, and absorbs less than 1% of its own weight in water which allows it to retain its insulating ability even in damp conditions.

Cuff Types:

Safety Cuff - the most common cuff design, measuring 2.5 inches, protects the wrist area. Side split allows wearer to slide the gloves on and off easily in emergency situations.

Gauntlet Cuff - this longer cuff, measuring 4.5 inches, offers the same protection as a safety cuff, with increased protection to the upper wrist and forearm. This cuff holds a tucked sleeve in the glove.

Knit Wrist - the design holds the glove in place with a snug fit, while preventing debris from entering. Knit wrists keep cold air out and warmth in by fitting under clothing sleeves.

Plasticized - waterproof polyethylene layer laminated between two pieces of fabric.

Rubberized - two layers of fabric with a rubber material in between.

Written by: Carissa Kelley

Work Gloves DO Work…

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hands and fingers are the most commonly treated body parts of the many injuries treated annually in emergency rooms across the country. With safety awareness and the use of proper work gloves, hand and finger injuries can be prevented.

The OSHA regulation 1910.138 mandates employers to select and require employees to use appropriate hand protection when employees’ hands are exposed to hazards. These hazards include potential hand injury from skin absorption of harmful substances, severe cuts or lacerations, severe abrasions, punctures, chemical burns, thermal burns, and harmful temperature extremes.

Work gloves are categorized by the hazard they prevent, and also the material they are made of. Some examples include:

Cut Resistant – Leather, canvas, or cloth work gloves provide general purpose protection against cuts, abrasions, dirt, and burns. Metal mesh work gloves also provide protection against cuts when handling sharp objects. Work gloves made of DuPont’s Kevlar provide great cut resistance and are also very lightweight and flexible.

Coated work gloves are great for general-purpose abrasion protection with added slip-resistant qualities and more dexterity.

Heat Resistant - Leather and canvas work gloves also protect against sustained heat. Aluminized work gloves provide reflective and insulating protection against high temperatures and flames.

Chemical Resistant - Made from neoprene, latex, vinyl, and PVC, chemical-resistant work gloves are designed for handling chemicals and hazardous substances that may damage the skin. These materials may be in the form of a disposable glove, or can be blended or laminated for better performance. It is important to know which type of work glove will protect you from the substance with which you are working with. Many glove manufacturers offer chemical-resistance charts to aid in the selection process.

Electrical Protection - Insulating rubber gloves are designed for electrical work, and must meet certain requirements, as stated in CFR 1910.137.

Remember, all possible engineering and work practice controls should be used to eliminate and reduce hazards in the workplace. When work gloves are necessary, they should be selected carefully and used properly.

Written by: Carissa Kelley