Good. Now, should you go for a safety boot or shoe? Consider the environment you work in. If you work on a rough or unstable terrain with a serious risk of slips and falls, you need to effectively protect your ankles, making boots the better option. We recommend puncture-resistant soles where the presence of sharp or pointed objects on the ground is an issue. Protecting the top of the foot is also necessary to prevent the risk of pricking, cutting or fracture in the part of the foot not protected by the steel toe cap.
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from T-Safety.
- Work in a forest environment
- Exposure to water or extreme cold or heat
- Explosive atmospheres presenting a risk of electrostatic discharge
- Electric shock
- Falling of heavy or burning objects
- Splatter from welding, molten metal and corrosive or irritating liquids
- Any sharp or pointed objects that might cut the top of the feet.
- Objects that may penetrate the bottom or side of the foot.
You should first and foremost be aware that safety footwear is
mandatory for all workers exposed to the possibility of foot injuries.
You should therefore first identify the risks present in your work environment to guide your decision.
What are these risks?
shoes
or boots?
Do you follow your gut, prioritize comfort, go for something
nice looking and trendy, or do you blindly put your trust into the hands
of the salesperson?
safety hich factors contribute to your choice of
How are safety boots and footwear categorised?
Safety footwear is available in a range of type/style, including:
Safety boots: the most common type of safety
footwear, incorporating protective toe-caps with many other safety
features including slip-resistant soles, penetration-resistant mid-soles
and insulation against extremes of heat and cold.
Safety shoes: like safety boots, these usually
have protective steel toe-caps although, as with safety boots, are
available &#;metal free&#; &#; so called composite footwear &#; which are
lighter.
Safety trainers: perhaps
considered more aesthetically appealing by wearers, these look more
casual. Some have steel toe caps while others are plastic &#; referred to
as composite toe caps (as above).
Riggers: these have been described as &#;a real stalwart of industrial footwear&#;4.
A rigger boot is a particular type of pull-on safety boot; the name
&#;rigger&#; comes from the fact that they were standard issue for workers
on the offshore oil rigs in the North Sea, but are nowadays worn by most
types of manual worker as a general purpose work boot. Concerns with
this type of safety footwear have been raised, including a lack of ankle
support.
Wellingtons: usually made of
rubber and used for working in wet conditions, these are also useful in
jobs where the footwear needs to be washed and disinfected for hygiene
reasons, eg in the food and the chemical industries.
Clogs: these may also be used
as safety footwear. They are traditionally made from beech wood and may
be fitted with steel toe-caps and thin rubber soles for quieter tread.
Ladies ranges: safety footwear
for women in a range of styles (boot, shoe, trainer) with the required
key features such as steel toe caps, heat resistant midsoles and oil
repellent soles.
Footwear for health conditions (eg plantar fasciitis; diabetes): see below.
Remember: manufacturers and suppliers have a key role in
ensuring that suitable products are available and that companies have
the information to enable them to make the right choice.
Understanding safety footwear
Legislation
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations
These Regulations seek to ensure that where risks cannot be
adequately controlled by other means, Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) is correctly selected and used.
The Regulations also require that PPE is:
- properly assessed before use to make sure it is fit for purpose
- maintained and stored properly
- provided with instructions on how to use it safely
- used correctly by employees.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
The
Management Regulations require employers to identify and assess risks
to health and safety in order to determine appropriate means of reducing
those risks to an acceptable level. A risk assessment can establish the
need for safety footwear, and what the requirements are for the
workplace you are buying for. This will give you a clear understanding
of the hazards you wish to protect against and allow you to select the
most appropriate PPE for your working environment.
Health and Safety at Work etc Act (HSWA)
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act requires employers to
ensure the health and safety of all employees and anyone affected by
their work, so far as is reasonably practicable, which means balancing
the level of risk against the measures needed to control the risk in
terms of money, time or trouble. This includes taking steps to control
slip and trip risks.
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations (Regulation 12)
This Regulation requires that floors be suitable, in good condition
and free from obstructions. People should be able to move around safely.
Different Levels of Protection
It is essential that procurers of footwear are sure that their chosen type will live up to the product description. 4All
safety footwear has to meet certain requirements in line with European
standards, that ensure the footwear has been tested effectively as
stated by the standards and has certain properties that must be adhered
to.
The EN Standards
The quickest way to make sure any piece of footwear satisfies the
&#;essential requirements&#; to protect workers as set out in the PPE
Regulations is to be sure it is certified to the relevant EN standards.The safety features of footwear are tested according to a set of European test standards written into EN ISO : (revised by ISO :). The performance specifications are given in an associated set of standards, namely:
EN ISO : (replaced by : &#; see
below) for safety footwear: specifies a standard of 200 joules impact
resistance (equivalent to a 20kg weight dropped mm onto the toes),
and a 15KN compression test (equivalent to 1.5 tonnes resting on the toe
area).
EN ISO : for protective footwear: specifies a lesser standard of 100 joules impact resistance, and a 10KN compression test.
EN ISO : for occupational footwear: can have many of the features of safety and/or protective footwear but without the safety toecap.
Once tested and certified, footwear products are stamped with the CE mark. Note: the manufacturer must also provide user information indicating the applications for which the footwear is, or is not, suitable.
The standards explained
The latest standard for safety footwear most commonly used is:
ISO EN :: Personal protective equipment &#; Safety footwear
This replaces the older EN : and EN 345 standard on all new products. The earlier standards will still be seen on older stock but all new stock coming onto the market after June has to comply with EN :.
The relevant standard to which the footwear conforms will be identified
on the footwear together with the level of protection provided.
Footwear compliant with EN ISO : offers the greatest protection.
Special risks are covered by complementary job-related standards, for
example footwear for firefighters, electrical insulating footwear,
footwear protecting against chain saw injuries, chemicals, molten metal
splash, and protection for motor cycle riders.
Some key points
All footwear designed before and still manufactured up to today carry EN ISO :.
EN ISO : is the standard for footwear designed
or retested after . It sets out the minimum requirements that safety
footwear must be successfully tested against.
EN ISO : applies to all footwear manufactured after 31 July ; these products must meet that standard. EN ISO :
sets out tougher minimum requirements that safety footwear must be
successfully tested against. The standard specifies that all safety
footwear must have toe protection.
Ratings
To make selection easier, safety boots and footwear normally
carries a simple two or three letter code which defines the basic safety
standards for that particular product. Typically this begins with an S
for 200 Joule toe caps and less commonly P for 100 Joule toe caps;
additional properties may be indicated by the use of further codes or
pictograms.
As a basic requirement safety footwear must have a 200 joule toe
cap. Other properties that may be included are: penetration resistance
(midsole protection), conductive, anti-static, insulated against heat or
cold, energy absorbing, outsole resistant to hot contact, water
resistant.
Summary of basic ratings
- ClassFeatures & Benefits
SBSafety basic, 200 joules Toe Protection, Oil Resistant outer sole. (Minimum Requirement)SBPAs SB plus Mid-Sole for penetration resistance.S1As SB plus Anti-Static properties and fully enclosed Energy Absorbing heel area.S1PAs S1 plus Mid-Sole for penetration resistance.S2As S1 plus resistance to Water Penetration and absorption.S3As S2 plus Mid-Sole for penetration resistance and cleated outsoleS4200 joules Toe Protection. All rubber or polymer construction (waterproof). Anti-Static properties, Energy Absorbing heel area.S5As S4 plus Mid-Sole for penetration resistance and cleated outsole.Source: Ultimate Industrial Limited
Descriptions
Toe protection (SB)
Your toes are a very vulnerable part of your body, especially in a
workplace. Toe protection must withstand a 200 joule impact. Joule is
the unit of energy and this standard is purposefully specific. Something
heavy falling from a low height could have a lot less energy than
something lighter from a much higher height. As well as impacts, the toe
area must withstand a resting mass of well over kg.
Most people have heard of steel toe cap boots but the protection
doesn&#;t have to be steel. In fact there are advantages to alternatives.
Non-metallic protection can be equally as strong but lighter.
Antistatic protection (A)
Clothing, seating materials, and climate factors can cause a build up
a static charge of electricity in the body. Some materials in footwear
can over insulate the body causing the charge to be held. When you then
touch something the charge can rush from your body quickly causing a
spark and a small uncomfortable shock. Antistatic footwear will
significantly reduce this effect but does not offer full protection for
exposure to electronics and explosives work. You will need
Electro-Static Protection (ESD) for this.
Midsole penetration protection (P) &#; SB-P, S1-P, S3, S5
Sharp objects where we walk and stand are a significant risk not only
in the workplace but also outdoors and at home. Midsole protection will
guard against nails and other objects. To meet this standard the
footwear must be able to resist a penetration force of N. Midsole
protection is provided in one of these methods: a stainless steel insert
in the sole, aluminium insert in the sole, or by Kevlar insole. The
Aluminium and Kevlar solutions are the most flexible and lightest and
cover the greatest area of the foot. Kevlar insoles also offer much
higher thermal insulation.
Energy Absorption (E)
Energy Absorption in the heel region
Water Resistant Upper (WRU)
Water resistant upper; not used on all rubber or polymeric footwear.
Heat Resistant (HRO)
Heat resistant outsole: to resist 300°C for 60 seconds
Insulation against Cold (CI)
Insulation against cold: tested for 30 minutes at 1 -20°C
Insulation against heat (HI)
Insulation against heat: tested for 30 minutes at 150°C
Electro-Static Discharge (ESD)
ESD footwear is designed for the electronics and explosives industry and has to meet ESD CEI EN -5-1 standard.
Non-metallic footwear
Safety footwear containing no metal parts is ideal for workplaces
with metal detectors like airports, eliminating the hassle of removing
them.
All safety footwear can have more features than are listed above but
these are the minimum requirements to meet each of the safety ratings
and the most common.
Options for specific protection are categorised as:
- A &#; Antistatic: Comes as standard with level S1, S2 & S3
- E &#; Energy absorbing heel: Comes as standard with level S1, S2 & S3
- P &#; Puncture Resistant: Comes as standard with level SB-P, S1-P & S3
- HRO &#; Heat Resistant Outsole: Comes as standard with level SB, S1, S2 & S3
It is advisable to check labels on footwear to ensure the correct
code for use is applicable; refer to user information leaflets for more
detailed information on safety from individual brands.
Slip ResistanceHowever,
as indicated in the PPE Directive, slip resistance is considered a
&#;basic requirement&#; of all PPE footwear. As such, slip resistance
performance should be tested using European standard BS EN ISO : Personal protective equipment. Footwear. Test method for slip resistance. EN ISO gives a good indication of how well a sole is likely to grip.
The HSE advise that you check with your supplier whether the footwear
you are interested in has actually been tested for slip resistance &#;
older models might not have been. Where footwear has been tested,
coefficient of friction (CoF) test values must be available. CoF data
can be requested from the supplier and must be included in the user
instructions.. Some suppliers now publish it in their catalogues. The
higher the CoF, the better the slip resistance. Look for CoF results
higher than the minimum requirements set out in annex A of EN ISO
/6/7: (A1:).
The safety features of footwear, including slip resistance, are also
tested according to a set of European test standards written into EN ISO : Personal protective equipment. Test methods for footwear.
Depending on the test conditions chosen, footwear tested according to
the EN standards is now marked with one of the following codes: SRA,
SRB, SRC.
The codes indicate that the footwear has met the specified requirements when tested as follows:
SRA &#; tested on ceramic tile wetted with dilute soap solution
SRB &#; tested on smooth steel with glycerol
SRC &#; tested under both the above conditions.
If industrial footwear is CE marked and claimed to be slip-resistant
it must have been tested and the CoF data test values must be
available.It may also be appropriate to request additional test data
from the supplier, such as CoF values on test surfaces specific to the
end use. Some footwear which claims general slip resistance may not
perform well in particular demanding conditions &#; no one type of
footwear will be ideal in all situations.
Selecting safety boots for your business
PPE &#; including safety footwear &#; should only ever
be used as a &#;last resort&#; when all other reasonable or practical
measures have been taken to manage the risk. It is crucial that the
safety footwear you select:
meets legislative requirements and legal standards
is used correctly by all staff wearing it.
- Manufacturers and suppliers have a key role (under the Personal
Protective Equipment Regulations and under section 6 of the HSWA)
in ensuring that suitable products are available and that companies have
the information to enable them to make the right choice.Footwear
selection has to take account of a number of factors, such as comfort,
durability and any additional safety features required, such as steel
mid-sole. The final choice may have to be a compromise. Therefore it is
advisable not to select footwear on the basis of brochure descriptions
or laboratory test results alone5.To be &#;suitable&#;, the PPE (including footwear) must be:
- assessed as appropriate both to the risk involved and to the working conditions
- selected to take account of factors such as the length of time it needs to be worn
- capable of fitting the wearer correctly
- compatible with other PPE which may need to be worn (e.g. boilersuits)
- and must carry a &#;CE&#; mark if manufactured after 30 June .
Safety footwear risk assessment
Before
selecting safety boots and footwear you should refer to a recent,
existing risk assessment for the workplace you are buying for, or carry
one out if one does not already exist.
This will give you a clear understanding of the hazards you need to
protect against &#; and allow you to select the most appropriate safety
footwear for your working environment. A risk assessment is a good way
to identify new or missed hazards and to put measures in place to
control them.
The hazards may include:
- wet conditions
- electrostatic build-up
- slipping
- cuts and punctures
- falling objects
- metal and chemical splash
When performing a risk assessment for safety footwear, think about
the task, the user and the environment in which they will be worn.
Consider key points such as:
The company is the world’s best ppe safety shoes supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
- Is there a risk of falling objects?
- Is there a risk of sharp objects penetrating the sole of the shoe?
- Is there a need for metatarsal protection? Could objects damage/ crush the whole foot?
- Is there a need for cut protection (ie chainsaw operation)?
- Are there slippery surfaces in the workplace?
- Are acids/ alkalis/ chemicals present in the workplace?
- Is heel or ankle support required? Is there a risk of twisting or spraining the ankle?
- Is there a risk of contact with molten metal?
- Is there a risk of contact with temperature extremes?
- Are minor irritant substances present?
- Are there biohazard risks such as in healthcare settings?
- Is the employee on their feet for long hours?
- Are employees working in very wet or damp conditions?
- Does the employee have any health concerns relevant to the safety footwear required; eg diabetes, plantar fasciitis, etc?
Concentrate on the real risks &#; those that are most likely to
cause harm. Think about how accidents could happen and who might be
harmed.
Ask your employees/colleagues what they think the hazards are &#;
they may notice things that are not obvious to you and may have some
good ideas on how to control the risks.
The risk assessment should be periodically reviewed in case circumstances in the workplace change.
PPE should also be periodically reviewed as new, improved styles
may have become available and protective kit should be regularly checked
for faults and properly maintained (more on this below) &#; staff should
be encouraged to report faults or problems with their PPE.
Selecting the correct footwear for the hazard/risk
Knowing the specific needs of your workplace environment is a key
consideration. Is there a potential risk from falling objects, sharp
surfaces or metals, or are chemicals or electrical hazards another
potential risk?
Refer to your risk assessment but also consider the following:
Hazard/riskConsiderationsFalling objectsToe cap protection &#; steel or compositeSharp objects/sole penetrationSteel or composite midsole protectionMetatarsal injury/crush riskMetatarsal protector covering the bridge of the footwearCut protection (eg chainsaw)Specialist chainsaw boots are availableSlippery surfacesNon-slip soleAcids/alkalis/chemicalsAcids/alkalis/chemicals resistant sole; know what type
of acid/chemical is being used. Calling the supplier to check the
footwear complies with requirements may be necessaryHeel/ankle supportAnkle protection; lace ups; shock absorbing heelsMolten metalFoundry boots; calf protectionExtreme temperaturesHeat resistant soles; cold store boots/wellies (ensure insulation as well as breathable qualities)Minor irritant substancesRigger boots provide extra coverageBiohazardsEasy-clean, machine washableLong standing periodsComfortable soles; insoles; shock-absorber heelWet/damp conditionsSafety wellingtons
Source: adapted from Best Workwear
Selecting the correct footwear by use
As well as considering the hazards/risk involved in the job
requiring safety footwear, procurers can also think about their industry
&#; construction and healthcare sectors will have very different needs.
For example:
SectorNeedsRecommendedAgricultureProtective toe caps and midsole; anti-static and anti-slip sole; waterproofSafety wellingtons
CateringShock absorber heel; anti-slip sole; easy-clean/machine washableWashable safety shoes
ConstructionProtective 200 joule toe caps and midsole protection; secure fit; supportStandard safety boots
Cold storeSteel or composite toe cap and midsole; water resistant outer; sealed stitching; thermal liningCold store boot; specialist wellington
Foundry (welders)Secure top preventing hot material falling onto feet; quick release bucklesFoundry boots; welder safety shoes
Forestry (chainsaw operators)Good grip; protective guarding to the front, toe cap and midsoleChainsaw boots (special hazard safety boots)
HealthcareNon-slip sole; shock absorber heel; comfortable sole; easy-clean/machine washableWashable slip on safety shoe/clog
Laboratory/chemical handlingChemical resistance (to EN -2; -3)Chemical resistant safety wellingtons; safety boots/shoes with chemical resistant sole for less hazardous environments
WarehouseProtective toe cap; anti-static and anti-slip sole; oil and acid/alkali resistanceSafety boots/shoes to suit warehouse activities/environment
Source: adapted from Best Workwear
Other selection considerations
Impact and Compression Ratings
When shopping for steel toe or composite boots/shoes you must be aware of the impact rating and compression rating:
- the impact rating is a number that informs you of the amount of
pounds of impact the shoes will protect against. For example, an I/75
impact rated pair of boots can withstand an impact of 75 pounds. The
minimum impact rating for safety toe boots is I/50
- the compression rating is the number of loads the shoes can
withstand before cracking or breaking. For example, a C/75 will guard
against compressive loads of up to 2,500 pounds. A C/50 pair of boots
can protect against compressive loads of up to 1,750 pounds.
Comfort and Convenience
Comfort and convenience to the wearer should be considered when
selecting safety boots and footwear: employees should be consulted and
be given a degree of choice, where appropriate, before final selection
is made.
Footwear is worn for many hours each day, and so must offer comfort as well as safety; the fit must be right to ensure both.
Employee consultation
As noted above, consultation with those wearing the PPE is
crucial to make sure the correct PPE is chosen and that it is used and
maintained properly.
Involving the end-users with regard to fit, comfort and
wearability is likely to lead to better levels of user acceptance and
therefore better protection.
CE marking
Ensure any safety footwear you buy is &#;CE&#; marked and complies
with the requirements of the PPE Regulations. The CE marking signifies
that the PPE satisfies certain basic safety requirements and in some
cases will have been tested and certified by an independent body.
Try before you buy
Some suppliers may offer &#;try before you buy&#; on some products.
This could be an important exercise in the procurement process; footwear
marked &#;slip resistant&#; may not perform well in your workplace for
example, but you might not know that until you try the footwear out.
Peer reviews/recommendations
Others in your industry/job role may be able to advise on what
has worked for them, or recommend certain products. This should only
form part of your research however, as footwear should be selected for
the job/environment/worker for whom you are procuring.
Best fit
In addition to ensuring that safety boots meet the required legal
standards it is also important to ensure it fits well. Poorly fitting
safety footwear can result in bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, and
other foot problems, and above all &#; safety footwear that does not fit
may fail to prevent injury. So think about:
Upper &#; should be made from natural materials
such as leather or a breathable man-made fabric. Some leather has a
plastic coating to repel water and allow the shoe to be wiped clean.
Lining &#; should be a breathable material to keep the foot fresh. Linings need to be smooth and seam-free.
Toe area &#; should be foot-shaped and deep enough
to prevent rubbing and allow the toes to wriggle. This is especially
important with protective toecaps. If the shoes are padded and fitted
properly, you should not be able to feel the toecaps at all.
Insole &#; should preferably be removable to allow easy insertion of padding or orthoses.
Heel &#;t &#; the heel should fit snugly on the
foot, stopping the heel slipping out of the shoe and stabilising the
foot upon ground contact.
Heel &#; should have a broad base and be no higher than 4cm. If worn for long stretches they should be no more than 2cm in height.
Sole &#; should be strong and flexible with shock
absorption to cushion the jolts of walking on hard surfaces. Material
should be slip resistant, such as rubber, polyurethane or PVC.
Fastenings &#; laces, buckles or Velcro to secure the foot in the shoe.
Material
Consider the materials used to make the footwear as each material
provides different levels of comfort, breathability, and durability.
Examples include nylon mesh and leather, full grain leather, waterproof
leather, Gore Tex.
Cost over Quality
PPE can often fall victim to cost management exercises because
it can be seen as excessive or sometimes unnecessary &#;extras&#; but is an
area where cost cutting should be avoided. Good quality materials are a
must and durability makes for a long lasting investment, rather than a
short term cost.
Some companies still hesitate to purchase quality PPE and base
product selection solely on the &#;up front price&#; of each piece. While
these companies may be able to reduce short term costs, they&#;re missing
an opportunity to improve worker protection and enhance PPE performance.
Typically, companies get what they pay for when it comes to PPE.
While lower quality footwear may cost less initially, it is likely to
cost more in the long term if it needs to be replaced more frequently or
if injury rates rise. Without the right protection against hazards,
workplace accidents can increase.
An employer is legally responsible for protecting their workforce
against injury and providing a safe working environment. Failing to do
this could leave you vulnerable to expensive workplace injury claims.
What to avoid
- Overlooking the standards: make sure the boots you select meets the
relevant standards for the job involved (for example, S1 boots do not
offer a steel layer protecting against sharp objects; instead you need
S1P or S3 boots).
- Buying the wrong boots: sounds obvious but if you don&#;t match the
footwear to the environment, task and wearer you&#;ll be buying the wrong
footwear.
- Getting the wrong size: this can happen if you buy online. Be familiar with the wearer and their shoe size.
- Style over safety: shoe manufacturers generally give priority to safety, quality and functionality. Although wearers may more readily
wear a shoe/boot that looks good, this should not be an overriding
factor when selecting.
- Don&#;t order in bulk: if you&#;re trying a product for the first time. Test a few shortlisted items with the workforce.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of dust proof goggles. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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