Protective Footwear
Identifying the Hazards
Assess the risks within the working environment to either remove or protect against the hazards. This must involve defining the job or work area, recognising the risks, and identifying the correct method of reducing them i.e. by removing, controlling, or by choosing suitable protective footwear.
Protective features include
- Impact resistant toe caps
- Penetration-resistant steel mid-soles
- Anti-static soles
- Heat resistance
- Cold resistance
- Water resistance
- Oil and fuel resistance
- Chemical resistance
- Slip resistance
Types of Protectors Available
Footwear will fall into three main style categories – Shoe, Boot and Wellington. Within these categories there are a variety of different options, from sports/trainer styles to sole types and treatments for waterproofness and conductivity.
Selecting the correct style
- Moulded or cemented polyurethane outsole – Flexible and lightweight for general wear
- Direct vulcanised rubber soles – For heavier duty environments
- Cushioned soles – When standing for long periods of time
- Wellington boot – For wet environments
- Welted or cemented lightweight soles – For the office environment
Selecting the correct materials
Selecting the correct materials is critical, especially when contaminants are present. By choosing the correct material the maximum lifespan of footwear can be achieved.
- Nitrile rubber sole – For higher temperatures, oil and solvent resistant
- Polyurethane sole – For general purpose use, oil and solvent resistant.
- Anti-static soles – To dissipate static electricity.
- Leather uppers – For most general uses in dry environments.
- Water repellant leather uppers – Where there is an occasional exposure to water.
- Lorica uppers – Where greater resistance to certain chemicals and oil is required.
- PVC, PVC nitrile, rubber and polyurethane uppers – Where there is long term exposure to water and certain chemical applications.
- Cambrelle/Thinsulate/Thermalite linings – For greater comfort and temperature control of feet.
In all footwear, sufficient insulation should be ensured for the safety and comfort of the wearer.
Accessories
Various styles of insoles for support and comfort are available.
Care & Maintenance
To ensure optimal service and wear from leather footwear, it is important that it is regularly cleaned and treated with an appropriate cleaning product. Do not use caustic cleaning agents. Where footwear is subjected to wet conditions, after use allow to dry naturally in a cool dry area – do not force dry as this can cause deterioration of the upper material. If footwear is cared for, worn in the correct working environment and stored in a dry well ventilated area, it should give a good wear life. The actual wear life of the footwear is dependent on the type of footwear, environmental conditions and contamination.
Corporate Identification
Special order footwear can be supplied with corporate colours. Minimum quantities apply.
