Foot Protection: Types of Foot Protection
- Steel/Composite Safety Toe
- Provides protection to the toes where personnel are exposed to a crushing or impact injury. Slip-on toe caps are available when toe protection is needed for short or temporary use.
- Metatarsal Guard
- Provides protection to the top of the foot (metatarsal bones) as well as the toes. Guards are available and built into the boot or as a temporary accessory where protection is only needed for a short period of time.
- Static Dissipative – Electrostatic Discharge – ESD – Conductive
- Static dissipative shoes minimize the buildup of electrical charge between a person in motion and the surfaces and environment around them, by conducting the charge through the shoes to the ground. Commonly used in manufacturing of electronic components, flammable liquids, explosives, and plastics.
- Electrical Hazard (EH) – Non-Conductive
- EH rated shoes are electrical insulators and prevent or reduce the flow of electrical current from the feet to the ground. EH rated shoes can also prevent electric shock from contact with a live conductor.
- Dielectric Electric Overshoes
- The soles of these shoes provide a barrier to protect personnel from open electrical sources up to 600 volts. Protection is provided against the touch or stepping on an energized conductor. Typically used when performing equipment grounding near power lines.
- Thermal Insulated Shoes
- Constructed to resist high heat and cold situations. Provides insulation against hot and cold temperatures and are intended for tough outdoor environments.
- Waterproof Shoes
- Constructed to keep the feet dry and comfortable in wet conditions.
- Chemical-Resistant Shoes
- Chemical-resistant shoes are constructed of various materials to provide protection against chemical and biological hazards. Ensure the protective material is compatible with the chemical being used.
- Puncture-Resistant Shoes
- Designed to protect the midsole of the foot where sharp objects can pierce or penetrate the sole of the shoe.
- Slip-Resistant Shoes
- Provides slip-resistant tread for wet, oily, and/or greasy floors. Shoe chains, cleats, or spikes are available to fit over existing boots to prevent falls on ice, snow, or other slick surfaces.
NoteNever wear ice or snow cleats when walking on hard surfaces other than snow or ice.
FAQ
What types of safety footwear are available?
Steel or composite toe, metatarsal guards, static-dissipative (ESD), electrical hazard (EH), dielectric overshoes, thermal-insulated, waterproof, chemical-resistant, puncture-resistant and slip-resistant footwear.
When are static-dissipative shoes needed?
Where static build-up is a risk, such as manufacturing electronic components, flammable liquids, explosives and plastics. They conduct the charge safely to the ground.
What is the difference between EH-rated shoes and dielectric overshoes?
EH-rated shoes are electrical insulators that reduce current flow to the ground. Dielectric overshoes protect against open electrical sources up to 600 volts, for example when grounding equipment near power lines.
What protects against crushing injuries?
Steel or composite safety toes protect the toes; metatarsal guards also protect the top of the foot.
Can ice cleats be worn on hard floors?
No. Ice or snow cleats should only be worn on snow or ice, not on other hard surfaces.
Protective-footwear enquiries based on the task, environment and wearer requirements.