PPE Appendix C

Protective footwear purchased after July 5, 1994 must comply with ANSI Z41.1-1991 "American National Standard for Personal Protection - Protective Footwear."

Slip-resistant footwear assigned by the employer for specific workplace hazards must meet ASTM F1677.

Each affected employee must wear protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injury due to falling or rolling objects, chemical hazards, objects piercing the sole, or electrical hazards. Employees who cannot wear safety shoes for medical reasons must furnish a letter to their supervisor from their physician stating the reason and the anticipated duration of the condition.

Footwear may be worn routinely or donned in certain locations for identified hazards on a temporary basis. Disposable shoe covers are available and recommended for some hazards, such as biohazards.

General protective footwear, such as steel-toed or slip-resistant shoes may have to be paid for by the wearer due to its personal nature. Departmental policy may indicate that the department will pay for this type of footwear in full, partially, or not at all (the wearer is responsible for paying for it). It is the employer's responsibility to ensure that footwear purchased by the employee or the department is in good condition and is suitable for use in certain situations. Damaged or defective footwear will not provide the level of protection required, and should be replaced immediately.

There are many types of footwear available for work situations. Some are designed with a specific craft or industry in mind, such as fire-fighting, electricians, or welders; others provide a specific type of protection as listed below. Many footwear options offer dual protection, such as steel-toed, chemical-resistant boots.

• Steel/composite safety toe: Provides protection to the toes where personnel is exposed to injury as a result of heavy (greater than 40 pounds) falling or rolling objects on a regular basis, such as tools, equipment, and materials handling. Slip-on toe caps are available when steel-toe protection is needed for a short, temporary instance.
• Metatarsal guard: Provides protection to the top of the foot (metatarsal bone) as well as the toes. Guards are available built into the boot or as a temporary accessory where protection is only needed for a short period of time.
• Static dissipative: Regulates the build up of electrical charge in a person's body. Commonly used in the manufacturing of computer components, solvent-based paints, explosives, and plastics.
• Conductive: Protects against the hazards of static electricity build up in a person's body where the accumulation of static electricity on a body is a hazard. They should be worn by persons working in potentially flammable or explosive atmospheres.
• Electrical: The soles of these shoes provide a barrier to protect personnel from open electrical currents up to 600 volts.
• Insulated: Provides insulation against the cold and are intended for tough outdoor environments. Check the specific weight of insulation to help guide you in selection.
• High heat: Constructed to resist high heat situations.
• Waterproof: Constructed to keep the feet dry and comfortable in wet conditions.
• Chemical-resistant: Constructed of various materials to provide protection against certain categories of chemical hazards, such as animal fats, acids, most chemicals, oils, etc. Compare potential exposures to the manufacturer's recommendations to select the right type.
• Puncture-resistant: Designed to protect the mid-sole of the foot where sharp objects can pierce or penetrate the sole.
• Slip-resistant: Slip-resistant footwear refers to some slip-resistant shoes that meet ASTM F1677 standards. Their anti-skid soles have a designed pattern tread for added friction on slippery floors contaminated (i.e. wet, oily, and/or greasy). The soles are typically made of synthetic rubber. Foodwear meeting the requirements of ASTM F1677 will be marked as such. Workers in healthcare, food service, or other professions commonly wear shoes meeting this standard. Note: many types of safety footwear provide general slip-resistant soles, such as tennis shoes, clogs, or hiking boots. Footwear rated specifically for slippery surfaces (ASTM F1677) may be assigned by the employer based on worksite conditions.  

The following chart provides general guidance for the proper selection of foot protection for hazards associated with the listed hazard "source" operations.

Leg guards: Usually made of lightweight metal, and designed to cover the knee, shin, and top of the foot from impact or abrasions.  Typically worn during jackhammering operations, for example.

Waders: Provide water-proof protection for the feet, legs, and/or lower torso.

Chaps: Provides protection to upper and lower legs. Usually hazard/task-specific.

• Chain saw chaps are made of multiple layers of cut-resistant fabric, which is designed to jam the chain saw chain and stop the cutting action before it reaches your skin.
• Welding chaps are typically made of leather and provide heat/burn protection from sparks and slag.

Footwear

All safety footwear requires routine inspection for cuts, holes, tears, cracks, worn soles, and other damage that could compromise its protective qualities. Footwear required for certain hazards, such as electrical, hazardous materials, or chemical-resistance should be inspected prior to each use. Follow manufacturer's instructions on inspection and care. Damaged or defective footwear must not be used.

Legwear

Follow manufacturer's instructions for recommended care of hazard-specific chaps.