User Guide

ANTI-STATIC NOTE FOR SAFETY FOOTWEAR

Anti-static footwear should be used if it is necessary to minimize electrostatic build-up by dissipating electrostatic charges, thus avoiding the risk of spark ignition of, for example, flammable substances and vapours, and if the risk of electric shock from any electric from any electrical apparatus or live parts has not been completely eliminated. It should be noted, however, that anti-static footwear cannot guarantee adequate protection against electronic shock as it only introduces a resistance between foot and floor. If the risk of electric shock has not been completely eliminated, additional measures to avoid this risk are essential. Such measures, as well as the additional tests mentioned below, should be a routine part of the accident prevention programme at the workplace. Antistatic footwear is not suitable for work on live electrical installations.

 

Antistatic footwear will not provide protection against electric shock from AC orDC voltages. If the risk of being exposed to any AC or DC voltage exists, thenelectrical insulating footwear shall be used to protect from against serious injury.Experience has shown that, for antistatic purposes, the discharge path througha product should normally have an electrical resistance of less than 1000MΩ atany time throughout its useful life. A value of 100kΩ is specified as the lowestresistance limit of a product, when new, in order to ensure some limited protectionagainst dangerous electric shock or ignition in the event of any electricalapparatus becoming defective when operating voltages of up to 250 V. However,under certain conditions, users should be aware that the footwear might giveinadequate protection and additional provisions to protect the wearer should betaken at all times.

 

The electrical resistance of the type of footwear can be changed significantly by flexing, contamination or moisture. This footwear might not perform its intended function if worn in wet conditions. It is, therefore, necessary to ensure that the product is capable of fulfilling its designed function of dissipating electrostatic charges and also of giving some protection during its entire life. It is recommended that the user establish an in-house test for electrical resistance, which is carried out at regular and frequent intervals.

 

Class I footwear can absorb moisture and can become conductive if worn for prolonged periods in moist and wet conditions. If the footwear is worn in conditions when the soling material becomes contaminated, wearers should always check the electrical properties of the footwear before entering a hazard area.

 

Where anti-static footwear is in use, the resistance of the flooring should be such that it does not invalidate the protection provided by the footwear. In use, no insulating elements should be introduced between the innersole of the footwear and the foot wearer. If any insert is put between the innersole and the foot, the combination footwear/insert should be checked for its electrical properties.

 

PENETRATION RESISTANT FOOTWEAR (footwear marked as P or S3) Non-metallic anti-perforation insole; this can be more lightweight, more flexible and cover a larger area compared to the metallic version, however the perforation resistance may vary depending of the piercing object (diameter, geometry and form of tip). Anti-perforation insole is tested in accordance with ISO 20344: 2011 using a truncated nail of 4.5mm in diameter with a force of 1100N. Higher forces or objects of smaller diameter will increase the risk of penetration.

 

SLIP RESISTANCE In any situation involving slip, the floor surface itself and other environment factors will have a bearing on the performance of the footwear. It will therefore be impossible to make footwear resistant to slip under all conditions which may be encountered in wear. Footwear has been tested based on markings on footwear label. EN ISO 20345:2011, EN ISO 20347:2012 and AS 2210.3:2019, testing parameters outlined below. NOTE: Slippage may still occur in certain environments.