Standards for Safety Shoes
Safety shoes are a requirement for jobs that involve hazards such as falling objects, exposure to electricity or extreme heat. The requirements for shoes of this type have been outlined by the federal government to ensure that employees are adequately protected.
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When Safety Shoes are Required
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Being exposed to electrical hazards, working on or near hot or slippery floors, and dealing with sharp or heavy objects are some of the circumstances that require safety shoes. The shoes must meet the standards under the American National Standard for Personal Protection Footwear.
Features
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Features will vary with different types of shoes and specific jobs, depending on the hazards present. Some of the basic features found in many are that the soles must be resistant to heat and/or being punctured with sharp objects, and the toes should protect the feet from impact due to a heavy falling or rolling object.
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Electrical Hazards Protection
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Those working around electrical hazards should have shoes that shield them from electrocution. The shoes have to be insulated and can protect the wearer from up to 600 volts when conditions are dry.
Agricultural and Explosives Workers
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Individuals who work around explosives or in storage facilities for grain require shoes that are not conductive. These shoes keep static electricity from building up, which can cause sparks and lead to a fire. When the work is completed, the shoes should be removed, and silk, nylon or wool socks should not be worn with them. These types of socks can cause static electricity to accumulate.
Foundry Workers
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When near molten metal that gives off large amounts of high heat, workers have to wear shoes that protect them from the metal getting stuck in shoe parts such as the tongue. This type of shoe is made of leather and should fit snugly, having rubber soles and heels.
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