Choose the right safety shoes
Before choosing, we must first understand the main hazards that cause
direct or indirect injury to the staff's feet. There are the following six
items:
1. Touched by a hard, rolling or falling object.
2. Pierce the sole or body with sharp objects.
3. Cuts from sharp objects and even tears the skin.
4. The site is lubricated and falls.
5. Contact with chemicals, molten metals, high temperature and low
temperature surfaces.
6. Working in an environment filled with flammable gas, if the release of
static electricity is not properly handled, it will become a source of ignition
at any time, causing an explosion. In addition, the conductivity of the foot can
also affect the level of electric shock hazard when employees come into contact
with electrical equipment.
After understanding these materials, it will help to analyze the selection
of safety shoes.
When choosing, the following factors must be carefully considered:
1. The construction environment, for example:
o Is the site slippery?
o Is the venue uneven?
o Are there many wooden strips or other sharp obstacles that show nails
nearby?
2. Materials in contact, for example:
o Corrosive chemicals.
o Hot liquid.
o Goods and rollers that are heavy and difficult to hold.
3. Machines and equipment used or in contact, such as:
o Electrical installation.
o Forklift truck.
o Sharp hand tools.
4. Process, for example:
o Pour chemicals.
o Handle high temperature liquids.
o Welding work.
o Human handling.
After careful analysis, try to list the items that can directly or
indirectly endanger the safety of the employee's foot. Then choose from the
following items related to the materials and design of the safety shoes to meet
the protection you or your employees need during construction.
1, the material of the sole
Commonly available are all rubber, vulcanized rubber, or polyvinyl
chloride.
The soles are mainly resistant to abrasion, chemical corrosion, heat
insulation and oil. However, due to the different characteristics of the
materials, the functions are also different.
The sole of the safety shoe is fitted with a steel sheet, which is used to
prevent the sole from being pierced or hard.
In addition, soles made from certain materials can reduce the generation of
static electricity or slow down the rate of electrostatic discharge. This can
control the possibility of static electricity causing an explosion or fire.
2, the design of the sole
In addition to the use of a non-slip rubber sole, the design of the sole is
also important for the anti-slip function.
3, the material of the shoe body
Leather, artificial leather, polyvinyl chloride and synthetic fibers are
common. These substances have their own advantages, such as:
The leather body is more durable and wearable, and it is more comfortable
to wear, but the function of resisting corrosive liquids is not good.
Faux leather can be used in the case of waterproofing, corrosive chemicals
or other contaminants, but its function is affected if its surface is worn
out.
Polyvinyl chloride is best suited for use in slippery environments and is
also easy to clean but can be broken down by some chemicals.
The synthetic fiber body is easier to clean and resistant to chemical
decomposition.
4. Shoe design
With reference to European standards, there are the following five
styles.
A. shoes;
B. Ankle boots;
C. Half knee boots;
D. knee boots;
E. Leg boots.
5. Toe selection
The toe cap of the safety shoe is equipped with a steel cap, the main
function is to protect the toe from being injured or crushed. If employees need
to perform more heavy work, such as construction workers or employees carrying
heavy goods, the safety shoes and steel caps must be made of corrosion-resistant
and 200-joule (J) impact resistance.
Comprehensive understanding of the hazards caused by foot injuries, and
analysis of the environment, materials, mechanical tools and construction
methods of the operation, as far as possible to identify the relevant matters
and hazards to the safety of the staff's foot, try to use engineering and
Administrative methods are the first to control them. If the harm is not
effectively reduced, the use of safety shoes is inevitable.
Refer to the safety shoe information provided above, and consult with
security professionals, safety shoe manufacturers or suppliers to make
appropriate selections so that users can be fully protected. Following this
process, in conjunction with relevant publicity, training and monitoring, is a
basic model of a foot safety protection program that is applicable to all walks
of life.
Use and maintenance of safety shoes
The correct use and maintenance methods can ensure that the safety shoes
should be effective and maintain the user's foot health. Therefore, the
following matters should be paid more attention:
1. Do not modify the construction of safety shoes without
authorization.
2. Wear safety shoes of the appropriate size to help maintain the wearer's
foot health and the durability of the footwear.
3. Pay attention to personal hygiene. Users should keep their feet and
shoes clean and dry.
4. Clean the safety shoes regularly, but do not use solvents as detergents.
In addition, the sole must be cleaned frequently to avoid accumulation of dirt,
because the conductivity or anti-static performance of the sole is affected by
the amount of adhering dirt and the flexing.
5. Store safety shoes in a cool, dry and well ventilated area.
Finally, mention the "Personal Protective Equipment" code:
1. Should not be used as a substitute for engineering or administrative
control methods to deal with hazards.
2. The personal protective equipment used must conform to the standard
design and appropriate for work.
3. In addition to the right choices, proper use and care are equally
important to the function.
The Government Labour Department is drafting regulations on "personal
protective clothing" under the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance to
enhance the requirement for the use of personal protective equipment.