Learn about the four types of protective footwear that offer electrical resistance properties
Footwear offering electrical resistance properties can generally be split into two:
There are four types of protective footwear for these risks. These are conductive, antistatic, electrically insulating and electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Refer to an existing risk assessment, or undertake one if you have not, to ensure you select the most appropriate footwear for your line of work.
The main standard for safety footwear is BS EN ISO 20345:2011 – 'Personal protective equipment, safety footwear'. This standard provides the requirements for two categories of footwear with electrical properties: – 'conductive' 'anti-static' which deal with the prevention of static electricity build up within the wearer. A third 'electrically insulated' which protects the wearer against electric shocks is referenced and the requirements are given in EN 50321.
Conductive footwear and anti-static footwear can be either a Class I or Class II product, whereas electrically insulating footwear is applicable only to Class II footwear.
The exact electrical properties of the footwear will be included in the CE marking labels:
Conductive footwear should be used if it is necessary to minimise electrostatic charges in the shortest possible time - for example, when handling explosives. It is suitable for use in high-risk explosive environments, this could be any environment where static discharge could cause a catastrophic event, such as in the munitions or ordinance industry.
Conductive footwear has an electrical resistance of below 0.1 Megaohms. As such it does not prevent current flow through the body but dissipates static away with higher efficiency.
Conductive footwear will not provide protection for the user against electrical shock. It should only be used where the risk of electrocution has been completely removed and the risk of shock from any electrical apparatus or live parts eliminated.
If you require conductive footwear, please get in touch.
Antistatic footwear should be chosen where it is necessary to minimise electrostatic build-up by dissipating electrostatic charges. This will avoid the risk of spark ignition of, for instance, flammable substances and vapours.
Antistatic safety footwear has an electrical resistance between 0.1 and 1000 Megaohms. It's use minimises electrostatic build-up within the body by dissipating electrostatic charges to the ground.
Anti-static footwear cannot guarantee adequate protection against electric shock, as it only introduces a limited resistance between foot and floor.
Electrically insulated footwear is intended for use where there is a risk from electrical shock when working on live or close to live parts on installations not exceeding 1,000V ac.
Under the standard EN 50321-1:2018 electrically insulating footwear is suitable for:
Electrically insulated footwear protects the wearer against electric shocks by preventing the passage of dangerous current through their body via the feet. It would often be used in conjunction with other insulated protective garments.
Electrically insulated footwear should fulfil the requirements given in EN 50321 Electrically insulating footwear for working on low voltage installations. The marking on the product will identify the class of protection and the safe working voltage.
Electrical insulating footwear should undergo routine electrical testing and should not be used in situations which could partially reduce its insulating properties. For example, where there is risk of cutting, perforation, mechanical or chemical aggression. If there are signs of mechanical or chemical damage or slight cracking is detected, the electrically insulating footwear should not be used.
As well as thorough and regular visual examination, electrical insulating footwear must be retested to 5.2.2.3 or 5.2.2.5 after 12 months of issue for use. Both inspection and testing must be performed only by formally trained and qualified persons who should mark the electrical insulating footwear with the current or next date for inspection and test.
Standards published under IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) 61340 are intended to help protect electronic components during the manufacturing process. Within this standard there are two requirements for footwear:
Electrostatic discharge footwear complies with both of these standards. The handling of electronic components is carried out in an ESD protected area (EPA). Therefore, the footwear should be tested each time the wearer enters the protected area. The electrical resistance should be less than 35MΩ when tested in accordance with IEC 61340-5-1:2007.
From protective toe-caps to penetration resistant midsoles, prevent workplace injuries and find out what to look for in safety footwear once you’ve identified the potential hazards in a formal risk assessment.
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