PPE Training Module 2: Foot Protection Training (Safety Boots) - Training on foot protection training in the workplace

PPE Training Module 2:
                                  Foot Protection Training
                                  (Safety Boots)
                                  Training on foot protection training in
                                  the workplace

Based on AS 2210:2010
Original slides from Washington State Department of Labor and Industries

Foot Protection (Safety Boots)

The following topics will be covered:
• Your feet
• Possible foot injuries
• What are the risks for your feet
• How Safety Boots protect you
• When are Safety Boots required
• Choosing the right type of
  footwear
• Types of Safety Boots
• Fit of Safety Boots
• Care of Safety boots

Your Feet

Have you ever thought about the
important role your feet play in your daily
life?

On face value, your feet touch the ground
whenever you're standing, walking or
running, and they are extensions of the
legs, which help to move you. But your
feet are much more than that. After all,
they are the foundation of your body,
which means keeping your feet healthy
can help keep you healthy.

Your Feet (continued)

Twenty five percent of the bones of your
body are in your feet. If any of these bones
are misaligned, your entire body could be
affected.

A foot problem can be
causing knee problems,
hip or low-back problems,
shoulder and neck problems.

Possible Foot Injuries
Safety shoes are part of the personal protection
equipment providing effective protection against a
number of risks of foot injuries such as shock,
crushing and puncture. However, it is important to be
aware of the risks that are specific to your job.

What Are The Risks For Your Feet?

Falling objects and rolling equipment are the
main causes of toe crushing.

Jumping and falling cause fractures, trauma and
various wounds to the heels, ankles and almost
all parts of the foot.

Pointed objects can puncture arches.

Spatters caused by welding, molten metal,
corrosive liquids or irritants can burn all parts of
the foot.

Slipping on slick floors or uneven surfaces
causes all kinds of injuries to various parts of the
body, not just the feet.

What are the risks for your feet?
Contact with conductor elements, normally or accidentally
electrically charged, can lead to electrocution and cause serious
burns.

Hot floors cause burns, allow micro-organisms to develop, soften
the skin and cause cracks and blisters.

Hazardous substances like gas, flammable materials, corrosives,
toxic  substances,  infectious  agents  (chemically  resistant,
waterproofing).

How Safety boots protect you

Dressing right for work is similar to dressing
right for sports no professional football
player would take the field wearing dress
shoes. Wearing the right shoes will help you
do a better job; and do it more safely.

Safety boots come equipped with steel toes,
heavy duty leather uppers and steel shanks
to help prevent puncture wounds.

Safety boots can also have ankle protection,
Resistance to water, penetrations, Insulation
against cold/heat, etc.

When are Safety Boots Required?
• When facing possible foot or leg injuries from falling or rolling
  objects or from crushing or penetrating materials.

• Exposure to hot substances or corrosive or poisonous materials.

• Exposure to electrical hazards, non‐conductive footwear should be
  worn. On the other hand, workplace exposure to static electricity
  may necessitate the use of conductive footwear.

When are Safety Boots Required?

• When heavy objects such as barrels or tools might
  roll onto or fall on the employee’s feet.

• Working with sharp objects such as nails or spikes
  that could pierce the soles or uppers of ordinary
  shoes.

• Exposure to molten metal that might splash on feet or
  legs.

• Working on or around hot, wet or slippery surfaces.

• Working when electrical hazards are present.

Choosing the right type of footwear
Footwear must be chosen based on the hazards that are present.
Assess the workplace and work activities for:

•Materials handled or used by the worker.
•Risk of objects falling onto or striking the feet.
•Any material or equipment that might roll over the feet.
•Any sharp or pointed objects that might cut the top of the feet.
•Objects that may penetrate the bottom or side of the foot.
•Possible exposure to corrosive or irritating substances.
•Possible explosive atmospheres including the risk of static electrical
discharges .
•Risk of damage to sensitive electronic components or equipment due to
the discharge of static electricity.
•Risk of coming into contact with energized conductors of low to moderate
voltage (e.g., 220 volts or less).

Choosing the right type of footwear

Also, evaluate the risk:

•to ankles from uneven walking surfaces or rough
terrain

•of foot injury due to exposure to extreme hot or
cold

•of slips and falls on slippery walking surfaces

•of exposure to water or other liquids that may
penetrate the footwear causing damage to the foot
and the footwear

•of exposure to rotating or abrasive machinery
(e.g., chainsaws or grinders)

Different types of safety boots

Work boots –ankle support - are constructed
strong sufficient, not merely to defend your foot but
to include and assist your ankles and shins as well.

Leather-based will be the most well-liked selection
for it's durability and water resistance. Water-proof
leather-based maintains your foot dried out whilst
working.

Metal toe function boots are an perfect selection in
countless industrial scenarios because they are
particularly created to defend your foot from typical
machinery hazards; for instance slipping or rolling
objects, and from cuts and punctures.
The insole and whole shoe box are reinforced with
metal to supply insulation towards extremes
temperatures and may be equipped with specific soles
to shield towards slipping and substances, or electric
hazards.

Different types of safety boots

Electric threat boots are created using a correctly insulated metal toe
and no conductive elements to avoid people working with electrical
energy from electric hazards.

Insulated function boots are perfect to maintain your feet cozy if you
work cold, wet conditions.

Foundry, or "gaiter"-style function boots are frequently employed
in welding operations because it has the quick-release fasteners or
elasticized insets function, that enables quick removing of any
hazardous substance that may get to the boot.

Slip-resistant function boots since the
name suggests, will avoid you from slipping
when working on slippery floors.

What should I know about the fit and care of
               safety footwear?
• Walk in new footwear to ensure it is comfortable.

• Boots should have ample toe room (toes should be about 12.5
  mm from the front)

• Make allowances for extra socks or special arch supports when
  buying boots.

• Boots should fit snugly around the heel and ankle when laced.

• Lace up boots fully. High-cut boots provide support against ankle
  injury.

What should I know about the care of safety
                     footwear?

• Inspect footwear regularly for damage.

• Repair or replace worn or defective footwear.

• Electric shock resistance of footwear is greatly
  reduced by wet conditions and with wear.