The use of safety footwear is an industry standard. Safety footwear must be worn by all persons (except visitors) at work sites, PTI shops, and where indicated by posted signage. Visitors do not require safety footwear and must be kept a reasonable distance away from any foot hazard areas. A hazard assessment shall be completed to identify potential foot injury hazards by worksite. Appropriate footwear must be worn when a hazard assessment identifies a hazard to a worker’s foot.
The following are the minimum standards for acceptable safety footwear:
•Safety footwear must meet CSA Standard Z195-02 and Z195-1-02.
•All field safety footwear must have toe, heel and sole puncture protection.
•Safety footwear must have spark resistant soles and heels and must resist liquid penetration.
Classification:
The following are general guidelines for users in the proper selection, maintenance, and disposal of protective footwear:
•Never choose footwear on the basis of style alone. Make sure it provides the protection and durability your job requires.
•Lace your boots to the top to give yourself the full protective benefits for which the footwear is designed. These include support for the foot; protection from harmful objects entering the boot (i.e., liquid, hot sparks, etc.); extended wear; and prevention against tripping hazards.
•Consider the sole of the footwear. Depending on the walking surface and the environmental conditions, some soling materials and tread designs may be significantly more durable and easier to maintain. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions regarding exposure of the footwear to temperature extremes, wet/oily conditions, and harsh chemicals.
•Check protective footwear before and after each use. If there are any cracks in the soles, breaks in the leather, exposed toecaps, or similar damage that reduces the protective qualities of the footwear, the footwear should be replaced.
•Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for proper storage, cleaning, and care of the footwear.