Footwear Safety Standards

European Safety Standards
EN – ISO 20345:11 – EUROPEAN SAFETY STANDARD FOR SAFETY FOOTWEAR

The International Organization for Standardization provides the European standard for Safety footwear. The current one is ISO 20345:2011 – previously ISO 20345:2004.

American Safety Standards
ASTM F2413-11 Requirements

ASTM F2413-11 Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective (Safety) Toe Cap Footwear covers minimum requirements for the design, performance, testing and classification of protective footwear. The purpose of this standard is the certification of protective footwear. The certification must be performed by independent third party laboratories.

Footwear certified as meeting ASTM F2413-11 must first meet the requirements of Section 5.1 Impact Resistant Footwear and Section 5.2 Compression Resistant Footwear. Then the requirements of additional sections such as Metatarsal Protection, Electric Hazard resistance, Static Dissipative protection and Puncture Resistance can be met.

Canadian Safety Standards
CSA – Canada Safety Association Standard for Safety FOOTWEAR

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) have been using symbols on safety footwear for more than 30 years. Each shape & color represents specific safety criteria for all safety footwear and apparel purchased in Canada.

Use-Case For Safety Footware:

Electrical Safety Is Not Shocking

As electricians know too well, in electrical injuries there are four main types of injuries: electrocution (will cause death), electric shock, burns, and falls. These injuries can come from direct contact with the electrical energy, electrical arcs that leaps to an individual who is grounded, thermal burns including flash burns from heat generated by an electric arc, flame burns from materials that capture on fire from heating or ignition by electrical currents, and muscle contractions can trigger a person to fall.

There are some safeguard procedures that can be followed to guarantee electrical safety:

1) Make use of proper safety equipment and Personal Protective Equipment such as safety boots, non-conductive tools, clothing and harnesses.

2) Inspect tools, power cables, and electrical fittings for damage or use prior to each use. Repair or replace broken devices instantly.

2) Always tape cords to walls or floorings when necessary. Nails and staples can damage cables triggering fire and shock hazards.

3) Use cords or equipment that is rated for the level of amperage or wattage that you are using.

4) Always utilize the correct size fuse. Changing a fuse with one of a bigger size can cause excessive currents in the electrical wiring and possibly start a fire.

5) Be conscious that abnormally warm or hot outlets may be a sign that risky wiring conditions exists. Unplug any cords to these outlets and do not utilize till a qualified electrical expert has actually inspected the wiring.

6) Always use ladders made of wood or other non-conductive products when dealing with or near electrical power or power lines.

7) Place halogen lights far from combustible products such as fabrics or drapes. Halogen lamps can become very hot and may be a fire hazard.

8) Risk of electrical shock is higher in locations that are damp or moist. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, understood likewise as GFCI, as they will disrupt the electrical circuit prior to an existing sufficient to cause death or serious injury happens.

9) Make sure that exposed receptacle boxes are made of non-conductive products.

10) Know where the breakers and boxes are located in case of an emergency situation.

11) Label all circuit breakers and fuse boxes clearly. Each switch must be favorably identified as to which outlet or device it is for.

12) Do not utilize outlets or cords that have exposed electrical wiring or usage power tools with the guards eliminated. Do not block access to circuit breakers or circuit box and do not touch a person or electrical device in the event of an electrical accident. Always disconnect the current.

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) works by finding any loss of electrical current in a circuit. When a loss is spotted, the GFCI turns the electrical power off before extreme injuries or electrocution can take place. An agonizing shock might occur throughout the time that it considers the GFCI to cut off the electrical power so it is essential to use the GFCI as an additional protective step rather than a replacement for safe work practices.

GFCI wall outlets can be set up in place of standard outlets to secure versus electrocution for simply that outlet, or a series of outlets in the exact same branch. A GFCI Circuit Breaker can be installed on some circuit breaker electrical panels to safeguard an entire branch circuit. Plug-in GFCIs can be plugged into wall outlets where appliances will be utilized and are frequently found in bathrooms. Another common use for GFCI is for pools and hot tubs.

Check the GFCI monthly. Very first plug a “night light” or light into the GFCI-protected wall outlet (the light must be turned on), then push the “TEST” button on the GFCI. If the GFCI is working effectively, the light ought to head out. If not, have actually the GFCI fixed or changed. Reset the GFCI to restore power. If the “RESET” button pops out but the light does not head out, the GFCI has been incorrectly wired and does not offer shock protection at that wall outlet. Contact a qualified electrical expert to correct any wiring errors.

Power tools used incorrectly can electrically hazardous. The grounded tool must have an approved 3-wire cable with a 3-prong plug. Do not use electrical tools in damp conditions or damp areas unless tool is connected to a GFCI.

Never ever use extension cables as permanent electrical wiring. Usage extension cables just to momentarily supply power to a location that does not have a power outlet. Keep power cords far from heat, water and oil. They can harm the insulation and cause a shock. Do not allow lorries to pass over vulnerable power cords. Cables ought to be put in avenue or protected by placing planks together with them. Examine power cables and plugs daily; dispose of if used or damaged. Keep power cords clear of tools throughout use.

Do not tie power cables in tight knots; knots can trigger brief circuits and shocks. Loop the cords or use a twist lock plug.

Electrical security is simple. Safety devises are ending up being safer each year; its up to you to utilize them correctly.