PPE: Foot Protection

1. PPE: Foot Protection

2. Session Objectives • You will be able to: • Identify foot hazards • Choose appropriate footwear for work tasks • Know the limitations of foot protection • Use and take care of protective equipment

3. Foot Injury Statistics • 180,000 foot-related injuries • 400 injuries per day • $6,000 per injury • 1,509 lost-time injuries

4. Foot Hazard Review • Falling objects • Rolling objects • Objects piercing the sole • Exposure to electrical hazards

5. Other Foot Hazards • Slippery walking surfaces • Wet or muddy conditions • Hazardous chemicals • Cold weather conditions

6. Falling Objects • Steel toe • Composite cap • Strap-on toe guards

7. Metatarsal Protection • Protection from falling and rolling objects for upper part of the foot • Boots with external protection • Strap-on metatarsal guards

8. Rolling Objects • Ankle protection • Steel shank in the heel • Sides protected by steel shanks • Toe and metatarsal protection

9. Puncture Resistant • Prevent penetration by sharp objects • Have a hard, dense sole • Have steel shank in the sole

10. Slip Resistant • Street shoes are not intended for slip resistance • Soft rubber soles are slip resistant • Sole has tread with channels • Still need to walk carefully

11. Electrical Hazards • Wear nonconductive shoes • Reduce potential electrical shock • Exposure to 600 volts or less

12. Electro-Static Dissipative • Reduce static electricity • Conduct charge from body to ground • Have low electrical resistance • Wear around flammable or explosive materials • Wear near sensitive electronic equipment

13. Conductive Shoes • Minimize static electricity • Reduce ignition of volatile chemicals • Discharge static into grounded floors • Should not be worn near electrical hazards

14. Chemical Resistance • Exposure to liquid chemicals, acids, caustics • Boot material resistant to specific chemical • Made of rubber, PVC, neoprene, or vinyl

15. Wet or Muddy Conditions • Boots to keep feet dry • Made of PVC or rubber

16. Cold Conditions • Use a special insulated liner in: • Freezing outdoor conditions • Refrigerated environments

17. Foot Hazards and Footwear—Any Questions? • Any questions about workplace hazards to your feet and the different footwear features that will protect against those hazards?

18. Capabilities and Limitations • ANSI standard • Manufacturer’s tags • No protection unless identified on tag

19. Comfort and Fit • Fit and comfort • Plantar fasciitis and heel pain • Ankle, knee, low back pain • Insoles • Orthotics

20. Cleaning Footwear • Brush off dust and debris • Spray mud off with water • Decontaminate chemical-resistant shoes • Dry before storage

21. Storing Footwear • Clean before storage • Protect from dirt and chemicals • Prevent unnecessary damage

22. Inspecting Footwear • Inspect before each use • Check toe and metatarsal protection • Check for holes, tears, cracks • Check soles for excessive wear • Discard damaged or defective footwear

23. Limitations, Use, and Care—Any Questions? • Any questions about the limitations, use, and care of protective footwear?

24. Key Points to Remember • Know the foot hazards in your workplace • Wear footwear with appropriate protective features for the job • Know the capabilities and limitations of protective footwear • Check comfort, fit, and support of footwear • Clean, store, and inspect footwear