Antistatic note for safety footwear,

In accordance with the EN ISO 20345 standard, “A”, S1, S2 or S3 marked.

 

Antistatic footwear should be used if it is necessary to minimise electrostatic build up by dissipating electrostatic charges, thus avoiding the risk of spark ignition of, for example flammable substances and vapours, and if the risk of electric shock from any electrical apparatus or live parts has no been completely eliminated. It should be noted, however, that antistatic footwear cannot guarantee an adequate protection against electric shock as it introduces only a resistance between foot and floor. If the risk of electric shock has not been completely eliminated, additional measures to avoid this risk are essential. Such measures, as well as the additional tests mentioned below, should be a routine part of the accident prevention programme of the workplace.

 

Experience has shown that, for antistatic purposes, the discharge path through a product should normally have an electrical resistance of less than 1000MW at any time throughout its useful life. A value of 100KW is specified as the lowest limit of resistance of a product when new, in order to ensure some limited protection against dangerous electric shock or ignition in the event of any electrical apparatus becoming defective when operating at voltages up to 250V. However, under certain conditions, users should be aware that the footwear might give inadequate protection and additional provisions to protect the wearer should be taken at all times.

 

The electrical resistance of this type of footwear can be changed significantly by flexing, contamination or moisture. This footwear will not perform its intended function if worn in wet conditions. It is, therefore, necessary to ensure that the product is capable of fulfilling its designed function in dissipating electrostatic charges and also giving some protection during the whole of its life. The user is recommended to establish an in-house test for electrical resistance and use it at regular and frequent intervals.

 

Classification I footwear can absorb moisture if worn for prolonged periods and in moist and wet conditions can become conductive.

If the footwear is worn in wet conditions where the soling material becomes contaminated, wearers should always check the electrical properties of the footwear before entering a hazard area.

Where antistatic footwear is in use, the resistance of the flooring surface should be such that it does not invalidate the protection provided by the footwear.

 

In use, no insulating elements, with the exception of normal hose should be introduced between the inner sole of the footwear and the foot of the wearer. If any insert is put between the inner sole and the foot, the combination footwear/insert should be checked for its electrical properties.

 

This footwear has been designed and made taking your requirements into account and we hope that they will serve you well.