Standards and application of labor insurance shoes

Protective footwear standards vary across different regions and countries, with several widely recognized specifications. Understanding these standards helps in choosing the right type of labor safety shoes for specific work environments.

1. European Common Market Safety Specification Standard (EN 344.1:1992)

This standard categorizes safety shoes into three main types based on impact protection:

• EN 345.1:1992 – Professional safety shoes with a steel toe cap designed to protect against impacts of up to 200 joules (J).
• EN 346.1:1992 – Protective shoes with a steel toe cap that can withstand impacts of 100 joules (J).
• EN 347.1:1992 – Work shoes without a steel toe cap, suitable for lower-risk environments.

2. American Standard (ANSI Z41-1991)

This standard classifies protective footwear based on resistance to compression and impact, dividing them into three categories: Type I (impact and compression), Type II (impact only), and Type III (compression only).

3. Australian Standards (AS/NZS 2210.1:1994)

This standard divides labor insurance shoes into four types:

• Heavy duty work shoes
• Medium work safety shoes
• Light work shoes
• Waterproof shoes

4. China National Standard

China has its own set of standards, such as:

• GB 4014-83 – Leather protective shoes
• GB 7054-86 – Rubber-surface fireproof safety boots

5. Japanese Standard (JIS T 8015:1983)

While the Japanese standard exists, many labor safety shoes available in Hong Kong are still based on European regulations due to their widespread use and reliability.

Choosing the Right Protective Footwear

Before selecting labor insurance shoes, it's crucial to understand the potential hazards that could lead to foot injuries. These include:

• Objects falling or rolling onto the feet
• Piercing by sharp objects
• Cuts from sharp surfaces
• Slippery floors leading to falls
• Exposure to chemicals, hot or cold surfaces
• Static electricity risks in flammable environments

When making a choice, consider the following factors:

• Work environment (wet, uneven, or hazardous materials present)
• Materials being handled (corrosive, hot, or heavy items)
• Machines and tools used (electric devices, forklifts, etc.)
• Work processes (welding, chemical handling, etc.)

Key Features to Consider

1. Sole Material

The sole plays a critical role in providing grip, abrasion resistance, and protection against punctures. Common materials include rubber, vulcanized rubber, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Some soles are designed to reduce static electricity buildup, which is essential in explosive environments.

2. Sole Design

A non-slip design is essential for preventing slips and falls. The tread pattern and material composition also contribute to the shoe’s overall performance on different surfaces.

3. Upper Material

Common upper materials include leather, artificial leather, PVC, and synthetic fibers. Each has unique benefits:

• Leather: Durable and comfortable but less resistant to chemicals.
• Artificial leather: Water-resistant and suitable for chemical exposure, but may degrade if worn down.
• PVC: Ideal for wet conditions and easy to clean, but can be damaged by certain chemicals.
• Synthetic fibers: Resistant to chemicals and easy to maintain.

4. Body Design

Based on European standards, there are five common styles:

• A. Shoes
• B. Ankle boots
• C. Half-knee boots
• D. Knee boots
• E. Leg boots

5. Toe Protection

The primary purpose of protective footwear is to safeguard the toes from impact. For high-risk jobs like construction or lifting heavy objects, steel toe caps must provide at least 200 joules of impact resistance.

Understanding the risks, analyzing the work environment, and consulting with safety professionals will help ensure that the chosen protective footwear provides adequate protection. This approach is key to developing a comprehensive foot safety plan applicable to all industries.