Teqnote - Foot Protection

TeqNote

Teqniqal Systems

Foot Protection Around the Stage In 1995 OSHA began enforcing a new standard for Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE). As part of this standard, employers now require ASTM F2413-05 (formerly ANSI Z41 PT99) rated safety footwear (steel toe boots, etc.) in areas where employees are exposed to injury as a result of falling or rolling objects. All steel toe shoes meet or exceed the ASTM F2413-05 (formerly ANSI Z41 PT99) I/75 C/75 standards. There are also shoes that utilize composite materials to provide the protection, and these shoes can be lighter in weight. Don’t confuse “steel toed shoes” with “steel tipped shoes.” Steel-toed work shoes have integral formed covers that protect your toes from being crushed under heavy weight or impact, where ‘steel tipped shoes’ are a decorative feature or maybe a component that keeps the tip of the shoe sole from being damaged when you kick something.

METATARSAL GUARD (MG) Metatarsal guard footwear protects both the toes and the metatarsal bone behind the toes. Metatarsal guard shoes are required in any environment where injuries can occur to the metatarsal bone across the top of the foot. They are most commonly used in foundries, welding, air product distribution, and other heavy manufacturing environments. www.teqniqal.com

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Teqniqal Systems

Teq Notes: Foot Protection

OSHA 1910.136: Occupational Foot Protection (http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9786) “General requirements. The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, and where such employee's feet are exposed to electrical hazards.” In the theatre and shop we frequently move heavy timber, platforms, and crates of equipment. The floor can have nails, screws, tacks, and other hazards that may protrude from the floor, equipment, or scenery. CDC/NIOSH - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Self-Inspection Checklist for Schools: (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2004-101/chklists/r1n56p~1.htm) There are many styles of shoes and boots to choose from, and they don’t all look like ‘combat boots’. There are shoes that look like ‘tennis shoes’, ‘jogging shoes’, ‘basketball shoes’, and even ‘dress shoes.’ Most styles are available in men’s and women’s sizes, too.

Resources: Saf-Guard Safety Shoe Company (www.safgard.com) Steel Toe Shoes (www.steel-toe-shoes.com) Lehigh Valley Safety Shoes (www.safetyshoes.com) Brands: Bates (www.batesfootwear.com) Caterpillar (CAT) (www.catfootwear.com) Chippewa (www.chippewaboots.com/category/Safety_Toe) Converse (www.converse-steel-toe-shoes.com) Carolina (www.carolinashoe.com/category.asp?CatID=39) Dr. Martens (www.dmusastore.com/c-5-industrial.aspx) Florsheim (www.florsheim.com/shop-fl/shoes/safety/csafety-p1.html) Harley-Davidson (www.wolverineworldwide.com/brands_hd.asp) Hy-Test (www.hytest.com/) Kodiak (www.kodiakboots.com) Lacrosse (www.lacrossefootwear.com/category/safety+and+industrial+boots.do) New Balance (www.nbwebexpress.com/search_results.asp?searchType=quick&qry=steel+toe) Riverline Ergonomic (www.ergonomicboots.com) Rocky (www.rockyboots.com/Products/search/work_steel_toe) www.TheatreSafetyBlog.blogspot.com 2010-04-20

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