Since safetytoe overshoes are intended to be worn over outer shoes it's important that they can withstand the pressure. On top of that, we all know how shoes in general are expected to deal with all terrains and all situations underfoot. If a rugged and robust overshoe is required for a particular environment then it's important to know some of the inherent qualities of what's available in the market.
In tests conducted for certification approval in Europe (CE Certified) results show that the sole of the 'Slipp-R' ranges from a mean thickness of 4.5mm to 6.9mm. Abrasion Resistance is extremely high (think auto tyres) with an average density of .90g/ml with a volume loss of only 75mm. This is much lower than the specification requirements of 250mm, or less. Tear Strength is also excellent (very important in certain environments) at 13.0kN where a minimum of equal to, or greater than, 5kN is required. Cut Growth (perhaps the most important element when evaluating ruggedness) is only .1mm where equal to, or less than, 4.0mm is the minimum required. This measurement indicates just how fast a 'nick' in the material will grow into a defect (think plastic) that can render the overshoe useless.
Tests also showed that the overall hardness of the 'Slipp-R' at 23 degrees centigrade was measured at 80 with a SATRA guideline of between 60 and 88 for everyday use. You should also know that the 100% rubber material in the 'Slipp-R' does not change significantly with temperature. It will not stiffen, harden or crack in cold temperatures.
I am not aware if test results for other products are available but I do know that PVC is not "more durable than rubber" with respect to ruggedness. In our case we dislike PVC for environmental and health reasons. PVC has excellent chemical resistance (our product is certified “oil, acid and animal fat resistant”) but in situations where intense chemical contact exists more appropriate protection would be recommended.
I should add that due to the low specific density of our material (.91g/cm3) we have been able to design a thick and rugged safety toe protector that is as light as others, even PVC models where overall thickness must be less due to a higher specific gravity.
Our products have been tested at Artech Testing LLC in Virginia and results indicate that the ‘Slipp-R’ “passed ASTM F 2413-05 Performance Requirements for Foot Protection for Class I/75 Impact and Class C/75 Compression.” This indicates that where toe protection is called for minimum OSHA regulations would be met by wearing our safetytoe overshoes.
Our 'Slipp-R's are ‘Canadian made’ which is perhaps something we are the most proud of. We also felt that our product should look as good as possible to encourage use. Too often we hear that PPE gear is rejected because it makes the wearer ‘look silly’. This is also why our colour coding is indicated by a disc on the inside of the overshoe and not outside on the nose of the foot.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
OSHA requirements for toe protection.
The issue around OSHA requirements for toe protection offered with overshoes is a fuzzy but understandable area. The standards previously recommended by this American body were replaced by the ASTM F 2413-05 standard. Typically, safetytoe overshoes are tested against these standards.
OSHA does not approve safety items but expects products that meet their minimum requirements to be used where appropriate. In any situation where “toe protection” is desirable, tests that prove safetytoe overshoes meet these standards are an indication that suitable protection has been offered where only toe protection is required . However, since overshoes with steel toe caps do not conform to standardized safety footwear construction, passing grades are always 'qualified'.
This means that, while safetytoe overshoes pass ASTM F 2413-05 Performance Requirements for Foot Protection for Class I/75 Impact and Class C/75 Compression tests, manufacturers are not allowed to label their products as safety footwear meeting the full ASTM F 2413-05 standard. However, they are permitted to state that their products have been tested in accordance with ASTM F 2412-05 testing methods and rely on the belief that OSHA would agree that successfully tested safetytoe overshoes provide adequate toe protection.
Safetytoe overshoes must not be considered as safety footwear where another type of foot protection is deemed necessary. For example, metatarsal or puncture resistance protection can only be provided by using a full safety boot or safety shoe. Overshoes with steel toe caps are most commonly used as toe protection for visitors, and as such, can reasonably be considered as meeting the OSHA toe protection requirements as laid out in the I/75 and C/75.
In the absence of a full safety shoe being available, safetytoes are considered a prudent substitute where toe protection is deemed advisable and they are an excellent preference over the old “yellow clackers” that were once the only alternative.
The various types of safetytoe overshoes on the market today all seem to have been tested against the ASTM standard. In the case of the 'Slipp-R', the rugged 100% rubber product (the 4.5 mm to 6 mm thickness may be of particular interest in your work environments) is gaining popularity in North America after only being launched in October 2006. Our customer surveys told us that a hard-wearing but stylish safety overshoe was needed. Our product will not stiffen or crack in cold temperatures and has a unique “all-flat” sole that incorporates anti-slip qualities. In particular, we are pleased that our ‘Slipp-R’s are very easy to put on and pull off and their overall innovative design is conducive to improved safety in the workplace and at home.
It’s all about safety after-all and if they don’t look good, and aren’t easy to wear, it would defeat the purpose.
Mister Safetytoes
OSHA does not approve safety items but expects products that meet their minimum requirements to be used where appropriate. In any situation where “toe protection” is desirable, tests that prove safetytoe overshoes meet these standards are an indication that suitable protection has been offered where only toe protection is required . However, since overshoes with steel toe caps do not conform to standardized safety footwear construction, passing grades are always 'qualified'.
This means that, while safetytoe overshoes pass ASTM F 2413-05 Performance Requirements for Foot Protection for Class I/75 Impact and Class C/75 Compression tests, manufacturers are not allowed to label their products as safety footwear meeting the full ASTM F 2413-05 standard. However, they are permitted to state that their products have been tested in accordance with ASTM F 2412-05 testing methods and rely on the belief that OSHA would agree that successfully tested safetytoe overshoes provide adequate toe protection.
Safetytoe overshoes must not be considered as safety footwear where another type of foot protection is deemed necessary. For example, metatarsal or puncture resistance protection can only be provided by using a full safety boot or safety shoe. Overshoes with steel toe caps are most commonly used as toe protection for visitors, and as such, can reasonably be considered as meeting the OSHA toe protection requirements as laid out in the I/75 and C/75.
In the absence of a full safety shoe being available, safetytoes are considered a prudent substitute where toe protection is deemed advisable and they are an excellent preference over the old “yellow clackers” that were once the only alternative.
The various types of safetytoe overshoes on the market today all seem to have been tested against the ASTM standard. In the case of the 'Slipp-R', the rugged 100% rubber product (the 4.5 mm to 6 mm thickness may be of particular interest in your work environments) is gaining popularity in North America after only being launched in October 2006. Our customer surveys told us that a hard-wearing but stylish safety overshoe was needed. Our product will not stiffen or crack in cold temperatures and has a unique “all-flat” sole that incorporates anti-slip qualities. In particular, we are pleased that our ‘Slipp-R’s are very easy to put on and pull off and their overall innovative design is conducive to improved safety in the workplace and at home.
It’s all about safety after-all and if they don’t look good, and aren’t easy to wear, it would defeat the purpose.
Mister Safetytoes
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