Electrical Hazard Protective Footwear – Health and Safety Notice (Aug/2023)
Electrical Hazard Protective Footwear
HSE has been made aware of a potential issue regarding the testing of boots to an
American Standard; ASTM F2412-18A.
The ASTM Standard contains a single test procedure representative of a very
restricted working environment. These limitations have not been made clear on the
packaging or the product instructions. This may result in the wearer believing the
product has been tested to protect them in circumstances where it doesn’t.
The product has not been tested against:-
• direct current (DC) voltages
• use in wet or damp environments
• the footwear upper’s and therefore may not be suitable for use where there is
a risk of direct ground contact, “earthing” of the upper, such as: soft lose
ground, (gravel, sand, soil, grass or mud), ladders, steps and gantries.
• Additionally, the footwear will not offer protection from electric shock if the
outer sole has been penetrated by a nail or other sharp object
Footwear tested to this Standard is NOT SUITABLE for live electrical working.
Action to take:
1. Check footwear provided is not to American Standard; ASTM F2412-18A,
if so contact your PPE supplier for suitable replacement
2. You should check the Declaration of Conformity that accompanies the
footwear to ensure it has been subjected to the third party approved/notified
body assessment required for Category III PPE. The footwear will be
marked with 4-digit number next to the UKCA/CE mark identifying the
approved/notified body responsible for ongoing production control.
3. If you provide electrical hazard protective footwear to your workers, you
should revisit any relevant risk assessments to check that it is suitable for the
purposes it is being provided.
If you would like help in implementing or further advice this, please get in touch.
For more news: Latest Health & Safety Related News – Greens Consultancy
Choosing slip-resistant footwear – Slips and trips – HSE
