Protective footwear represents a wide range of foot protection from "Safety-Toe Footwear" to proper work attire such as "Closed-Toe Shoes" (no sandals or open-toed shoes). The need for protective footwear depends on specific job tasks and their potential foot hazards. The area supervisor, using EHS as the hazard assessment resource, will determine appropriate protective footwear for specific job tasks and hazards.
It should be noted that that such protective footwear does not take the place of safe work practices and proper material handling equipment, which are always primary in the safe handling of materials and substances. Protective footwear is a secondary measure that is intended to prevent injury or reduce the injury severity in the event of an accident.
Safety-toe footwear are shoes which have a steel toe cap underneath the leather toe cap and protect the wearer's toe from moving or falling objects. Safety-toe footwear needs to comply with the requirements and specifications of the latest version of ASTM F2413. Examples of work which require safety-toe footwear are: warehouse operations; moving operations involving heavy equipment; work involving close contact with large animals; and jobs requiring work with certain chemicals.
Proper work attire may require the use of closed-toe shoes (no sandals or open-toed shoes) which are shoes with a closed heel and toe. In areas where corrosive materials are used, shoes must have leather or simulated leather uppers. This means no shoes with shoe top perforations or fabric materials. The shoes must have a separate sole of appreciable thickness and heels of rubber or non-skid material.
University Policy on Foot Protection
According to the University of Missouri Business Policy and Procedure manual, foot protection may be required where job conditions warrant. Examples of work which may require foot protection includes warehouse operations, moving operations involving heavy equipment, work involving close contact with large animals, jobs requiring work with certain chemicals.
Note: Protective toe footwear for employees shall meet the requirements and specification of the latest version of ASTM F2413.
If You Need Protective Footwear
If you believe you need protective footwear the first thing you need to do is discuss this with your supervisor. If there is a question of protective footwear need for your specific job, the supervisor will arrange a risk/hazard evaluation with EHS. Each department has their own policy for use and acquisition of Protective Footwear.
PPE Minimum Standards: Protective Footwear
Foot Protection Guidelines
| Hazard Type | Recommended PPE | Examples | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falling objects | Steel-toe boots | Construction, warehouse work, or heavy lifting | Ensure boots meet ASTM or ANSI safety standards. |
| Punctures | Puncture-resistant soles | Working with nails, sharp debris, or construction sites | Inspect soles for wear and tear. |
| Chemical exposure | Chemical-resistant boots | Handling corrosive substances or liquids | Ensure boots are compatible with the specific chemicals being used. |
| Electrical hazards | Insulated boots | Electrical work or working near live wires | Inspect boots for damage before use. |
| Slips and falls | Slip-resistant soles | Working in wet or oily environments | Ensure soles provide adequate traction. |
| Biological hazards | Disposable shoe covers | Working in laboratories or contaminated areas | Dispose of shoe covers after use to prevent contamination. |
| Laboratory Minimum Standard | Closed-toe, closed-heel footwear | Required for all laboratory work; no open toes or heels | Footwear must cover the entire foot. |
Key Considerations for Foot Protection:
- Permeation and Degradation: Inspect boots for signs of chemical permeation or degradation.
- Damage Inspection: Check boots for tears or damage before and after use.
- Chemical Compatibility: Ensure boots are compatible with the specific chemicals being used.
- Temperature Effects: Consider temperature effects on material performance.
- Decontamination: Replace or decontaminate boots if contaminated.