Safety Footwear Standards

You use them for probably 8 hours a day so what you wear on your feet really matters. Getting the right footwear will make life safer and easier. Wearing the wrong footwear can distract you with the pain or make you prematurely tired which has direct implications on safety and efficiency. Saving a few pounds by buying safety boots and shoes is frankly bonkers.  Employers are legally responsible for providing the correct footwear so get it right. Not only will your employees thank you for it and feel more valued, the boss should also be impressed with lower accident figures due to fatigue and better productivity.

EN345 / EN ISO 20345:2007

The safety footwear standard is referred as EN345, EN ISO 20345:2004, and EN ISO 20345:2007. All footwear designed before 2004 and still manufactured up to today carries EN ISO 20345:2004. However, there have been a lot of material and design improvements in the last 8 years so make sure that footwear carrying this standard is up to the mark. EN ISO 20345:2007 is the latest standard for footwear designed or retested after 2007 and this standard sets out minimum requirements that safety footwear must be successfully tested against.

The standard specifies all safety footwear must have toe protection. All Safety Footwear in this standard is at least SB which means it has toe protection against a 200 Joule impact.

Please note that there is another standard, EN346 which requires protective footwear to withstand a minimum impact of 100 Joules but we will not be dealing with this here as the majority of safety footwear being sold is EN345 compliant.

In addition to this there are different protective features for footwear that are represented by a combination of letters.

Rating Features:

SB 
SB-P P
S1 A + FO + E
S1-P A + FO + E + P
S2 A + FO + E + WRU
S3 A + FO + E + WRU + P
S4 A + FO + E + Waterproof
S5 A + FO + E + P + Waterproof
 


Toe protection (SB):

Toe protection must withstand a 200 joule impact. A joule is the unit of energy and this standard is very specific. A heavy weight falling from a low height could have a lot less energy than a lighter weight falling from a much higher height. As well as impacts the toe area must withstand a resting mass of well over one metric Tonne.

It is important to note that the protection does not have to be steel. In fact, alternative non-metallic protection, sometimes referred to as composite or even aluminium can be equally as strong but lighter. Lighter boots can be significantly more forgiving on your lower back over long periods of time.

The rating SB indicates that the safety footwear has a minimum 200 joule toe protection, it can have additional features but it is the most basic and essential for safety footwear.

SB-P:

SB-P has the same features as the SB rating with the addition of the midsole penetration protection.

S1:

S1 in addition to the 200 joule toe cap, is classed as antistatic footwear and the sole is also resistant to fuel oil and has energy absorption in the heel area.

S1-P:

S1-P has the same features as the S1 rating with the addition of the midsole penetration protection.

S2:

S2 in addition to the 200 joule toe cap, is classed as antistatic footwear and the sole is also resistant to fuel oil and has energy absorption in the heel area. It also has a water resistant upper.

S3:

S3 has the same features as the S2 rating with the addition of the midsole penetration protection.

S4:

S4 in addition to the 200 joule toe cap, is classed as antistatic footwear and the sole is also resistant to fuel oil and has energy absorption in the heel area.

S5:

S5 has the same features as the S4 rating with the addition of the midsole penetration protection.

All safety footwear can have more features than are listed above but these are the minimum requirements to meet each of the safety ratings. So you could have a S1 CI or S1 HI. We have listed the main ratings above. There are more but these are the most common.

Key Description:

Antistatic protection (A):

Clothing, seating materials, and climate factors can cause a build up a static charge of electricity in the body. Some materials in footwear can over insulate the body causing the charge to be held. When you then touch something the charge can rush from your body quickly causing a spark and a small uncomfortable shock. Antistatic footwear will significantly reduce this effect but does not offer full protection for exposure to electronics and explosives work. You will need Electro-Static protection, often referred to as ESD, for this.

Electro-Static Discharge (ESD):

ESD footwear is designed for the electronics, gas and explosives industry and has to meet ESD CEI EN61340-5-1 standard. This footwear has a significantly lower resistance and allows the current to pass to earth more easily. Please note however that there are other factors that need to be taken into account when kitting out your personnel working in such industries. What other clothing are they wearing in order for the charge to earth through the footwear and, as odd as this may sound, we have anecdotal evidence that suggests that ‘larger’ personnel wearing ESD footwear can sometimes fail an overall earthing test.

Midsole penetration protection (P) - SB-P, S1-P, S3, S5:

Sharp objects where we walk and stand are significant risk not only in the workplace but also outdoors and at home. Midsole protection will guard against nails and other objects. To meet this standard the footwear must be able to resist a penetration force of 1100 Newtons.
Midsole protection is provided by using one of several methods:

Stainless steel or Aluminium insert in the sole.

Kevlar / Lenzi  or other flexible fabric insole.

The Aluminium and fabric solutions are the most flexible and lightest and cover the greatest area of the foot and the fabric insoles also offer much higher thermal insulation.

Insulation against heat (HI):

Insulation against heat: tested for 30 minutes at 150°C.

Insulation against cold (CI):

Insulation against cold: tested for 30 minutes at 1 -20°C.

Energy Absorption (E):

Energy Absorption in the heel region.

Heat Resistant (HRO):

Heat resistant Outsole: To resist 300°C for 60 seconds.

Resistance to fuel oil of outsole (FO):

Water Resistant Upper (WRU):

Water resistant upper, not used on all rubber or polymeric footwear.

Metatarsal (M):

Safety boots or shoes with metatarsal protection.

Cut Resistance (CR):

Safety shoes or boots with cut resistance.

Non-metallic footwear:

Safety footwear containing no metal parts are ideal for workplaces with metal detectors like airports eliminating the hassle of removing them and remember, lighter boots can be significantly more forgiving on your lower back.

There are several other classifications which need to be considered such as:-

BS4676:2005 for use in molten metal environments.

EN13832-2 (&) 3: 2006 Footwear protection against chemicals.

EN15090: 2006 Footwear protection for fire-fighters.

EN ISO 17249:2004 Safety footwear for use with chainsaws.

EN5321:2000 Electrically insulating footwear for working on low voltage installations.

BS7971-5:2004 Footwear protection for use in violent or training situations.

Notes:
CEN/ISO TR 18690:2006 Guidance for the selection use and maintenance of safety, protective and occupational footwear.

For information on how the various performance levels and classifications are assessed and their relevance to practical situations, contact:

HSL-Personal Safety Unit in Buxton on: 01298 218329.

Get Ready For A Warm Winter With Granite Workwear

This month stay warm whilst working with Granite’s collection of thermal wear from Xcelcius. Our next to skin thermal garments will take the chill away when working on outside projects or in cold environments.Within our collection we stock a wide range of thermal underwear, balaclavas, hats and gloves from as little as £1.75.

Xcelsius Supertherm Knitted Hat XST16

Keep your head warm in the freezing temperatures this winter with our Xcelsius Supertherm Knitted hat, specifically designed to keep you warm even if the temperature drops down to minus 5° Celsius. Made from blended viloft fibres with polyester, viloft is made from wood pulp which increases thermal performance. The natural wicking properties in the viloft will keep your skin dry and warm, which is ideal for aerobic activities and outdoor sports.

Xcelcius Thermal Underwear Long Sleeve Top XPV01

The Xcelcius Thermal Underwear Long Sleeve Top will feel like a second skin as it’s made out of blended soft viscose and polyester. This fabric is also very light and comfortable, so it’s suitable for wearing at work all day. You can wear this thermal top under any garment as its ideal for providing a performance layered base for everyday use. Not only can this garment be washed without losing its shape but it is also suitable for temperatures down to -5° Celsius.

Xcelcius Thermal Underwear Long Pants XPV03

The Xcelcius Thermal Underwear Long Pants transports moisture away from the skin through the fabric by the capillary action of the fibre, which allows you to stay warm throughout the day. This style of pant has a modern cut and fit so you can easily slip your trousers on over the top. Made from blended soft viscose and polyester, this garment is suitable for temperatures down to -5° Celsius.

Our complete collection of affordable thermal clothing will keep you protected and safe throughout winter. For the use in the most demanding conditions view our full product collection at Granite Workwear online or get in touch by calling us on 0115 964 0111.

Professional Unilite Torches at Granite

This month why not view our collection of the best high visibility technology touches by Unilite, a pro-safe approach to staying well lit and safe in working conditions.

With vast research into LED development and the drive to produce innovative designs Unilite has created products with breakthrough focus control, electronic dimming configuration and induction technology, alongside existing product developments in lenses, reflectors, micro-switches and industrial use of materials such as high strength co-polymer.

Unilite as a brand works hand in hand with Granites message of producing durable and well-designed products by using the highest possible specification components in all of their products.

At Granite we stock the Unilite PS-H range as well as the Unilite HV-H head torches which are impact resistant, waterproof and chemical resistant head torches.

Unilite PS-H1 Head torch

This Unilite head torch supports some truly outstanding features such an a scientific optical fraction lens, a beam range of 45 meters and a battery life of 8 hours and an emergency red flash function all for just £21.54.

Unilite PS-H5 Head torch

With two different power settings you can have this torch on for up to 36 hours! That’s not all, this product features infrared no touch on-off facility which is very useful when wearing working gloves, a beam range of 120 metres, and a 180 Lumen white CREE LED, costing only £47.94.

Unilite HV-H4 Head torch

The Unilite HV-H4 sports a collimator lens as well as a beam range of 85 meters, a battery life of 16 hours when on full power and a 165 Lumen white Luxeon LED. Priced at £42.00, this is a great head torch for working on railways and highways.

All of the head torches come with a free set of helmet clips which work well with any safety helmet such as the  Peltor G3000 or the Venitex Diamond V.

For the use in the most demanding conditions view our full product collection visit Granite Work wear online or get in touch by calling us on 0115 964 0111.

New for October- A new and well developed range of Rock Fall Safety Footwear

At Granite this month we are extending our safety footwear collection to include the addition of a new range of Rock Fall Safety boots.

This range of lightweight safety footwear, all with composite toe caps and midsoles, is perfect for working on rail projects, civils and quarrying. Keep your feet safe and put less stress on your lower back – you will be a lot fresher at the end of a hard day.

The Rock Fall ‘Flint'

Now in stock is the Rock Fall ‘Flint’, with a lightweight composite toecap and anti-penetration protective midsole. For just £42.95, the ‘Flint’ provides excellent value for money – this water resistant safety boot is ideal for walking on ballast with its shock absorbing footbed making it the perfect footwear for the rail industry and ground works.

The Rock Fall ‘Titanium’

Later throughout this month you will be able to order the ‘Titanium’ and ‘Alaska’ Rock Fall safety footwear. The ‘Titanium’ safety boot is waterproof and features R-Ten abrasion resistant stitching thread and a lightweight composite toe cap and midsole. Perfect for the rail industry, utilities, civils, quarries and highways, this product is priced at just £59.95.

The Rock Fall 'Alaska'

The lightweight ‘Alaska’ Rock Fall safety boot has a temperature operating range of between –40°c to +300°c, as well as featuring Thinsulate© B600 thermal lining and a slip resistant rubber sole. Only £59.95 these boots are perfect for when the temperatures really drop.

For the use in the most demanding conditions, Rock Fall safety footwear will endure the toughest of situations, to view our full product collection visit Granite Workwear online or get in touch by calling us on 0115 964 0111.

Mullion Will Float Your Boat

At Granite we believe that quality comes before expense.  We don’t risk your safety in order to provide you with cheap deals; instead we use the best materials available and offer the best value for money.

Planning on going sea fishing or just plain cruising?

The sea can be a cruel mistress, it is best to be prepared for anything especially when you are so far away from land. So a Mullion Floatation suit would be considered an essential item to take along with you.

These floatation suits have a range of benefits which includes, Protection against cold water shock and hyperthermia upon immersion. It also features inherent buoyancy in excess of 50 Newton meaning it conforms to the EN393 standard, the outer fabric is fully waterproof and all the seams are taped. Another feature is the retro-reflective tape on hood and chest combined with the High-visibility adjustable insulated peaked hood insuring that you are more likely to be visible to others meaning that you will be able to be seen from quite a distance.

Mullion aims for and achieves the maximum technical properties and standards within its product range and consistently holds the highest standard of approval possible in each market sector for the relevant products.

Furthermore, Mullion works very closely with the various appropriate standards committees and accredited approvals testing houses in order to ensure the highest standards are set and maintained for the safety at sea industry. All this means that with Mullion you are virtually guaranteed great quality and a product that you know will be just what you are looking for when going sea fishing or cruising.

At Granite Workwear we have an extensive range of floatation suits/jackets and trousers that you will find are of great quality and good value. We also have immersion suits and life jackets for both leisure and professional use.

Muck Boots – Quality, Practical and supremely comfortable

In the current day items like Wellington boots have become increasingly popular for a wide variety of people. You will usually find that these Wellington boots are waterproof and are most often made from rubber or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) a halogenated polymer. They are usually worn when walking on wet or muddy ground, or to protect the wearer from heavy showers and puddles. There are many brands of wellington boots available and one of the best is the ones by the Muck Boot Company.

Why should I buy wellies in the summer? – Just how predictable is our weather forecast?

If you are going to buy wellingtons then there are two things to consider:

Paying far too much for a pair of over-priced branded boots that you could have done just as well buying from the local hardware store, or buying from the local hardware store and get chilblains in winter and sweaty feet and blisters in the summer.

Muck boots are just so comfortable you will forget that you have them on. Once tried you are very likely to be a convert. As with all original innovative products there are several cheaper copies so beware and be careful that you buy the originals. Farming, Veterinarian, Wetland management and all of the regular country activities like hunting, shooting and fishing and gardening are catered for.

The Original Muck Boot Company’s purpose was to build the most comfortable, high performance footwear on the market. The need for a more comfortable boot for use in messy and tough conditions has become more popular in England as people are getting increasingly fed up with the unpredictable British weather meaning that these boots can be put to use when it’s raining heavily, farmers working and muddy conditions, or even emerging trends where people are now wearing things like muck boots to festivals because of the weather conditions making it muddy.

The Muck Boot Company has firmly established themselves as the standard of comfort and quality that goes beyond the expectations of customers around the country. These boots have almost become the ones you look to when you are looking for great quality wellington boots that won’t fail you in any situation. You can find these Muck Boots on the Granite Workwear website, where there is a variety of Muck Boots available.

Such as the Spey Muck Boots:

And the Esk Muck Boots:

How Important Is Comfort In Trainers?

With the summer time now here, more outdoor activities being done is called for, whether this is just going for a walk in the park, cycling or even just going for a walk round the town all this is sure to leave your feet hurting, unless you have really comfortable trainers, meaning that comfortable trainers almost become a necessity.

Luckily here at Granite Workwear we have just the thing in our special offers section of the webpage, these are trainers that are made by V-Tech both are very lightweight and breathable, providing decent comfort. You’ll see that the prices slashes on these trainers are as much as 38% off. So surely this is a win/win situation you get a decent quality pair of trainers that will keep you comfortable whilst you enjoy the wonders of the of the summer. However not only will these pair of trainers be useful in this situation, they will be useful in almost any situation especially when you have to travel far by foot so whether you are taking the dog for a walk or working on your feet all day, the V-Tech trainers will be the best value for money to get the job done.

With the V-Tech Aviation Non Metallic Safety Trainers costing just £39.95 which is almost 33% Off and the V-Tech Wing Non Metallic Safety Trainers costing £39.95 resulting in a massive 38% Off these are deals that surely have to be snapped up!