Electrical Hazard (EH) rated safety boots are designed to provide protection against electrical hazards in the workplace. They are designed as a supplemental form of protection to the wearer from hazardous step potential (the difference in electrical potential between the feet) while standing on the ground. But the EH work boots are not suitable where Anti-Static/ Static Dissipative properties are needed.
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Electric contact can occur in many ways and situations including:
- Defective or damaged tools or badly maintained equipment
- Inadequate wiring and improper grounding
- Unsafe work practices or environments
- Unexpected exposure to electric parts
- Overloaded circuits and improper insulation
EH SAFETY BOOTS ARE TESTED TO 18,000V AND MUST PROVIDE ELECTRICAL INSULATION FOR ONE MINUTE. The EH boot's sole is made from non-conductive materials so electrical charges don't pass through the body, as the wearer is isolated from the ground. EH rated safety boots are tested by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and is not an EN ISO 20345 standard. Electric Shock Resistant: 18000 volts at 60 Hz for 1 minute in dry conditions, leakage current of less than 1 milliamperes. Meets requirements for American Standard ASTM F 2413 – EH.
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Electrical Hazard footwear is to be used in conjunction with primary protective equipment in areas and environments where there is a need to reduce the risk of electric shock due to accidental contact with live electric wires. EH safety shoes should not be used as the primary source of protection in an electrical hazard environment. A variety of methods such as maintaining appropriate distances, use of isolation methods, use of grounding methods for step voltage control, etc. should be considered to provide protection.
Caution: EH protection is severely deteriorated in the following conditions:
- Excessive wear on the soling material
- Contamination by conductive materials. For example, soles can pick up metal shavings which may reduce the effectiveness of the protection
- Exposure to wet or humid environments. In wet environments where the protective qualities of the footwear are compromised and where there is a step potential hazard, Dielectric overshoes should be used.
Care and Use of Electrical Hazards Boots:
- Keep the shoes and outsoles free of conductive materials such as screws, nails and metal shavings.
- Dry the footwear thoroughly after use.
- Clean outsoles with a mild soap and warm water.
- To avoid cracking, store footwear away from electric motors or electric fields.
- Inspect footwear for any visible damage prior to use, such as punctures, tears, snags and cracking.
- Dispose of the footwear if embedded with conductive materials, or if wear causes the outsole thickness to diminish noticeably. These conditions will result in significant reduction or elimination of the footwear’s protection if the wearer steps on an electrical circuit.
Overall, EH rated safety boots play a crucial role in protecting workers from electrical hazards and helping to maintain a safe work environment in industries where exposure to electricity is a concern.