AS NZS 2210.1:2010 pdf free download – Safety, protective and occupational footwear Part 1: Guide to selection, care and use

AS NZS 2210.1:2010 pdf free download – Safety, protective and occupational footwear Part 1: Guide to selection, care and use.
2.1 GENERAL. PRINCIPLES
In order for footwear to be effectively worn, it is useful to develop an educational program to meet the needs of the user and the specific environment. Unless people are made familiar with the several factors about foot injuries and the actions necessary to prevent these injuries, they may not become sufficiently enthusiastic to ensure proper footwear is worn and other risk control measures instituted.
This should ensure the cooperation of the employees, who should be aware of their responsibility to—
(a) not willfully damage or misuse the protective footwear provided:
(b) immediately report any loss or damage affecting the footwear’s performance: and
(c) understand the need for care and maintenance to actively ensure continued maximum protect ion of the footwear.
Information should also he provided to each wearer of protective footwear on issues such as the need to—
(i) keep feet and footwear clean:
(ii) wash and thoroughly dry feet daily: and
(iii) change socks daily.
2.2 HAZARI) Il)FNTIFICATION ANI) RISK ASSFSSMENT
As protective footwear can only provide the wearer with a limited degree of protection against hazards in the workplace, it is essential that a hazard analysis study be carried out before implementing a footwear protection program. An example of a hazard identification/risk assessment sheet is shown in Table 2.1.
Common workplace hazards include the following:
(a) Slipping—see Appendix A.
(b) falling objects, sharp or penetrating objects (puncture/penetration). moving plant. machinery/equipment cutting. crushing/compression machinery/equipment ejecting objects (metatarsal impact).
(c) clalwes—gas. flammable materials. corrosives, toxic substances. infectious agents (chemically resistant, waterproofing).
(d) Therngal—extreme cold, extreme heal splashes of hot or cold materials:
(e) Electrical—unsafe electrical equipment, e.g. worn cords, water near electrical equipment (electrical insulation).
(f) Static electric ftv—static discharge may cause harm to workers or equipment.
Prior to the selection of protective foowear. a hazard assessment and analysis should be conducted. This assessment is based upon the workplace environment and specific work activities.
3.4.2 Antistatic properties
Antistatic footwear should be used if it is necessary to minimize electrostatic build-up by dissipating electrostatic charges, thus avoiding the risk of spark ignition of, for example tiammable substances and vapours. and if the risk of electric shock from any electrical apparatus or live parts has not been completely eliminated. however ii should be noted that antistatic footwear cannot guarantee adequate protection against electric shock as it introduces only a resislance between foot and floor. If the risk of electric shock has not been completely eliminated additional measures to avoid this risk are essential. Such measures, as well as the additional tests mentioned below, should be a routine part of the accident prccntion program at the isorkplac.
Experience has shown that, for antistatic purposes. the discharge path through a product should have an electrical resistance of less than 1000 M] at any time throughout its useful life. A value of 100 k is specified as the lowest limit of resistance of a product when new. in order to ensure some limited protection against dangerous electrical shock or ignition in the event of any electrical apparatus becoming defective when operating at voltages of up to 250 V. However, under certain conditions, users should be aware that the footwear might give inadequate protection and additional provisions to protect the wearer, should be taken at all times.
The electrical resistance of’ this type of footwear can be changed significantly by flexing. contamination or moisture. This footwear will not perform its intended function if worn in wet conditions.
It is, therefore necessary to ensure that the product is capable of fulfilling its designed function of dissipating electrostatic charges and also of giving some protection during the whole of its life. The user is recommended to establish an in-house test for electrical resistance and use it at regular and frequent intervals.
Classification I footwear can absorb moisture if worn for prolonged periods and in moist and wet conditions can become conductive.