AS/NZS 2210.3:2000 pdf – Occupational protective footwear Part 3: Specification for safety footwear

AS/NZS 2210.3:2000 pdf – Occupational protective footwear Part 3: Specification for safety footwear.
If the footwear is worn in conditions where the soling material becomes contaminated with substances that may increase the electrical resistance of the footwear, wearers should always check the electrical properties of their footwear before entering a hazard area.
Where conductive footwear is in use. the resistance of the flooring should be such that it does not invalidate the protection provided by the footwear.
In use, no insulating elements, with the exception of normal hose, should be introduced between the inner sole of the footwear and the foot of the wearer. If any insert is put between the inner sole and the foot, the combination footwear/insert should be checked for its electrical properties.
7.2 Antistatic footwear
Each pair of antistatic footwear shall be supplied with a leaflet worded as follows.
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 flammable substances and vapours, and if the risk of electric shock from any electrical apparatus or live parts has not been completely eliminated. It should be noted, however, that antistatic footwear cannot guarantee an adequate protection against electric shock as it introduces only a resistance between foot and floor. If the risk of electrical shock has not been completely eliminated, additional preventive measures are essential. Such measures, as well as the additional tests mentioned below, should be a routine part of the accident prevention programme of the workplace.
Experience has shown that, for antistatic purposes, the discharge path through a product should normally have an electrical resistance of less than 1 000 Mu at any time throughout its useful life. A value of 100 ki is specified as the lowest limit of resistance of a product when new, in order to ensure some limited protection against dangerous electric shock or ignition in the event of any electrical apparatus becoming defective when operating at voltages 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. The footwear will not perform its intended function if worn in wet conditions. It is, therefore, necessary to ensure that the antistatic footwear is capable of fulfilling its designed function of dissipating electrostatic charges and also of giving some protection throughout the whole of its life. The user is recommended to establish an in-house test for electrical resistance and to use it at regular and frequent intervals.
If the footwear is worn in conditions where the soling material becomes contaminated, wearers should always check the electrical properties of the footwear before entering a hazard area.
Where antistatic footwear is in use, the resistance of the flooring should be such that it does not invalidate the protection provided by the footwear.
In use, no insulating elements, with the exception of normal hose, should be introduced between the inner sole of the footwear and the foot of the wearer. If any insert is put between the inner sole and the foot, the combination footwear/insert should be checked for its electrical properties.