3. 3
INDEX
TECHNICAL
ESD AND ANTISTATIC
SAFETY SHOES P. 5 - 7
HYDROLYSIS, THE CRUMBLING OF
SHOE SOLES EXPLAINED P. 8 - 10
THE MOST COMFORTABLE
WORK SHOES P. 12 - 14
STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS
FOR SAFETY SHOES P. 16 - 19
STEEL OR COMPOSITE TOE BOOTS,
WHAT DO I NEED?! P. 20 - 22
PUNCTURE RESISTANCE,
STEEL VS WOVEN FABRIC MIDSOLES P. 24 - 26
ELECTRICAL HAZARD (EH) RATED
SAFETY BOOTS P. 28 - 30
INDEX TECHNICAL
5. ESD AND ANTISTATIC SAFETY SHOES
5
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
ANTISTATIC AND ESD
The terms ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) and antistatic bring a lot of confusion, and not just when it comes
to safety shoes. While one includes the other, it’s incorrect to say the same in reverse. Although both terms
refer to contact resistance, there are fundamental differences between the two.
ANTISTATICSAFETYSHOES
Have an electrical resistance between 0.1 and 1000 MegaOhm (MΩ). A value that fluctuates between good
protection from electrical shocks and sufficient dissipative capacity. In other words, antistatic safety shoes
protect and build up static electricity until 1000 MΩ before conducting it to the ground.
ESDSAFETYSHOES
Have an electrical resistance between 0.1 and 100 MegaOhm (MΩ). Thus, they guarantee a low electrical
resistance in order to prevent the sudden flow of electricity between two electrically charged objects caused
by contact. ESD safety shoes protect and build up static electricity until100 MΩ before sending it to the
ground, resulting in a very safe and controlled conduction to the ground. Safety shoes which are both
ESD and antistatic will have a strong electrical resistanceand a very reliable conduction to the ground.
INTRODUCTION
Antistatic and ESD safety shoes are both conducting safety shoes. This means they provide some levels
of isolation, while their main purpose is to protect against static electricity. They do this by sending
(conducting) the static electricity out of the safety shoes to the ground, preventing a static shock, charge or
spark. They are worn in industries in which a static shock is problematic or could trigger a fire or explosion.
6. ANTISTATIC
• Norm - EN 20344: 2011 5 10
• Good protection from electrical shocks
and sufficient dissipative capacity
• 100% Tested in production
ESD
Our antistatic safety shoes prevent the
buildup of static electricity and reduces
static electric charges.
Our ESD safety shoes prevent a
strong, uncontrolled electrostatic
discharge.
ANTI-STATIC
SHOE
ESD - ELECTRO
STATIC DISCHARGE
• Electrical resistance between 0.1 and 100 (MΩ)
• Norm - BS EN 61340-4-3: 2002 (IEC 61340-4-3:2001)
• Guaranteed extremely low electrical resistance
under any conditions
• 100% Tested in production
ANTISTATIC
ESD
0.1 MΩ 100 MΩ 1000 MΩ
Requirements: 0.1 MΩ ≤ ESD <100 MΩ
0.1 MΩ ≤ ANTISTATIC <1000 MΩ
ESDIN INDUSTRIES
6
ESD and antistatic safety shoes are used in different type of industries to protect sensitive equipment
or components from electrostatic discharges, such as aerospace, industrial equipment manufacturing,
semiconductor manufacturing, electrical engineers, telecommunications equipment manufacturing, battery
manufacturing, computer equipment manufacturing, medical industry, hospitals and many more.
ESD can cause a range of harmful effects on worksites. Gas, fuel vapour and coal dust explosions, as well
as failure of solid state electronics components such as integrated circuits. Therefore it’s crucial that people
who work in these environments stay protected at all times by wearing ESD safety shoes.
7. ESDTECHNOLOGIES
ESD CLASSES
Temperature and humidity (or the moisture content in the shoe) have a major effect on the safety
shoe’s electrical resistance. Safety shoes with ESD protection are tested and divided into different climate
classes, 1, 2 and 3.
The difference between these three classes is the time of conditioning, temperature and humidity. For
example, climate class 1 is the ESD class with the highest temperature and lowest humidity. When safety
shoes satisfy the class 1 criteria, they have a guaranteed low electrical resistance, even under exceptional
circumstances.
ESD AND ANTISTATIC SAFETY SHOES
SOCK STITCHED + PU
SOCK STITCHED + ESD-PLUG
EVA + ESD-PLUG
Testing the ESD properties of safety shoes
for ESD certification involves a test method
under laboratory conditions. The safety shoe
is placed on a stainless steel plate as the first
electrode and a counter electrode is placed
inside the safety shoe on the insole. Weight
of 12.5 kg (+/- 2.5 kg) is then applied, and
a device measures the contact resistance
between the two electrodes. It must be less
than 100 megaohm to be granted with the
respective climate class ESD certification.
7
Climate class Pretreatment Conditioning Measurement
1
2
3
96(+10)h
(40+/-3) °C
RH<15%
96(+10)h
(23+/-2) °C
(12+/-3)% RH
(23+/-2) °C
(12+/-3)% RH
96(+10)h
(23+/-2) °C
(25+/-3)% RH
(23+/-2) °C
(12+/-3)% RH
48(+10)h
(23+/-2) °C
(50+/-5)% RH
(23+/-2) °C
(50+/-5)% RH
ENERGETICA
S3
KARLA
OXYCLOG
9. HYDROLYSIS AND
POLYURETHANEEXPLAINED
The attack of hydrolysis on a PU sole
HYDROLYSIS, THE CRUMBLING OF SHOE SOLES EXPLAINED
9
Many of our shoes have the soles attached to the uppers by a process where 2 materials are brought
together in a mould, the resultant chemical reaction forms polyurethane (PU). the use of polyurethane
makes a lightweight flexible sole which is not only shock absorbent but also extremely hard wearing, that’s
why polyurethane is ideal for shoes.
One of the main technical challenges with polyurethane is overcoming an ageing deterioration
known as ‘hydrolysis’. Hydrolysis is the chemical breakdown of the PU polymer and the resulting physical
breakdown or crumbling of the PU sole by the attack of water (usually in vapour form), occurring over a
period of several years (even when the shoes are in store!).
This process is accelerated by warmth and high humidity. It will, therefore, happen more quickly in tropical
climates, but also in confined spaces (such as lockers) if the safety shoes are put away damp. In the most
advanced state of hydrolysis, the PU sole will lose all its physical strength, thus cracking or crumbling.
The Safety Jogger PU sole has been improved to increase the resistance against hydrolysis and performs
better than any average safety shoe.
10. THE SAFETY JOGGER
PUSOLE
YEARS IN NORMAL
CONDITIONS
PU CRITICAL
VALUE
SAFETY JOGGER
PU
BASIC POLYESTER
PU
YEARS IN NORMAL
CONDITIONS
PU CRITICAL
VALUE
SAFETY JOGGER
PU
BASIC POLYESTER
PU
10
There are 2 types of PU soles. There is a Polyether based PU sole and a Polyester based PU
sole. Polyether based PU soles have a high resistance against hydrolysis and low oil resistance.
Polyester based PU soles have a low resistance against hydrolysis and high oil resistance.
Safety shoes are always using a polyester based PU sole. The basic PU sole used in most safety
shoes on the market lasts for 1.5 year in tropical conditions and 3 years in normal conditions.
The Safety Jogger PU sole, upgraded with improved resistance against hydrolysis, lasts for
4 years in tropical conditions and 8 years in normal conditions. Making our safety shoes a
reliable product of endurance.
YEARS IN NORMAL
CONDITIONS
PU CRITICAL
VALUE
SAFETY JOGGER
PU
BASIC POLYESTER
PU
YEARS IN NORMAL
CONDITIONS
PU CRITICAL
VALUE
SAFETY JOGGER
PU
BASIC POLYESTER
PU
0 3
6 10
13. THE MOST COMFORTABLE WORK SHOES
WHAT IS A COMFORTABLE
WORK SHOE?
§§ Water repellent yet breathable
§§ Shock absorbing
§§ Lightweight and flexible
§§ Have comfortable ankle support
13
Be pain-free on any work environment with a pair of comfortable work shoes. Get more work
done and stop wasting time dealing with sore muscles or aching feet. Our collection of stylish,
comfortable work shoes is designed to provide an all-day comfort. Most of you work about
8 hours every day, 5 days of the week all year round, so the last thing you want is discomfort
and pain in your feet.
Safety Jogger offers comfortable work shoes suitable for heavy outdoor jobs and labour that
requires strenuous activity. We have comfortable work shoes for men and women benefiting
from trendy designs, soft linings, state-of-the-art impact foam, air cushioning, breathable
leather, and so much more to bring you the comfort you desire.
First of all, you need a comfortable work shoe that keeps your feet dry, offers support and hug your feet
without rubbing it the wrong way. If they rub your feet the wrong way, you’ve got a long day full of aches
and pain ahead of you. And we don’t want that, right?
While all brands claim that their work shoes are the best or the most comfortable on the market, you don’t
want to find out the truth about comfort the hard way. Everyone has their own opinion and thoughts when
it comes to comfort but overall, a comfortable pair of work shoes should be:
Apart from price and durability, you must consider
features that make a comfortable work shoe something
that pushes you forward rather than holding you back.
The best way to start, when looking for comfortable work
shoes, is to ask yourself what features can’t be missed for
your work environment. Technology within the work shoe
industry has been on a fast track for quite some time.
The safety and comfort features that didn’t exist a decade
ago are now very common in most comfortable work
shoes, so you need to find out what’s vital for your work.
TURBO
S3
14. FEATURES FOR A
COMFORTABLE WORK SHOE
14
SOLES:
The soles of work shoes can make all the
difference when you work on your feet all day.
They could be the difference between a long,
painful day and a nice, comfortable day.
INSOLE
For additional comfort and support, think
about adding some great insoles to your
boots. The new and revolutionary Safety
Jogger Impact foam takes full-surface foot
comfort to the next level. The unique shape
constantly adapts to the pressure of the foot,
improving every step you take. An exceptional
Air Breathability technology and extra Shock
Impact Zone at the heel keep your feet
comfortable and fresh all day long.
MIDSOLE
Choose the sole which is right for you. There
are big differences in comfort and purpose
between a steel or woven fabric midsole. Learn
every difference between the 2 in the section
puncture resistance.
OUTSOLE
Not only do you need a comfortable sole that
can withstand the elements, you also need a
sole that provides support so that every step
isn’t a painful one. Rubber outsoles are slip-
resistant and provide maximum traction.
The use of polyurethane makes a lightweight
flexible sole which is not only shock absorbent
but also extremely hard wearing.
SAFETY TOE:
When it comes to comfort and safety toes,
Choose the right type of toe for your individual
work environment, and maybe look for
comfortable shoes that sport an extra wide
steel toe, which will mean more room to move.
Some Safety Joggers are actually made to have
wider toe-spaces for extra comfortable steel toe
shoes!
STEEL
Steel toes are the most traditional choice, but
often become extremely cold in environments
where the temperatures are getting chilly.
COMPOSITE
Composite toes offer heavy protection in a
lightweight design, they are preferred by those
who want something that does not conduct the
cold, but they are also the bulkiest choice.
If you’re not required to have steel toes, and
it’s just pure comfort you’re looking for, a
composite toe would be the best choice.
GUSTO81
S3
17. STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS FOR SAFETY SHOES
SAFETY SHOES
CERTIFIED STANDARDS
17
Safety shoes are required to have an “S standard” (safety). Only then can you be sure that it
has a strengthened toe. Thanks to continuous investments in innovation, extensive product
testing in all stages and the knowhow of our team, we are able to offer you a wide range
of technical features. We monitor the latest changes in safety shoes standards and we
will always meet or exceed them where possible.
ISO 20345 : 2011
The current safety shoes standard or certification across Europe is updated in 2011 to make it more
strict, all products must be manufactured, tested and certified under EN ISO 20345:2011. Under this
safety shoes standard, all shoes must now have front foot protection against a 200 joule impact. This is the
amount of energy the toe region can absorb before breaking. Under the EN ISO 203456:2011 safety shoes
standard there are different safety classes like S1 or S3 for example. Every safety shoe will be tested on all
possible aspects and will be granted with an S-class. Explore our overview on the next page to learn what
each safety class is representing.
ASTM 2413 -17
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is an international standards organisation
that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards or certifications for a wide range of
materials, products, systems, and services. ASTM announced that the former ANSI Z41 Standard for Personal
Protection Protective Footwear was withdrawn in 2005. It was replaced by two new ASTM standards, titled
F2413 Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Foot Protection and F2412-11 Standard Test
Methods for Foot Protection. These new safety shoes standards provide safety and performance previously
put forward by ANSI since 1967.
Shoes conforming to these safety shoe standards or certifications shall meet the performance requirements
for the following: impact / compression resistance for the toe area, puncture resistance for safety shoes,
conductive properties which reduce hazards that may result from static electricity buildup and reduce the
possibility of ignition of explosives and volatile chemicals, complete electric shock resistance, and more..
18. SAFETY SHOES CLASS 1made from leather or others, except rubber &
polymers
Basic requirement, toe protection
above 200 joule
SB + anti-static between 0.1 and 1000
MΩ + fully enclosed heel + energy
absorption around heel
S1 + water penetration and
absorption resistance
S2 + penetration resistant above 1100
newtons + cleated outsole
ANY safety class + penetration
resistant above 1100 newtons
SAFETY SHOES CLASS 2manufactured in one piece, e.g. rubber &
polymers
Basic requirement, toe protection
above 200 joule
SB + anti-static between 0.1 and
1000 MΩ + energy absorption
around heel
S4 + water penetration and
absorption resistance
SB
S1
S2
S3
*P
SB
S4
S5
18
LAB
QUALITY IS KEY
19. SLIP RESISTANCE SAFETY SHOES STANDARDS
for all new certified models from 12/2007 onwards
slip resistance certified and tested on ceramic tile floors with
sodium lauryl sulphate
slip resistance certified and tested on steel floors with glycerol
slip resistance includes all characteristics of SRA + SRB
SRA
SRB
SRC
CERTIFIEDSLIPRESISTANCE
STANDARDS
19
R&D FACILITIES
INNOVATION IN
EVERY STEP
Almost every Safety Jogger product is provided with an SRC certified slip resistance, meaning the slip
resistance of the outsole was tested on a ceramic tile wetted with a dilute soap solution and on a smooth
steel plate with glycerol. Safety Jogger outsoles pass both tests with glance and do not only fulfil the
minimum standards (SRA/SRB), but exceed them remarkably.
STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS FOR SAFETY SHOES
21. STEELTOE and COMPOSITETOE
WORK BOOTS
21
STEEL OR COMPOSITE TOE BOOTS, WHAT DO I NEED?!
Safety toe work boots are designed to protect against a variety of hazards and injuries.
The footwear and its protective grade is best chosen after evaluation (risk assessment) of
the potential dangers in the work environment. Safety toe work boots should always
be used as a last resort, it is the final line of defence against hazards, after all other
reasonable or practical measures have been taken to manage the risks of the workplace.
Impact, compression and puncture are the most common types of foot injury.
Common dangers are related to the kind of materials that are handled by the worker, risks
of objects falling on or rolling over the feet, blades that might cut the top of the feet, ...
Next page we made you a clean and simple overview of the pros & cons between steel
or composite toe work boots
THE DIFFERENCE IN STEEL AND COMPOSITE TOE CAPS
If you’re involved in the purchase of safety toe work boots, it is important not just to know about safety
footwear codes and standards, but also to have an understanding of the materials they are made from.
You will see safety toe work boots that have steel toe caps in their specifications while others have
composite toe caps. Strange, because both materials have the same purpose. A protective toe cap made
according to European or ASTM standard will protect the feet from impact, regardless the material.
But than what exactly is the difference between steel toe and composite toe work boots and what could be
your best choice? An understanding of the differences between steel toe work boots and composite toe
work boots means that you can make a confident and correct purchase for your work activities.
That being said, this list with all the differences you should know about steel toe and composite toe
work boots will help you cut the knot!
22. STEEL TOE CAP COMPOSITE TOE CAP
22
Made from steel only
Used since 1930’s and steel toe
caps are still very popular
Naturally stronger than
composite toe caps, a thinner
layer is used in the work boots
to reach the same strength as a
composite toe
Cheaper compared to composite
toe work boots
Conducting cold, heat and
electricity
Made from non-metal materials such as
fiberglass, carbon fiber or plastics
Gaining popularity due to several benefits
in comfort
Lighter compared to a steel toe, reducing
stress and fatigue on the legs and joints
throughout long workdays
Mostly used in a higher quality- and price
range of safety toe work boots
Not conducting heat or cold in extreme
temperatures, for extra comfort
More thick and bulky compared to steel
toe work boots. Nanocarbon toe caps are a
solution for the dimensional problems, as
they are very lightweight and thin toe caps.
Metal-free work boots, practical
when working in electrical hazardous
environments, or workplaces with metal
detectors such as courts, airports, ...
DAKAR-019
S3
25. PUNCTURE RESISTANCE, STEEL VS WOVEN FABRIC MIDSOLES
SAFETY SHOES ARE DESIGNEDTO
PROTECTAGAINST A VARIETY OF
HAZARDSANDINJURIES.
PUNCTURERESISTANCE
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STEEL AND WOVEN FABRIC MIDSOLES
The footwear and its protective grade is best chosen after evaluation (risk assessment) of the potential
dangers in the work environment. Safety footwear should always be used as a last resort, it is the final line
of defence against hazards, after all other reasonable or practical measures have been taken to manage the
risks of the workplace. Impact, compression and puncture are the most common types of foot injury.
Common dangers are related to the kind of materials that are handled by the worker, risks of objects falling
on or rolling over the feet, blades that might cut the top of the feet, or sharp objects that could penetrate
the outsole of the shoe. on the next page we go a little deeper in the differences between steel midsoles
and woven fabric midsoles in puncture resistant footwear.
Puncture fleshwounds are particularly awful because screws, spikes, sharp scrap metal or the famous rusty
nail puncturing the foot, can deposit bacteria and debris deep into the body, leading to dangerous
infections and/or permanent foot damage.
The protective midsoles are embedded during the manufacturing process, between the insole and outsole
of the puncture resistant boots. The standard specifies that the protective midsole of puncture resistant
boots cannot be removed without damaging or destroying the boot. 2 main materials are used for
protective midsoles: steel and Amarid (woven fabrics with high tenacity; eg. Kevlar by Dupont, Twaron by
Akzo)
When puncture resistant boots have a woven
fabrics midsole, they are most likely to have a
composite toe cap too to create a metal-free,
lightweight work boot. A crucial element
on sites where metal detectors are used as
employees enter and leave, for example
high-security environments, such as airports,
governmental buildings and military bases, where
the scanning aims to prevent weapons from
making their way in.
That being said, we made a list with all the
differences you should know about a steel
or woven fabric midsole in your search for the
puncture resistant work boot that suits your work.
25
26. STEEL
MIDSOLES
WOVEN FABRIC
MIDSOLES
26
Made from coated steel or stainless
steel
More economic compared to textile/
Aramid materials
Thinner than textile/Aramid midsoles
Embedded in the outsole construction,
not visible when taking out the comfort
insole
Conducting cold, heat and electricity
Recommended for protection against
very sharp and tiny objects
Less flexible than textile midsoles, due
to the characteristics of metal
Not protecting the full bottom
surface of the footwear, few mm stay
unprotected at the sides
Subject to corrosion after a period of
time, when made in coated carbon steel,
especially at the flexline area
Made from Aramid fibers like Kevlar or
Twaron
More flexible compared to steel midsoles
Less heavy than steel midsoles
Sewn onto the shoes upper construction,
visible when removing the comfort insole
Not conducting cold, heat and electricity
Recommended for people working in metal
scanning environments
More comfort due to technical evolution
towards thinner, more lightweight materials.
Protecting the full bottom suface of the
shoe
Combined very high strength-to-weight
properties, with excellent temperature,
abrasion and cut resistance values
THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN STEEL AND
WOVEN FABRIC
MIDSOLES
VOLCANO-130
S3
29. 29
ELECTRICAL HAZARD (EH) RATED SAFETY BOOTS
ELECTRICALHAZARD
PROTECT YOURSELF
FROM ELECTRICALHAZARDS
Protection from electrocution or any other electrical hazard can be obtained in many ways. One of the most
direct and efficient features to prevent electrical hazard is the use of insulating protective equipment inside
safety boots.
Safety Jogger offers EH rated boots which protect from electrical hazard by insulation :
• according to ASTM-F2412
• AQL tested in production at 18.000V, 60Hz, AC
• Outsoles made in specific insulating rubber or PU compound
Electrical hazard (EH) rated safety boots are ISOLATING safety boots and protect yourself from completing
an electrical circuit to the ground, the idea behind these EH rated safety boots is pretty simple. The entire
surface of the boot is made from non-conductive materials and as a result no electrical charge will reach
your feet, because you are fully isolated from the ground. EH rated safety boots have an Electrical Hazard
(EH) rating on them, meaning they have been tested by the American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) for their protection against an electrical shock.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Unfortunately, EH rated safety boots can be affected by certain factors and their potential to keep the
wearer safe, affected. The Excessive wear of the soles or exposure of these boots or wet or humid conditions
or both can reduce the effectiveness of these shoes. EH rated safety boots are usually worn when working
in dry areas where the potential for electrocution is at high risk, do not wear these in wet, hazardous or
explosive areas!
30. 30
HEALTHRISKS FROM
ELECTRIC CONTACT
faint tingle 1 mA
slight, not painful but disturbing shock 5 mA
painful shock, loss of muscular control 6-25 mA
freezing current, muscular contraction, but can also be pushed away from the circuit 9-30 mA
extreme pain, severe muscular contraction, respiratory arrest, death is possible 50 - 150 mA
heart fibrillation, muscular contraction and nerve damage, death is likely 1.000 - 4.300 mA
severe burns, cardiac arrest, death is probable 10.000 mA
MAIN CAUSES OF ELECTRICALINJURY
OR ELECTROCUTION
Electric contact can occur in many different ways and situations, we listed to most common below:
• defective or damaged tools, badly maintained equipment
• inadequate wiring, improper grounding
• unsafe work practice or environment
• unexpected exposition to electric parts
• contact with overhead power lines, high voltage circuits
• overloaded circuits, improper insulation
electrocutions are one of the most frequent electrical hazards in construction sites. When in direct contact
with electric high voltage equipment, such as overhead powerlines or transformer cabins, electrocution can
be fatal by cardiac arrest. Each year they cause more than 300 deaths and 4,000 injuries. Electricity flows
through conductors including metals, water, earth, but also the human body. When electrical equipment is
functioning properly, the circuit is maintained between the tool, the wires and the electric source.
However, in case of a malfunctioning machine or circuit, the operator can become part of the electric circuit.
When in direct contact with a “live” wire, a person can feel a tingling sensation, over an intense electric
shock, to ultimately a fatal electrocution, depending on the power, frequency and type (AC/DC) of electric
source. Voltages over 50V AC or 120V DC are considered hazardous.