KEEN Article August 2012_Layout 1 7/11/12 10:32 AM Page 54

Putting
Your Best
Foot
Forward
on the Job
Welders should consider the many
options for protective toes, soles,
and construction types available
when deciding what boots to buy

BY MARK REILLY For skilled craft trades across the

([email protected]) is the board, finding the right boots to
Keen Utility division director, wear during your workday, espe-
Portland, Ore. cially if most of that time is spent
standing, is like finding the right tool
for your job. First, evaluate your
needs and requirements, then pro-
ceed with selecting the ideal style
for your working environment.

ach day, welders rely on numer- step or accident can result in varying lev- the terminologies will help you to better

E ous types of protective gear to

help keep them safe while per-
forming various tasks. Forming a foun-
els of injury, causing time lost and com-
promised well-being.
According to the most recent report
find what is hoped will be your favorite
pair of boots. After all, comfortable feet
make the work day easier and let you
dation literally from the ground up, start- from the National Occupational Re- focus on the real job at hand.
ing with the importance of footwear, search Agenda in conjunction with the
must not be forgotten. Centers for Disease Control and Preven- Know Your Needs
A proper pair of work boots is essen- tion, there were 689,700 nonfatal occu-
tial not only to protect your feet and toes pational injuries and illnesses in the man- Understanding the various safety fea-
but also to improve traction and stability ufacturing sector in 2008. The leading tures in work boots is paramount to find-
on a variety of surfaces and environ- causes resulting in days away from work ing the right one for your needs. Always
ments, plus provide comfort and durabil- due to injury were contact with objects start with your safety manager or fore-
ity while standing for long periods — see or equipment and falls (Ref. 1). man to determine if there are specific
lead photo. The market is full of manufacturers safety-gear requirements for your partic-
The human foot contains 26 relatively introducing new boots, proprietary tech- ular job or project.
small bones, more than 150 ligaments, nologies, and the latest and greatest ad- The Occupational Safety and Health
and an intricate network of muscles, ditions to the art of safety footwear. Un- Administration enforces guidelines for
nerves, and blood vessels. One small mis- derstanding what you need and knowing occupational foot protection based on re-

54 AUGUST 2012
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quirements established by the American

National Standards Institute (ANSI).
These guidelines help to ensure that Tips for Buying
skilled craftsmen and laborers wear the
right protection when exposed to job site
Industrial Work Boots
hazards including electrical, falling, slip-
pery surfaces, and much more. Just as you prepare for a long day on the job, shopping the right way for
It is important to review requirements your work boots takes preparation as well. Below are simple tips to remem-
with your employer and be sure to select ber when shopping for your next pair of work boots.
footwear that meets these needs. • Do Your Research First. Find out what requirements you might have
Footwear manufacturers do a good job in your work environment and what personal needs you may have.
of creating footwear that are ANSI com- • Shop for Boots in the Afternoon or Early Evening. Feet tend to swell
pliant, but knowing what you need ahead throughout the day, especially for those on their feet. By selecting footwear
of time will save time and effort. when your feet are at their largest, your work boots will feel comfortable,
Presented below are terminologies even on the longest days.
and types of safety and performance fea- • Come Prepared. Bring a typical pair of socks that you might wear to
tures that help to keep feet safe and better understand how your boots might fit.
comfortable. • Do Not Forget about Comfort. While protection is paramount, com-
fort, as they say, is king. Brands today incorporate so many comfort fea-
Exploring Steel, tures to partner with their performance and protection enhancements. An-
timicrobial insoles, lighter, more asymmetrical steel toes, additional
Aluminum, and padding, and other modern comfort features all go into making a pair of
Composite Safety Toes boots comfortable.
• Do Not Forget Your Homework. Yes, the job does not end when you
Finding the right protective toe is, in punch out. Aftercare for your footwear provides a longer life for your boots.
part, preference. There are three types Treat leather with mink oil or leather treatments to keep materials supple
of protective toes — steel, composite, and resistant to water. Also, store your boots in a clean, dry place to re-
and aluminum. All three toes can be duce odors and preserve the leather.
ASTM rated similarly for protection. Of-
tentimes, workers will select a specific
safety toe based on their working envi-
ronment and needs.
Steel Toes. Steel toes are the tradi-
tional choice for protective toe caps and
are the heaviest and most compact. While
your feet are not exposed to the steel in-
sert, steel toes can conduct heat more
than alternative safety options. Footwear
manufacturers today have begun devis-
ing ways to improve the fit and comfort
of steel toes by using protective toe-caps
designed for the fit and size of the boot.
For example, Keen Utility uses asymmet-
rical safety toes in industrial footwear
that are contoured to the shape of the
toes and feet, reducing bulk and weight
without sacrificing safety.
Aluminum Toes. Aluminum toes offer
another choice for lightweight protection
while still meeting ANSI/ASTM safety
standards. They are thicker than steel
toes and provide a good option for work-
ers looking for the most lightweight
choice in footwear.
Composite Toes. Composite toes are
typically comprised of carbon fiber, plas-
tic, or Kevlar®. They comply with
ANSI/ASTM safety requirements and
are lighter than steel toes but are the
thickest option for a safety toe and there- While deciding what kind of industrial boots to wear in the workplace, keep an eye
fore have a bulkier silhouette than their out for key features that will help protect as well as provide comfort for your feet
steel or aluminum counterparts. Com- during long days. As an example, pointed out here is the construction of Keen
posite toes do not transfer cold or heat Utility’s Pittsburgh model.
and because they are nonmetallic, offer

WELDING JOURNAL 55
KEEN Article August 2012_Layout 1 7/11/12 10:35 AM Page 56

a good safety option for workers passing Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Midsole. A
through metal detectors or working in an boot’s midsole is designed to disperse
environment that needs to stay metal weight or provide stability for the foot.
free. An ethylene vinyl acetate midsole is a
foam-like material that is lightweight,
Details on Metatarsal flexible, and cushions the foot with each
step.
Guards
Manufacturin
Manufacturing
uring Work boots with metatarsal guards Reviewing Various
help to protect the upper foot and toe Boot Configurations
Flux Cored areas from heavy falling objects; how-
ever, a side benefit of an external guard How a boot is constructed can be di-
for welders is added protection to the rectly related to weight, flexibility, and

Welding
elding Wire
W upper foot and laces that might be
burned by falling hot materials.
performance. Footwear brands are con-
tinually innovating construction methods
to improve durability and comfort for the
COBALT
LT Protection Taken to wearer. Various constructions include the
following:
the Next Level
Cement Construction. Cement con-
struction means the boot’s sole is ce-
NICKEL There are a few products on the mar-
ket today that take protection to the next mented directly to the upper. This con-
level in footwear. struction is lightweight and flexible but
Tough-Tec leather provides increased may result in delamination over time. Ce-
HARDFACE
E abrasion resistance and is often added to
the boot’s upper to provide further pro-
ment constructed boots cannot be
resoled.
tection in that area as well as to the foot. Goodyear® Welt Construction.
Goodyear® welt construction provides
STAINLESS
TAINLESS For those craftsmen working near
open flames, Kevlar® fibers offer fire re- durability for footwear as the upper and
sistance. A few manufacturers utilize inner sole are stitched together with a
Kevlar® laces for firefighting and weld- leather strip or ‘welt.’ The sole is then
ALLOY
Y STEEL
EEL ing wear that do not melt when heat is
applied, like nylon laces.
stitched through the welt. This process
allows boots to be resoled or repaired,
extending the longevity of the footwear.
All About Soles Industry Innovations. Footwear man-
TOOL STEEL
STEE
EEL ufacturers are always challenging them-
There are a number of durable mate- selves to find the next best way to create
rials on the market creating outsoles that safety footwear. You see brands innovat-
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENAN CE are long wearing, slip resistant, and pro-
tective. While certain industries may re-
ing welt construction to improve flexibil-
ity, durability, and even appearance.
quire a specific material, having an un- Keen Utility recently unveiled a new
derstanding of the options will help you welted construction that combines
FORGE ALLO
ALLOYS
OYS make a more informed decision. Goodyear® welt with a cemented toe
Rubber Outsole. This catchall term cap, protecting the stitching and reduc-
refers to the bottom of the boot; how- ing delamination from repeated flexes,
CUSTOM ALLOYS
OYS ever, understanding its materials and
their functions is paramount. Rubber is
which is a good feature for welders and
other workers constantly bending and
a common outsole component and is typ- flexing their feet on the job site.

COR-MET,, INC.
COR-MET, ically abrasion, oil, and slip resistant —
important features for work in construc- Final Thoughts
tion or manufacturing settings. Vibram®
12500 Grand
and River Rd. is a high-performance rubber, a good From choosing what toe type suits
your work needs to determining the right
choice for work sites with rugged ter-
Brighton, MI 481
48116
116 rains, and provides maximum traction on
both wet and dry surfaces. Manufactur-
construction model, there are many fac-
tors to consider when selecting which
industrial boot is best for your job
800-848-2719
PH: 800 -848-27 719 ers often have their own proprietary rub-
bers, allowing their outsoles to have ad- requirements.◆
ditional performance or safety attributes.
FAX: 810
FA 810-227-9266
-227-9266 Thermo Polyurethane Outsole. Out-
Reference
soles made from thermo polyurethane
www.cor-met.com
www.cor
ww -met.com
t.com are long-wearing and abrasion, oil, and
chemical resistant. Designed to be tough, 1. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No.

[email protected]
sales@cor -met.co
t.com they typically resist splitting, and are 2010-142, www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2010-
more lightweight than their rubber 142/pdfs/2010-142.pdf.
For info go to www.aws.org/ad-index counterparts.

56 AUGUST 2012
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Although flying particles such as

metal, slag from chipping, dirt,
sparks, and debris from grinding
cause nearly 70% of job-related
eye injuries, those injuries can
be easily prevented by a good
pair of safety glasses.

Safeguarding Your Vision

Here’s why safety glasses are a must on the fab shop floor

ye safety on the job isn’t just protection wind up with injuries.

E something that’s good to practice.

It’s necessary and important, es-
pecially when you consider this stagger-
It’s no surprise OSHA requires em-
ployers to provide proper eye protection
to all workers who might encounter haz-
ing statistic from the Centers for Disease ards in the workplace environment.
Control and Prevention: Each day, ap- Welders and metal fabricators are no ex-
proximately 2000 U.S. workers receive ception. It is critical that everyone work-
medical treatment after suffering an eye- ing in these industries wear proper per-
related injury on the job. sonal protective equipment (PPE) to en-
Such work-related injuries result in sure his or her eyes stay safe and healthy
blindness for thousands every year, ac- while on the job.
cording to the U.S. Occupational Safety Although eye protection designed for
and Health Administration (OSHA). use in the welding industry includes
BY JAMY BULAN,
The majority of these injuries occur be- everything from welding helmets to face
EMILY CULL, AND
cause the victim used improper eye pro- shields, perhaps the simplest, but still
FRANK STUPCZY
tection or, even worse, there was a com- vital, eye protection is safety glasses. In-
JAMY BULAN, EMILY CULL, and plete lack of correct protective equip- expensive, easy-to-use, and effective,
FRANK STUPCZY are with The ment. Case in point: According to the Bu- safety glasses are the first level of pro-
Lincoln Electric Co., Cleveland, reau of Labor Statistics, three out of five tection for your eyes in a welding or fab-
Ohio, www.lincolnelectric.com. workers who do not wear eye and face ricating situation.

58 AUGUST 2012
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No Safety Glasses? the last line of defense while on the job- ball at the glasses. If the glasses shatter,
Danger Ahead! site. As a first line of defense, you should they do not meet the requirements out-
try to eliminate or control the hazard as lined in the standard.
Failing to wear safety glasses poses nu- much as you reasonably can, through safe Safety glasses will always be marked
merous risks for welders and fabricators. welding and fabricating procedures, as to indicate their compliance with ANSI
Flying particles — metal, slag from chip- well as use of the correct, up-to-date Z87.1, as well as their impact rating. For
ping, dirt, sparks, and debris from grind- equipment. Personal protection equip- instance, glasses that can withstand a
ing — cause nearly 70% of job-related ment should never be considered an al- higher level of impact will be marked
eye injuries. These small particles can fly ternative to correct procedure and equip- Z87.1+. Such ratings can help you select
into an unprotected eye, causing ment on the jobsite. Instead, view it as the proper pair of glasses for your weld-
scratches or other damage. While these an extension of those elements — some- ing and fabricating applications.
particles are a hazard that might not al- thing that provides added assurance and ANSI/AWS Z49.1:2012, Safety in
ways be seen, they can easily be pre- safety. Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, is
vented by a good pair of safety glasses also an important standard for welders
(see lead photo). Regulations and Testing and fabricators to understand, as it out-
Other potential dangers in a welding lines the operations and usage standards
OSHA regulations, specifically stan- for safety in welding, cutting, and allied
or fabricating environment include fly-
dards 1910.133 covering General Indus- processes, including the importance of
ing sparks, as well as chemical splashes.
try and 1926.102 covering Construction, proper PPE and use of ANSI Z87.1 rated
Safety glasses can help to protect eyes
require employers to protect their em- PPE.
from both of these dangers, though a face
ployees from known eye and face hazards
shield is recommended in addition to
through the provision of proper PPE. Choosing a Pair of Safety
safety glasses if you’re working with
Such equipment must comply with the
chemicals. There is no such thing as being Glasses
requirements set out in ANSI Z87.1,
too cautious when it comes to eye safety.
Practice for Occupational and Educa- There are a variety of factors to con-
While you should always wear safety
tional Eye and Face Protection. This stan- sider when selecting a pair of safety
glasses in the shop, whether you are weld-
dard from the American National Stan- glasses. The first element is sizing and fit.
ing or doing other fabricating work, re-
dards Institute (ANSI) is used to certify Safety glasses should always have side
member one important thing: Never weld
safety glasses for workplace applications. protection (side shields or wraparound
with safety glasses alone. Always wear a
The most recent version of the standard frames), fully covering the front and sides
welding helmet, preferably an autodark-
was released in 2010. of the eye area. To find the best fit, try
ening one that automatically adjusts its
ANSI Z87.1 describes a variety of re- on different styles of glasses to determine
shade level depending on the brightness
quired tests safety glasses must pass be- the best size and shape for your needs. If
of the welding arc. Helmets are required
fore they are certified for use in the work- you wear prescription eyeglasses, safety
to protect your eyes from “welder’s flash”
place. This includes tests for impact and glasses are available that are made to fit
or “arc eye,” which occurs when the arc
coverage, as well as protection against over prescription lenses, such as Lincoln
or heat rays inflame the eyeball’s cornea.
splash, dust, and optical radiation. One Electric’s Cover2® safety glasses.
Though these dangers can be pre-
such test is the high velocity test, which Comfort and weight are also impor-
vented by wearing safety glasses, it’s also
determines the impact a pair of safety tant. Most wearers prefer lighter safety
important to remember that PPE, while
glasses can withstand by shooting a metal glasses for a long day on the job. Such
necessary, should always be considered
features as padding located at pressure
points can also make a big difference in
the comfort of a pair of safety glasses.
Some safety glasses have padding made
of soft rubber or elastomers on the touch
points (nose area and the temple tips) to
provide a more comfortable and secure
fit than uncovered hard plastic.
If you’re working in areas where con-
densation occurs, consider purchasing a
pair of glasses with an antifog coating.
And, if you need extra help reading or
viewing close work, bifocal safety glasses
are available.

Fig. 1 — If you are cutting and grinding,

you may need a pair of shaded safety
glasses. These glasses usually provide
shade 5 infrared protection.

WELDING JOURNAL 59
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Fig. 2 — Safety glasses that feature

a 360-deg foam liner completely
shield the eyes, which makes them
useful for operations that create a lot
of dust such as cutting and grinding.

Shade is another important aspect of tant as well and are available in a variety glasses with a liner depends on industry
choosing safety glasses. Clear safety of tints. Glasses such as Lincoln Electric’s regulations, as well as the individual com-
glasses should be worn underneath a Finish Line™ outdoor safety glasses keep pany’s jobsite safety standards.
welding helmet when welding — the eyes safe from debris and other jobsite Finally, don’t forget about style when
safety glasses will protect the eyes from hazards while incorporating a mirrored selecting a pair of safety glasses. Many
sparks or other debris, while the shaded lens that protects eyes against the bright- manufacturers now offer safety glasses
helmet prevents eye damage that could ness of the sun. that are as fashionable as a pair of sun-
be caused by the ultrabright arc. Goggles or safety glasses with a 360- glasses, making it easy to be stylish and
In grinding and cutting situations, deg foam liner often are recommended safe.
shaded safety glasses may be required. in cutting and grinding environments, as
Typically, these safety glasses provide well as on construction sites, to com- Caring for Your Safety
shade 5 infrared protection — Fig. 1. pletely shield the eyes because these op- Glasses
For outdoor work, such as on a con- erations tend to create a great deal of
struction site, safety glasses are impor- dust — Fig. 2. Choice of goggles or safety For the best eye protection — and
protection of your investment — keep
your safety glasses in good condition. Ex-
amine them regularly and purchase a new
pair of safety glasses when needed.
Follow the manufacturer’s mainte-
nance instructions and make sure to
clean and disinfect your glasses regularly,
especially if another worker has used
them. Never wear excessively scratched,
dirty, or otherwise damaged safety
glasses, as they may cause impaired vi-
sion and also provide a reduced level of
protection. Store glasses in a clean, dust-
fee container to protect them from dam-
age in-between uses.
Essentially, care for your safety
glasses in the same manner that you
would care for your own prescription
lenses or sunglasses. OSHA requires eye
protection be worn in most worksites. Be-
cause safety glasses are an inexpensive
piece of PPE, it is always better to re-
place them than to weld or fabricate with
a damaged pair.
Safety glasses are a simple way to pro-
tect the eyes, and they should be worn
under a welding helmet in every welding
and fabricating situation. While some
workers may initially dislike the feeling
of wearing safety glasses, donning a pair
will eventually become second nature,
just another integral part of proper PPE
practices.◆
For info go to www.aws.org/ad-index

60 AUGUST 2012