Work Boots
Work safety boots are designed to protect your feet and toes in hazardous working environments. They are commonly used in construction, manufacturing, welding and other industrial settings where workers are at risk of various hazards such as falling objects, sharp or heavy materials, slippery surfaces, electrical hazards, and other types of workplace dangers.
Work boots are made of durable materials such as leather, rubber and synthetic materials that can withstand rough conditions and provide protection against hazards like impacts, punctures and electrical hazards.
Work Safety Boots at Engweld
Engweld's stock of safety boots for welders includes steel toe cap boots which feature reinforced steel toe caps to help protect the toes from being crushed or injured by heavy objects.
Our welding boots also feature slip-resistant soles that provide good traction on wet or slippery surfaces and protect the wearer from injuries from falls and slips. These work safety boots are designed to provide protection but also comfort and support. They often have cushioned insoles, shock-absorbing midsoles, and ergonomic designs that reduce foot fatigue and prevent injuries such as strains and sprains.
Some work safety boots also include other technical features like waterproof, heat resistant, insulation and breathable materials to provide protection in different work environments.
Work Safety Boots Standards
Employers are often required by law to provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for their workers, including work safety boots. The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations (PPER 1992) places a duty on every employer in Great Britain to ensure that suitable PPE is provided to ‘employees’ who may be exposed to a risk to their health or safety while at work. The PPER 1992 regulation was amended on 6th April 2022 with Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (PPER 2022). The duties and responsibilities on employers and employees under the PPER 2022 are the same as PPER 1992 but extended to limb (b) workers.
There are safety footwear standards in the UK and across Europe such as EN ISO 20345:2011 and EN ISO 20346:2021 that specify basic and additional requirements for safety footwear intended for use in environments where there is risk of injury to the foot. Some of the requirements include toe protection that can withstand an impact of 200 Joules, additional protection for the heel and sole, resistance to various chemical and physical hazards, such as water, oil and heat, and electrical conductivity or insulating properties, depending on the intended use.
ESD (Electro-Static Dissipative) footwear is a type of safety footwear that is designed to protect against static electricity and prevent electrostatic discharge. ESD footwear must conform to EN 61340-5-A standards.
Occupational Footwear is a type of safety footwear designed for use in workplaces where there are lower risks of injury to the foot compared to industries requiring safety footwear to conform to EN ISO 20345 or EN ISO 20346. EN ISO 20347:2012 is a European standard that specifies the basic and additional requirements for occupational footwear.
Occupational Footwear:
- OB - Basic requirements for occupational footwear met (contains no protective toe cap)
- O1 - As OB plus oil resistant sole, closed and energy absorbing seat region, and antistatic
- O2 - As O1 plus water penetration resistance and cleated sole
- O4 - As OB plus oil resistant sole, energy absorbing seat region, antistatic
- O5 - As O4 plus penetration resistance and cleated sole.
Slip Resistance:
- SRA - Tested on ceramic tile contamination with Sodium Lauryl Sulphate.
- SRB - Tested on smooth steel contamination with glycerol.
- SRC - Passes both SRA and SRB Slip Tests.
Categories of Safety Footwear:
- SB - Impact and compression resistant 200 joule toe cap
- S1 - As SB with antistatic construction and energy absorbent heel
- S2 - As S1 plus Water Resistant Upper
- S3- As S2 plus Penetration Resistant Midsole to 1100 Newtons.
- S4 - As S1 with Waterproof Polymer Upper
- S5 - As S4 with Penetration Resistant Midsole to 1100 Newtons
Marking Codes:
- HRO - Resistance to High Heat 300°c
- E - Heel Energy Absorption 20 joules
- P - Penetration Resistance 1100 Newtons
- CI - Insulation against cold
- WRU - Water Penetration Resistant Uppers
- A - Antistatic Range 100kΩ - 1000MΩ
- FO - Resistance to fuel oil of outsole
- WR - Water Resistant
- CR - Cut Resistant Upper
- HI - Heat Insulation of Sole Complex
- AN - Ankle Protection
Welding boots are an essential part of workplace safety and are designed to protect workers from hazards and injuries while providing comfort and support. Engweld stocks other PPE products including Coveralls, Overalls & Boilersuits, Hi-Vis Workwear, Work Trousers. There is also a range of PPE products specifically for welders - see Welders PPE.
You can order online for delivery or click and collect from your nearest store - Store Locator. If you can’t find what you are looking for or have any queries, please contact us and we will be more than happy to help!