Mining Boots – What are the Safety Features?

Mining safety is an important part of the daily lives of many of our friends.  We've put together a list of keywords that are sometimes used by manufacturers to describe the misc. safety features of their boots.  We hope this will aid you with choosing the right mining boots.

ASTM F2413-05 –The Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Foot Protection - This specification covers minimum requirements for the design, performance, testing, and classification of footwear designed to provide protection against a variety of workplace hazards that can potentially result in injury.

Non-Metallic Puncture Resisting Insole - The differences between these classifications of Safety Shoes are that Electrical Hazard shoes are designed to impede (reduce significantly) the flow of electricity through the shoe and to ground, thereby reducing the possibility of electrocution.  Electrical Hazard Safety Shoes will have an “EH” clearly visible on the ASTM label sewn inside the safety shoes.

IMPORTANT:    Electrical Hazard shoes are not designed to be the primary source of protection in an Electrical Hazard environment.  

Triple Rib Steel Shank - This is a metal plate in the sole of the boot that makes it more comfortable for a miner to stand for long periods of time and provides extra support for the foot.

Thinsulate Temperature Ratings - Thinsulate ratings are measured in grams, by the weight of thinsulate. The 3M website recommends thinsulate products based on cool to extremely cold weather, but it does not list temperature ratings.

200 to 400 Grams

Thinsulate with a rating of 200 grams has a temperature rating of 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit and is advised for work boots, hunting boots, hiking boots, snowboarding boots and alpine ski boots in cool weather. Boots with 400-gram thinsulate have a temperature rating of 35 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit for cold weather.

600-800 Grams

A thinsulate material having a rating of 600 grams should be worn in very cold conditions at an estimated 15 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit based on the above ratings for 200 and 400 grams. In extremely cold weather, individuals with light activity should select thinsulate products of 800 grams, having a temperature rating of approximately 20 below zero degrees Fahrenheit.

1,000 Grams

Thinsulate products with a rating of 1,000 grams should also be used in extremely cold weather conditions, at temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit.

Composite toe - Composite safety toes are non-metallic and are manufactured using lightweight materials which results in a lighter boot. 

Steel shank - A steel shank is a thin piece of steel in the sole of the boot that prevents sharp objects from puncturing the foot from underneath. A steel shank can also provide extra arch support

SCUBALINER™ - Carolina’s exclusive proprietary waterproof lining system designed to keep your feet dry.

Internal Met Guard- Metatarsal protection that reduces the chance of injury to the metatarsal bones at the top of the foot (Mt/75),

Sources:

ASTM International

Vulcan Safety Shoes

eHow