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:
