Always put your best foot forward. But how that foot is presented and protected varies from workplace to workplace. If you have a job which exposes you to the chance of accidental splashes of mild chemicals, such as some solvents and acids, you cannot take any chances. You need the correct footwear.
The #982 Extreme Series safety boot from Blundstone is a chemical resistant boot with Schoeller® Keprotec® fabric and Kevlar® stitching that is compliant with the internationally agreed European Standard EN 13832-2:2006. The #982 has been tested against common industrial chemicals sodium hydroxide (Caustic Soda) and Acetic Acid.
The boot’s other features include:
• Leather upper with TPU bump cap and TPU heel guard
• Broad fitting Type One steel toe cap, tested to resist a 200 Joule impact
• Rubber outsole to increase slip resistance in varied environments. (Slips, trips and falls are among the leading causes of serious work injuries in Australia).
• Heavy duty YKK Vislon® zip with self-clearing gusset behind the zip to prevent chemical penetration
• Full bellows tongue externally attached to reduce the possibility of splash access
• Electrical hazard resistance
The appeal and workplace credibility of the #982 is further enhanced by the fact its creation is a direct result of collaboration between Blundstone’s design team and representatives of Australia’s aluminium manufacturing
industry. The #982 does what it is meant to do: help keep workers safe and comfortable.
“Our Work and Safety product design activity relies heavily on user insights and human-centred design processes. Our chemical-resistant #982 is a perfect example of this collaboration process. We’re incredibly proud to supply a diverse range of safety styles that are fit for purpose,” says Adrian Blandford, Blundstone Global Work & Safety Range Manager.
But even before any worker’s boot is zipped or laced up, the first step to ensuring a safe workplace is taken by the employer. Hazard assessments of every work environment are essential, and if it is determined workers may or will be exposed to chemical hazards, the employer must ensure the workers are provided with the most appropriate footwear protection.