There are some professions where working at extreme temperatures is just part and parcel of your daily grind. If you work in industries like smelting, welding, metal fabrication or emergency services, you’ll know that extreme climates, flying sparks, molten metal splashes, radiant heat, explosions or backdrafts are just hazards that come with the job. For these professions, equipping yourself with the right personal protective equipment (PPE) that can take the heat is critical.
When it comes to footwear, adequate external protection from these elements, as well as a tough and melt-proof sole to provide slip resistance and stability, are a basic requirement. But you also need to protect your feet on the inside of the boot. Without breathable footwear, you have the danger of chafing, developing heat blisters, skin infections and foot swelling.
That’s why it’s so important to choose fit-for-purpose boots that can stand up to extreme heat while offering comfort and airflow. A partner of Blackwoods, Oliver has been making it their business to produce high-quality safety footwear since 1887. Oliver’s range of specialty boots is specifically designed to withstand temperatures of up to 300⁰C surface contact.
Oliver’s 55-380 and 55-346 boots from the iconic AT 55 Series are built to survive the fiercest elements, with water resistant, full grain leather and heavy-duty Kevlar™ stitching. But they also come with a range of features to provide optimum comfort and foot health, including a COOLstep® lining to absorb moisture and odour for freshness and hygiene; COMFORTcushion® Impact Absorption for cushioning and shock absorption; Oliver SOFTstride® opencell low-density urethane foam to contour to the individual foot shape; Lightweight shock absorbing polyurethane midsole support; NATUREform® Type 1 Toe Cap with a wider profile and latex toe cap liner for added comfort.
“We recognise workers’ feet can take the brunt of extreme temperatures, as they’re constantly on the ground. We look to not only provide greater comfort, but ensure workers use the right footwear that’s fit-for-purpose,” says Brett Huggins, Product Development Manager, Oliver Footwear.
When you work at extreme temperatures, you need to be focused on the task as any distraction could prove disastrous. Getting the best footwear for the job is a step in the right direction for keeping comfortable and staying safe.
