Utility workers operate in high-risk environments where exposure to live electricity is part of the job. Electrical faults can energise the ground around substations. Workers may accidentally come into contact with live components or machinery during repairs and maintenance. Wet and muddy conditions increase the risk of conduction.
While correct isolation procedures are essential controls, boots that offer electrical hazard (EH) protection can provide a crucial secondary line of defence. Footwear with EH protection has a non-conductive sole, helping insulate against electrical currents and reducing the risk of conductivity through the wearer’s body.
When choosing safety footwear with EH protection, it’s important for utility operators to make sure boots are compliant, as well as comfortable enough to wear across long and busy shifts.
Oliver Footwear’s AT45 range of all-terrain boots offers an EH resistant sole, and meets three key international standards for safety. The ASTM F2413-18 standard is the only electrical insulation test applicable for leather footwear in Australia. Testing applies to the complete shoe including any metallic components. Footwear must be capable of withstanding the application of 14,000V at 60 Hz for one minute with no current flow or leakage current in excess of 3.0 mA under dry conditions.
EN ISO 20345:2011 and AS/NZS 2210.3:2019 govern a range of other safety measures including toe protection, impact resistance and slip resistance.
The AT45 range has been designed with safety and comfort in mind. It includes the 45-652Z in stone, the 45-632Z in wheat and the 45-645Z in black. These 150mm leather boots lace up for a secure fit, and also have side zips so taking them on and off is easy. They are water resistant and provide a high level of ankle support. The dual density TPU/PU sole is electrical hazard-resistant and heat-resistant to 130˚C surface contact. The sole has superior slip resistance, rated SRB (slip resistance on steel floors with glycerol) to help prevent accidents.
The sole is also resistant to mineral and organic oils, acids and fats, plus cuts and cracks. With no metallic components, there’s no risk of generating sparks, making these boots ideal for utilities applications. A high-impact composite safety toe cap offers protection against drop and crush injuries.
COMFORTcushion® technology allows for impact absorption and helps with rebound, while SOFTstride® contour insoles provide multiple density cushioning. Antimicrobial technology protects against odours, stains and deterioration from bacteria and fungus, helping maximise durability.
Brett Huggins, ANZ Product Manager at Oliver Footwear, says premium products are backed by the Oliver Promise of comfort, performance and durability.
“With Oliver you have a trusted and tried brand. You have a fit that is very accommodating and is regarded as a generous fit,” he says. “In most instances, there’s no wear in period. You can put them on and go straight to work knowing that you’re protected.”
As Australia’s leading supplier of industrial solutions, Blackwoods has everything you need to keep your operations running smoothly. Help make sure your workers are protected on the job. Talk to your Blackwoods technical safety specialist about EH boots.