The HSE has flagged a potential issue regarding the testing of safety boots to the American Standard ASTM F2412-18A.
In an e-bulletin published today, the HSE says the Standard “contains a single test procedure representative of a very restricted working environment”. As such, “in many cases, these limitations have not been made clear on the packaging or the product instructions. This may result in the wearer believing the product has been tested to protect them in circumstances it doesn’t”.
It says “that the footwear tested to this Standard is NOT SUITABLE for live electrical working” as it has not been tested against direct current (DC) voltages. The announcement explains that the product will not offer protection from electric shock if it has been penetrated by a nail, for example.
You can read the full announcement here.
