electricity from the body while still providing a reasonable level of resistance (between 1 megohm and 100 megohms) to electrical hazards from live circuits. These boots are typically marked with ESD or SD tags. Conductive Footwear. In an environment where the accumulation of static electricity can be a hazard, conductive footwear can help protect the wearer by offering no resistance up to 500,000 ohms, allowing built up static electricity to flow through the body and the boots into the floor. Conductive footwear is important in environments where volatile chemicals and explosives are used and help to reduce the chance of ignition from static electric sparks. It is very important to note that these boots offer no protection from live charges or electrical equipment. Buying 101 Just as you prepare for a long day on the job, shopping the right way for your work boots also takes preparation. Fit Matters At the end of the workday, your feet should not be rubbed raw, squeezed tight, or sore with blisters and abrasions. Too-tight shoes can lead to a variety of foot ailments. Additionally, the wrong fit may cause discomfort in the toe box from the safety toecap. A leather boot will stretch somewhat as it conforms to the shape of your foot; however, a steel toe will never stretch — once tight, always tight. So, never purchase a pair of safety-toe boots with the idea that they will eventually break in and stretch out. Finding the right size boot is important for having all-day comfort. Today’s manufacturers offer regular and wide widths. When trying on a boot for the first time, if it feels too snug, don’t be afraid to move to a wide width. Below are some simple tips to remember when shopping for your next pair of work boots: • Do your research first. Find out what requirements you might have in your work environment and what personal needs you may have. • Shop for boots in the afternoon or early evening. Feet tend to swell throughout the day, especially for those on their feet. By trying on footwear when your feet are at their largest, your work boots will feel comfortable, even on the longest days. • Come prepared. Bring a typical pair of socks that you might wear to better understand how your boots might fit. • Don’t forget about comfort. While protection is paramount, comfort, as they say, is king. Brands today incorporate so many comfort features to partner with their performance and protection enhancements. Antimicrobial insoles, lighter, more asymmetrical steel toes, additional padding, and other modern comfort features go into making a pair of boots that will feel as comfortable when you take them off as when you put them on. • Don’t forget your homework. Yes, the job doesn’t end when you punch out. Aftercare for your footwear provides a longer life for your boots. Treat leather with mink oil or leather treatments to keep materials supple and water resistant. Store your boots in a clean, dry place to reduce odors and preserve the leather. • Socks. A great pair of work boots calls for an equally well-performing pair of socks. Look for socks constructed with Merino wool as the natural fiber does an excellent job of wicking moisture away from the foot and also features antimicrobial properties. Manufacturers today are also utilizing technical fibers to help improve wear and durability as well as constructions that improve fit and feel. Stay away from cotton socks. Though a natural fiber, cotton material looses its shape through wear, often moving, bunching, and irritating the foot. Additionally, cotton socks can stay wet from sweat leading to athlete’s foot, blisters, and other issues. References 1. http://fai.sagepub.com/ content/32/4/443?patientinformlinks= yes@legid=spfai;32/4/443 2. U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/ home.htm DECEMBER 2015 / WELDING JOURNAL 83 WJ THE AMERICAN WELDER MARK REILLY (mark.reilly@keenfootwear.com) is division director, KEEN Utility, Portland, Ore. For info, go to www.aws.org/adindex
Welding Journal | December 2015
To see the actual publication please follow the link above