Guide to AU/NZ Footwear Safety Standards
Due to the high instance of foot injury in the workplace, choosing the right shoe for the job is extremely important. Foot injuries sustained in the workplace can cause both short and long term problems and can be worsened over time. The best way to ensure that the correct safety boots & footwear is being selected is by referring to the Australian standards, which contain detailed information and advice on the selection, care, and use of safety, protective and occupational footwear.
AS/NZS 2210.1
Safety, Protective and Occupational Footwear Part 1: Guide to Selection, Care and Use
The purpose of standard AS/NZS 2210.1 is to provide users with an understanding of the requirements for the selection, care and use of safety, protective and occupational footwear in an extensive range of workplaces and professions
In general, safety, protective and occupational footwear should be worn to reduce injuries to feet resulting from:
- Contact with Falling, Rolling or Cutting Objects;
- Penetration through the Sole or Uppers;
- Friction or Pressure Blistering;
- Explosions and Electrical Hazards;
- Contact with Chemicals, Heat and Molten Metals; and
- Slipping.
Standards Australia AS/NZS 2210.1 - Safety, Protective & Occupational Footwear Part 1: Guide to Selection, Care & Use - SAI Global. http://infostore.saiglobal.com/store
AS/NZS 2210.2
Occupational Protective Footwear Part 2: Test Methods
The purpose of Standard AS/NZS 2210.2 is to provide manufacturers and users with test methods for footwear that is intended for use in workplace applications.
Standards Australia AS/NZS 2210.2 - Occupational Protective Footwear Part 2: Test Methods - SAI Global. http://infostore.saiglobal.com/store
The following standards AS/NZS 2210.3 (Safety Footwear), AS/NZS 2210.4 (Protective Footwear) and AS/NZS 2210.5 (Occupational Footwear) are three levels of standards of footwear which have varying levels of protection.
AS/NZS 2210.3
Occupational Protective Footwear Part 3: Specification for Safety Footwear
The purpose of Standard AS/NZS 2210.3 is to provide manufacturers and users with the requirements for Safety footwear intended for use in workplace applications. Safety footwear that has the qualities of this standard incorporates features to protect the wearer from injures that could arise through accidents. Safety footwear certified to this standard must be fitted with toe caps (e.g. steel or composite) that are designed to give protection against impact when tested at an energy level of at least 200J and against compression when tested at a compression load of at least 15kN.
Standards Australia AS/NZS 2210.3 - Occupational Protective Footwear Part 3: Specification for Safety Footwear - SAI Global. http://infostore.saiglobal.com/store
AS/NZS 2210.4
Occupational Protective Footwear Part 4: Specification for Protective Footwear
The purpose of Standard AS/NZS 2210.4 is to provide manufacturers and users with requirements for Protective footwear intended for use in workplace applications. The purpose of Standard AS/NZS 2210.3 is to provide manufacturers and users with the requirements for Protective footwear intended for use in workplace applications. Protective footwear that has the qualities of this standard incorporates features to protect the wearer from injures that could arise through accidents. Protective footwear certified to this standard must be fitted with toe caps (e.g. steel or composite) that are designed to give protection against impact when tested at an energy level of at least 100J and against compression when tested at a compression load of at least 10kN.
Standards Australia AS/NZS 2210.4 - Occupational Protective Footwear Part 4: Specification for Protective Footwear - SAI Global. http://infostore.saiglobal.com/store
AS/NZS 2210.5
Occupational Protective Footwear Part 5: Specification for Occupational Footwear
The purpose of Standard AS/NZS 2210.5 is to provide manufacturers and users with the requirements for Occupational footwear intended for use in workplace applications. Occupational footwear that has the qualities of this standard incorporates features to protect the wearer from injures that could arise through accidents. Occupational footwear is not required to have a protective toecap.
Standards Australia AS/NZS 2210.5 Occupational Protective Footwear - Part 5: Specification for Occupational Footwear - SAI Global. http://infostore.saiglobal.com/store