Hand and Foot Protection Standards in the USA: Gloves and Safety Footwear
Hands and feet are among the most frequently injured body parts in the American workplace. OSHA requires employers to assess hand and foot hazards and provide appropriate protection. Here is a comprehensive guide to USA standards for gloves and safety footwear.
Hand Protection: ANSI/ISEA 105
The ANSI/ISEA 105 standard provides a classification system for hand protection performance. Gloves are rated on a scale for:
- Cut resistance: A1 (lowest) through A9 (highest)
- Puncture resistance: 1 (lowest) through 5 (highest)
- Abrasion resistance: 1 (lowest) through 6 (highest)
- Chemical resistance: Degradation and breakthrough time ratings
- Heat and flame resistance
- Vibration reduction
Choosing the Right Glove
Match the glove to the hazard:
- Cut hazards (metal fabrication, glass handling): ANSI A4 or higher cut-resistant gloves
- Chemical hazards: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene, or butyl rubber depending on the chemical)
- Electrical hazards: Insulated rubber gloves rated for the voltage class
- Heat hazards: Heat-resistant gloves rated for the temperature range
- General purpose: Leather or synthetic leather work gloves
Foot Protection: ASTM F2413
Safety footwear in the USA must meet ASTM F2413 standards. The standard covers:
- Impact resistance (I/75): Toe cap withstands 75 foot-pounds of impact
- Compression resistance (C/75): Toe cap withstands 2,500 pounds of compression
- Metatarsal protection (Mt/75): Protects the top of the foot
- Electrical hazard (EH): Insulates against open circuits up to 600 volts
- Static dissipative (SD): Reduces static electricity buildup
- Puncture resistance (PR): Midsole resists puncture from below
OSHA Requirements
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.136 requires protective footwear where there is a danger of foot injuries from falling or rolling objects, objects piercing the sole, or electrical hazards. The employer must pay for safety footwear that is not designed to be worn off the job site.
Conclusion
RANOVA USA carries ANSI/ISEA 105-rated gloves and ASTM F2413-certified safety footwear for every work environment and hazard type.
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