Before choosing your next ANSI safety shoes, you should read this guide.
It has all information that will help you choose ANSI compliant safety shoes.
Keep reading to learn more.
What are ANSI Safety Shoes?
ANSI Safety Shoes are safety footware designed in accordance to the ANSI standards on safety and performance.
These shoes ensure foot protection in hazardous working environment. Specifically, these shoes must meet the ANSI requirements for compression and impact protection.
What is the Importance of ANSI Certified Safety Shoes?
Safety shoes are one of the most important elements of workplace safety.
Industrial site and construction workers are at higher risk of foot injuries due to the hazardous nature of their workplaces.
Among other features, ANSI safety shoes are fitted compression and impact protection.
These features provide excellent foot protection to workers, allowing them to work efficiently around the site.
Note that a majority of workplace injuries are associated with trips, slip and falls.
Injuries arising from these situations is also among the leading causes of employee absenteeism from work.
Wearing of ANSI safety shoes is not only beneficial to the workers, but also for the business as well.
The business is protected from lawsuits and tarnishing of the brand image.
With these shoes the workers are always protected from accidental falls, sips, trips and even electrical shocks and burns.
It is important to find a pair of shoes that fits the job role and also the safety requirements.
For instance, workers who are always on the move ,it is not easy for them to deal with heavy or hazardous items.
Therefore, it is important to wear lightweight ANSI safety shoes which ensure proper support and protection while working.
Generally, there are many hazards that the workers come into contact with every single day in their workplaces. The proper ANSI safety shoes can help prevent unnecessary accidents and productivity.
What are the Main Features and Specifications of ANSI Certified Safety Shoes?
ANSI certified safety shoes features and specifications are the most vital attributes considered when choosing the right shoes for the job role.
These features include:
Compression and Impact Effect
These shoes are fitted with compression and impact protection that provide excellent foot protection to workers.
Impact test is conducted to evaluate the effect of I/75, I/50, I/30 that is designated to determine the effect of a 50- pound weight dropped from a specified position.
These are meant to protect the foot from any injuries when falling objects lands on the foot.
Compression test is also done to evaluate the effect of C/75, C/50, and C/30 that is designated to determine the effect of a 2500- pound weight on the workers foot.
Electrical Hazards
The ANSI safety shoes are designed to protect the worker against open circuits that contain up to 600 volts.
The ANSI safety shoes that contain these features are suitable for workers who are working in a highly susceptible environment.
Mostly, these shoes are made of a heel and a sole that are molded into one item that forms the upper part of the ANSI safety shoes.
For the ANSI Safety shoes that are fitted with this electrical hazard they have to undergo an independent lab testing.
These testing evaluates whether the shoes can withstand 14,000volts at 60 hertz in duration of just one minute.
Metatarsal Guard
The ANSI safety shoes contain a metatarsal guard that protects the upper foot and the toe area from falling objects.
These guards can be installed both internally and externally to suit the worker’s needs.
The effect of 30 to 75 pounds of weight cannot be felt by the foot.
Thus, preventing injuries to the metatarsal bone and as a result enabling free movement of workers without any pain.
Sole Puncture Resistance
The ANSI safety shoes should be incorporated with puncture resistance devices that are placed in the safety shoes during manufacturing.
These ANSI safety shoes prevent the workers from injuries caused by sharp objects that may penetrate the footwear.
The sole should be designed to hold a minimum force of 270 pounds. These means, the sole cannot allow any penetration of the sharp object.
What is the Difference Between ANSI Certified Safety Shoes and other Normal Safety Shoes?
ANSI certified safety shoes are designed with a protective layer that keeps the workers foot from any injuries.
They contain sole that is puncture resistant thus, preventing penetration of sharp objects into the sole.
Normal safety shoes are meant to provide an all-round comfort to the worker.
These are not designed to protect the worker from hazards that occur while working leading to constant injuries among workers.
Which are the Other Quality Standards for ANSI Safety Shoes?
The production of ANSI certified shoes is regulated by the ANSI Z41 standards that evaluate the performance measurement and the tests methods for protective footwear.
Upon revision of the last version, the ANSI Z41-1999 requires all the manufacturers to adhere to the set compliance rule.
This rule requires the suppliers and manufacturers to independently test these safety shoes in a lab to determine whether they meet the standards.
Notable, all the ANSI safety shoes that are certified should meet the criteria of impact and compression resistance.
These other protection such as electrical protection, conductive protection, penetration protection can be achieved afterwards.
The ANSI standards allow these other protection as long as the first protections of the impact and compression have been met.
Example work boot that meets the impact and compression requirements of the ANSI standards does not necessarily have protection of electrical hazards, penetration effect.
Additionally, the ANSI standards use a coding system that allows manufacturers to determine on what portions of the standards the footwear have complied with.
What is the Difference Between ANSI and ASTM Standards for Safety Shoes?
The ANSI standards for safety shoes defines the performance measurements and the test methods used to evaluate whether the footwear is fit for a worker to use while performing duties.
ANSI standards allow use of add-on devices that enhances extra protection of the workers foot. Add-on like metatarsal guard prevents the upper foot and the metatarsal bone from injury caused by falling objects.
Additionally, the ANSI standards have set rules for the suppliers and manufacturers to independently test the footwear in a lab to measure the criteria of impact and compression protection.
Other additional features that the ANSI standards focus on include;
- Electrical protection
- Penetration and puncture protection
- Conductive protection
However, ASTM standards are set to ensure that the outsole of the footwear is completely insulated to prevent the workers from experiencing electric shocks.
ASTM standards does not allow use of add-on type devices as a substitute of protective footware.These add-on devices include; metatarsal guard, strap-on foot.
The ASTM standards are categorized into two;
ASTM F2413: these standards measure the performance requirements of the safety shoes.
ASTM F2412: these standards that contain test methods for foot protection
How do you Test for Quality for ANSI Certified Safety Shoes?
The ANSI standards allow for independent testing of the ANSI safety shoes in a lab to examine if they meet the criteria of impact and compression protection.
These helps to determine if the ANSI safety shoes can withstand certain weights of falling objects.
ANSI certified safety shoes should have anti-slip resistance.
This test is done by pouring oil on the floor and removing any supporting objects around.
The ANSI safety shoe should grip using the tractions on the sole hence, preventing the worker from falling.
Which is Better Between ANSI Certified Safety Shoes and S3 Safety Shoes?
S3 safety shoes are better and more advocated for because they meet all the ANSI required standards.
These safety shoes contain additional feature of water and moisture resistance that enable the workers to work in moist environments.
Due to these feature the S3 safety shoes prevents the workers foot from moist exposure.
That may cause effects such as arthritis, discomfort of the workers if the safety shoes are soaked.
How do you know if Safety Shoes are ANSI Certified?
According to the ANSI standards providing the workers with safety footwear is essential so as to prevent the risk of injuries from rolling, falling or penetrating objects.
Generally, shoes that meet the ANSI standards are designed to meet the requirement performance for the foot protection.
In order to determine whether the safety footwear is certified, you should check in with the manufacturers.
These helps to determine whether the safety shoes meet the requirements of impact and compression protection.
Mostly, safety shoes that are ANSI certified have a toe safeguard that protects the workers from the impact and compression hazards.
These toe protection is a vital element that every safety shoes should contain.
The impact measurement is vital for the safety sure.
Therefore, the manufacturer should be able to provide shoes that are tested and comply with an impact measurement of 50 pounds or 75 pounds.
These rating indicate that the foot can withstand the force of 50/75 pounds without experiencing injuries.
Compression measurement determines whether the safety shoes can withstand a force of 1750 to 2500 pounds of weight.
You should also be able to determine whether the safety shoes comply with the other factors. These factors include;
Metatarsal protection
Conductive protection
Electric hazards
Static dissipative protection.
Additionally, checking of ANSI identification codes that help in describing the ANSI standards and the shoes properties.
Are ANSI Certified Safety Shoes Durable?
Yes, the durability of ANSI certified safety shoes is mostly determined by the following factors;
- The type of material used in making the safety footware.These materials should not be easily corroded by chemicals.
- The maintenance procedures taken to protect the safety footwear
- The kind of workplace the worker is placed.
- Durability is also determined by the kind of sole used for safety shoes. It is vital for the manufacturer to design the sole with treads to prevent slip and trips that may cause injuries to the worker.
Putting all these factors together, choosing the right and fitting ANSI safety shoes will prolong the lifespan of these safety footwear.
When should you consider ANSI Certified Safety Shoes?
Most of the working stations contain different hazards that are harmful to foot of the workers. Therefore, ANSI certified safety shoes are vitally important when;
Carrying or handling materials such as objects or heavy tools that can accidentally drop onto the feet.
These ANSI safety shoes prevent the impact of the weight from reaching the foot.
ANSI safety shoes can also be used when working with objects that are rolling, heavy objects. These safety footwear offer compression protection against the weight of these loads.
When working in environments that are slippery.
Choosing the right ANSI safety shoes that will fit this environment is important as they prevent sliding that may cause a fall which results to injuries on the worker.
These shoes are fitted with treads on the sole that enable the workers to work efficiently in these environments.
When working in an environment that has open electrical current flow, such environments include factories.
This safety footwear protects the worker from 600volts of electric current by pausing the flow for one minute.
ANSI safety shoes are vital when working in an environment that sharp objects are lying on the floor to prevent penetration of these objects.
How are ANSI Certified Safety Shoes made?
ANSI safety shoes are designed and made to meet the ANSI standards. These safety shoes are equipped with composite elements that make them susceptible to hazards.
ANSI safety shoes contain a heavy upper material that prevent the intensity force of falling objects.
Matatarsal guards are placed in between the material to protect the upper foot from injury.
The sole are made with insulators in between the inner and outer sole to prevent electric shocks.
These insulators also allow dissipation of static forces from the body to the ground.
With regards to the environment the safety shoes are used ,the ANSI safety shoes are designed with additional features such as foot strap-on that enhance the safety of the foot.
What are the Material Considerations for ANSI Certified Safety Shoes?
Materials for ANSI certified shoes are elements put up together when manufacturing the Safety footware.
Some considerations are put into place when choosing on the materials for the ANSI certified safety shoes.
These considerations include;
- What kind of environment are the ANSI safety shoes used in
- Are the ANSI safety shoes able to withstand the hazards that occur in workplaces such as Open electrical cables, penetration of sharp objects and the impact and compression of falling objects.
When these considerations are put into place, it’s advisable to choose materials that enhance quality safety footware.These as result ensures the safety of the workers.
These shoes are made of different material depending on the part or section of the shoe.
For instance:
- Outsole is made from PU, rubber, TPU or a mixture of two materials
- Vamp material is mainly cow suede, slipt leather, or full grain leather
- Lining is breathable sandwich, abrasion Canberra, waterproof mesh, or pig leather material
What are the Benefits of using ANSI Certified Safety Shoes?
ANSI certified safety shoes are beneficial while working in hazardous environments in the following ways;
- They reduce the rate of absenteeism from the workers due to injuries
- They help improve the brand image of the business because of law injuries hence minimal lawsuits from workers.
- ANSI safety shoes reduce foot burns as result of spilling of heated chemicals.
- ANSI safety shoes reduce the risks of electric shocks that are caused by operations on open electrical circuits.
Are ANSI Certified Safety Shoes suited for Orthopedic use?
Yes, ANSI certified safety shoes are suitable for orthopedic use.
The ANSI standards requires the orthopedist be provided with safety footwear because of there working environment.
Normally, the orthopedics are exposed to an environment of using sharp objects such as, needles that can penetrate into the workers foot.
ANSI safety shoes provide protection against penetration of these sharp objects.
ANSI safety shoes provide tractions that prevent any trips, lidding when offering services to the patients.
How do you choose the best ANSI Certified Safety Shoes?
Firstly, choose an ANSI safety shoe that is of the right size, this means you should consider fitting the right side of the shoe in the afternoons when the foot has swelled.
Considering how comfortable the ANSI safety shoes should provide.
ANSI safety shoes are fitted with soft fabrics on the inside to ensure the workers’ foot are comfortable and provide ease of movement.
Conducting of an independent lab test to evaluate if the ANSI safety shoes meet the set ANSI standards.
How much do ANSI Certified Safety Shoes cost?
ANSI certified safety shoes ranges in prices depending on the materials the manufacturer used in production of the footwear.
The price range also differs with the kind of environment the safety shoes will be worn.
The cost of ANSI certified safety shoes also vary with the number of pieces that the business organization will purchase.
These means the higher the number the lesser the cost of purchasing these ANSI safety shoes.
For instance, when ordering for ANSI safety shoes that are chemical resistant, you can only order for 1000 pieces which cost $8-$29 per piece.
Unlike purchasing one item that will be costly.
Do you customize ANSI Certified Safety Shoes?
Yes, we do customization of ANSI safety shoes upon the request of the supplier or the buyer. The buyer should give all the features such as size that the ANSI safety shoes should have before it is customized.
ANSI safety shoes are customized by;
- Select the design that you want customized on the ANSI safety shoe
- Select the size of the customized design to fit on the safety footwear
- Select the materials used to design these customizations.
What are the available Color options for ANSI Certified Safety Shoes?
The most commonly color options for ANSI certified safety shoes are;
Black
Grey
White
Blue
In which Sizes are the ANSI Certified Safety Shoes available?
The available sizes for the ANSI safety shoes from with the different locations that the ANSI safety shoes are manufactured from.
The sizes are based countries such as Europe and United Kingdom.
In Europe the sizes are 35#-48#
In UK the sizes ranges from 2#-14#
Are ANSI Certified Safety Shoes unisex
Yes, ANSI safety shoes can be bought and worn by both genders. Considering these factors you should be able to determine which shoe to wear.
These factors include;
- Color of the safety shoe. Most preferred is the black color.
- Size of the safety shoe. Smaller sizes are most preferred for the females.
These factors allow both genders to choose the ANSI safety shoes that fit them.
How do you Clean and Maintain ANSI Certified Safety Shoes?
Depending on the material used to make the ANSI certified safety shoes, cleaning of these shoes is not a tedious procedure.
Wiping of the safety shoes is done using a moist fabric to remove any dust particles.
Application of the best polisher is done and the ANSI safety shoes are kept under room temperatures.
Direct exposure of the ANSI safety shoes may cause cracking of safety footwear.
What Type of Sole is used in ANSI Certified Safety Shoes?
Safety shoes sole is vital element of the safety shoe. It helps in determine the kind of working environment the worker should be placed.
The main type of sole used is;
Slip- resistant sole: these soles are designed with additional tractions that allow gripping on wet, greasy and slippery surfaces.
Tests are conducted to determine if the shoe will meet the 0.25 slip resistance rating.
Some of the compound s used to make this sole resistance include;
Rubber
Polyurethane
Polyvinyl chloride
Can you use Add-on Type Devices such as Metatarsal Guards on ANSI Certified Safety Shoes?
Yes, ANSI standards allow use of add-on devices on the safety shoes unlike in ASTM standards.
The ANSI standards evaluates if the add-on are in compliance with the set standards before they are incorporated on the safety shoes.
Examples of these add-on devices include;
Metatarsal guard that protects the upper foot and the metatarsal bone from injury.
Strap-on foot device that enhances the tightness of the safety footwear.
At Huaerxin Company, we help you get high quality and ANSI certified safety shoes that meet your unique quality specifications.
Contact us now for all your ANSI safety shoes.
