In today’s fast-paced world, workplace safety is more important than ever. One of the unsung heroes in personal protective equipment (PPE) is EH safety footwear. But what exactly does “EH” mean? And why is it crucial to wear safety footwear designed to protect against electrical hazards?
Step Potentials can be Deadly!
A step potential is when there is a difference in voltage between a person’s feet when they are standing on the ground. The voltage may be because of an electrical fault, such as a downed powerline, which causes high currents to flow into the ground. Step potentials can be very dangerous for anyone standing in close proximity to the fault.
How Do Step Potentials Happen?
When a fault occurs, such as a downed powerline, a high fault current may flow into the ground resulting in a correspondingly high voltage. This voltage is the highest at the point of fault and dissipates as the distance from the point of fault increases.
Should a person walk across the area, then there will be a voltage difference between one foot and the other. The closer a person is to the point of fault, the higher the difference in this voltage. This voltage difference causes current to flow through the body, entering one foot and exiting at the other. A voltage as low as 50 volts can cause sufficient current to flow to cause an electric shock and a current as low as 1/20 amp can result in cardiac arrest. The ground voltage will vary on several factors including soil resistivity.
What to Wear?
Workers in these environments should be wearing Electrical Hazard (EH) safety footwear which are a secondary defence against step potential hazards. EH safety footwear that have an insulting hazard. EH safety footwear that have an insulating outsole, tested to 18Kv in accordance with ASTM F 2413-18.
- The Arc RF810
Rock Fall work directly with major end-users to design and develop safety footwear and then bring them to market.
- The PowerMax RF800
The PowerMax is the next generation of powerline climbing boots, offering wearers ultimate comfort and protection in demanding working conditions, against all elements.
The PowerMax was designed in partnership with Western Power Distribution, now a National Grid company in the UK. This enabled us to prototype, trial and then redesign certain components featured on the boot to ensure they were perfect for the line working environment and compatible with other line working equipment such as climbing irons.
The industries people are working in are evolving quickly, so why should the safety footwear they use to protect also evolve?
Let’s investigate the significance of EH safety footwear and how it can safeguard your well-being in various environments.
Understanding Electrical Hazard Safety Footwear
Electrical Hazard safety footwear is designed to provide a protective barrier between the wearer and electrical shocks. Rock Fall’s EH safety footwear is constructed with non-conductive materials, ensuring that electricity does not pass through the sole to the ground. This essential feature makes Rock Fall EH safety footwear a must-have in specific work environments.
Protection Against Electrical Hazards
The primary purpose of EH safety footwear is to protect against electrical hazards. This is particularly crucial for workers in industries including, electrical and utility, telecommunication, oil and gas sector, manufacturing and maintenance environments. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), electrical shocks can cause severe injuries or even fatalities. Wearing EH-rated footwear can help mitigate these risks.
Industries That Require Electrical Hazard Safety Footwear
Telecommunications Workers – Professionals working in telecommunications often work with electrical lines and equipment. EH footwear is crucial for safeguarding against unexpected electrical shocks during installation or repairs.
Oil & Gas Workforce – Key hazards include explosions, oil spills, and toxic exposure to chemicals. Workers face risks from heavy machinery, high-pressure systems, and transportation accidents.
Electrical and Utility Workers – Electricians and utility workers are frequently exposed to electrical hazards. EH safety footwear is a non-negotiable part of their PPE to ensure they remain safe while performing their essential duties.
Manufacturing Plants – In manufacturing environments, workers may encounter electrical machinery and tools daily. EH footwear helps protect against electrical shocks while enhancing overall safety on the factory floor.
Maintenance Personnel –Maintenance workers who repair or service electrical equipment need to wear EH-rated footwear to protect themselves from potential electrical hazards, particularly in industrial settings.
Check out Rock Fall’s full Electrical Hazard range at https://www.rockfall.com/products/?sort=a-z&page=1&weightMin=395&weightMax=1815&prodIndustries=7440
