Personal Safety

What is a safety shoe?

Shoes that protect our feet from hazards of dropped objects, slipping and sharp edge objects are called the best safety shoes. Safety shoes are an essential part of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

Qualities of Safety Shoes

With Comfortable footbed

The comfortable footbed should be developed with an exceptional performance structure of safety shoes. Safety shoes must be comfortable during maintenance work and hard work. The shoes should be designed to be light in weight, have air breath ports, and be comfortable all day long.      

Ultimate shock absorption

The quality of shock absorption protects the feet from the impact of the jumps. The quality of shock absorption protects the feet from the impact of the jumps. For this purpose, a cushioned and comfortable footbed is essential in safety shoes.

Protective Toe cap

A protective toe cap of safety shoes should be made according to European or ASTM standards. It protects the feet from impact regardless of the material. It also protects the feet from fallen objects at feet.

1. Steel Toe cap
   • Steel toe caps are naturally stronger than composite or other material toe caps.
2. Composite toe cap
   • Composite toe caps are lighter than steel toe caps. It reduces stress and fatigue on the legs and joints throughout a long workday.
3. Nanocarbon toe cap
   • Nanocarbon toe caps are thinner and lighter than composite toe caps. Therefore this is a solution for the thicker and bulkier composite toe caps.
     • Composite and nanocarbon toe caps are also metal-free and practical when working in an electrical hazardous environment. It is also suitable for work on metal detectors such as courts, banks, and airports.
4. Layer as conductor
   • A thinner layer should be used in the sole of the safety shoes to reach the same strength as a composite toe. It should be used as a conductor of cold, heat, and electricity.
5. With Self-cleaning outside

Puncture Resistance

A steel layer must used in midsoles from toe to heel. The steel layer prevents the shoe’s puncture. It protects feet from sharp edge objects entering through the sole that can cause injury to feet.

Slip Resistance

Slipping resistance is very essential quality in industrial footwear. Slipping resistance soles must tested on a ceramic tile wetted with a dilute soap solution. It should also tested on a smooth steel with glycerol. If the safety shoes pass these tests that’s why we should consider them safe safety shoes.

European or ASTM standards

European Standards Safety Shoes

These standards are important for manufacturers, employers, and consumers. To ensure the quality safety footwear for every workplace condition.

1. EN ISO 20345:2011:
   • This standard specifies basic requirements for safety footwear. It covers features of safety shoes toe protection, impact of objects, compression, and essential safety criteria.
2. EN ISO 20347:2012:
   • Focusing on occupational footwear, this standard sets requirements for comfort, durability, and other performance aspects.
3. EN ISO 20346:2014:
   • Similar to EN ISO 20345, this standard pertains to protective footwear. It focuses on increased resistance to penetration. It also covers a higher level of protection for the metatarsal area.

ASTM International Standards

1. ASTM F2412-18 and F2413-18:
   • These standards cover the performance requirements for various types of safety shoes.
     • ASTM F2412 addresses testing methods for foot protection.
     • ASTM F2413 specifies the minimum performance criteria for the safety of footwear’s toe.
2. ASTM F2892-18:
   • This standard covers non-metallic safety toe-protective footwear. It specifies requirements for design, performance, and all types of testing.
3. ASTM F2412-18 and F2413-18 Metatarsal Guards:
   • ASTM standards ASTM F2412-18 and F2413-18 about specific metatarsal guards used in safety footwear. These standards address the performance and testing of safety footwear metatarsal protection.
4. ASTM F1117-03(2017):
   • This standard provides guidelines for selecting footwear according to the workplace.

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A Personal Evacuation Plan (PEP) is a customized strategy designed to help individuals evacuate safely from a building or area during an emergency, such as a fire, natural disaster, or other emergency situations. This plan takes into account individual needs, abilities, and scenarios to ensure that everyone can respond effectively in the event of an emergency.

Emergency Evacuation Map

The Emergency Evacuation Map guides the workers, visitors, and contractors on the way into the building and coming in going out of the building.

An Emergency Evacuation Map is a map that shows aisle marking on the floor and everything which has volume on the floor. Location of everything on the floor. Emergency Evacuation Map gives importance to exit ways like lifts and stairs in the building.

How to make an Emergency Evacuation Map?

The emergency evacuation map guides the workers and visitors to go out of the building in case of an emergency with safety. The emergency evacuation map highlights the aisle marking, Emergency exit door, normal exit doors, and all equipment related to emergencies.

Creating an effective Emergency Evacuation Map involves several key steps. Here’s a guide to help you design one:

Step-by-Step Guide to Create an Emergency Evacuation Map

1. Gather Information:

• Obtain a current floor plan of the building or area.
• Identify all exits, stairwells, and emergency assembly points outside the building.

1. Identify Key Locations:

• Mark important areas such as restrooms, elevators (not to be used in emergencies), and disabled access routes.
• Highlight potential hazards (e.g., flammable materials, electrical rooms).

1. Designate Evacuation Routes:

• Determine the safest and quickest routes to exits from various locations in the building.
• Ensure these routes are clear of obstacles and accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities.

1. Use Symbols and Colors:

• Utilize easily recognizable symbols (e.g., arrows for routes, green for exits, red for hazards) to enhance clarity.
• Consider color-coding different elements for easy identification.

1. Add a Legend/Key:

• Create a legend that explains the symbols and colors used in the map for clarity.

1. Include Important Information:

• Provide details such as emergency contact numbers, protocols (e.g., “Do not use elevators”), and the location of emergency equipment (fire extinguishers, first aid kits).

1. Create Multiple Versions:

• Design maps for different floors or areas of the building to ensure everyone has access to relevant information.

1. Test the Map:

• Conduct a drill to see how well the map works in practice and make any necessary adjustments based on feedback.

1. Make the Map Visible:

• Place printed copies of the map in visible locations throughout the building (near entrances, hallways, break rooms).
• Consider adding digital versions accessible via building management systems or emergency apps.

1. Regularly Update:
   • Review and update the map regularly, especially after renovations, changes in layout, or after conducting drills.

Tips for Effectiveness:

• Keep it simple and easy to understand.
• Use a large enough font and clear graphics.
• Make sure everyone in the building is aware of the map and understands how to use it.
• Conduct regular training and drills to create awareness in workers for safe evacuation procedures.

Creating an effective Emergency Evacuation Map can greatly enhance safety during an emergency by helping people navigate quickly.

Types of this map

1. Building an Emergency Evacuation Map
   • Office blocks
   • Production departments
   • Workshops
   • Power / Boiler houses
   • Laboratories / canteen / cafeterias
2. Plant / Unit Emergency Evacuation Map

This type of map is designed by EHS or the safety department which mentions everything about safety.

Elements of This Map

This Map highlights the aisle marking and the following things:

Importance

Emergency Evacuation Map supports the workers and visitors to quickly understand the safe exit ways in case of emergency. The emergency exit plan or evacuation policy can save many workers’ and visitor’s lives.

Location of this map

This map should be located near the main entrance door or the gathering area. Because anyone can find and read this map easily in normal or emergencies.

There are some basic rules for ladder safety.

What is a ladder?

A tool with types and sizes that helps us to climb at a height for different purposes is called a ladder.

Types of ladder

1. Type ladder
   • Step ladder (A-type)
   • Platform ladder (A-type)
2. Straight ladder
   • Fixed Straight ladder
   • Extension straight ladder
3. Step Ladder
   • Fixed step ladder
   • Extension ladder
   • Mobile Step Ladder
   • Extension Mobile Step Ladder
   • Fixed extension step ladder
4. Monkey Ladder

Basic Rules for Ladder Safety

There are some basic rules for ladder use safely.

A-type Step ladder safety

1. Always use a safety helmet when starting work on the ladder.
2. Always open the stepladder completely and the spreader is locked open before using the ladder.
3. Never climb onto a ladder from one side, directly upper steps, or from one ladder to another.
4. Keep your face to the stepladder when climbing up or down.
5. Put your feet in the center of the ladder’s step.
6. Choose the right ladder for the right work according to height and space.
7. Check the load capacity of the ladder before using it.
8. Inspect the ladder before using it.
9. Set the ladder at the level surface and up correctly.
10. Climb and descend the ladder with caution and safety.
11. Control your body balance while working on a ladder.
12. Set the ladder at the right place according to the work point.

Straight-type ladder safety

Include these safety points in the above-given safety points

1. This type of ladder should be fixed with a straight wall at an angle of 75 degrees.
2. Never lean or reach away from the ladder, hold the ladder when a person climbs at the ladder.
3. Ensure the ladder’s foot does not slip on the floor.
4. Depute the person to hold the ladder and control the foot slipping off the ladder.

What angle is a ladder?

The correct angle for an A-type and straight ladder is 75 degrees.

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