Developing an understanding of PPE standards and norms in South Africa.

1. PPE Training Presentation

2. PPE CATEGORIES

3. PPE CATEGORIES
For areas of minimal/superficial risk where the effects of not
wearing PPE are easily reversible (self-certified products).
For areas of specific risk such as mechanical risks. Such
products are submitted to EC type examination, tested
against European test methods and certified by a notified
body.
For areas that can irreversibly harm the health, and
mortal risks such as electrical, radiation or temperatures
exceeding 50°C up to 100°C.
▪ Main risk categories of PPE as defined by the European Union Directive 89/686/EEC*
* This directive was developed as a benchmark for PPE used in the European Union Member States

4. HEAD PROTECTION
▪ IDENTIFYING HAZARDS
▫ Mechanical : impacts from equipment, impact from hard objects falling, flying or
low-hanging, lateral impacts
▫ Thermal : cold, heat, projections of molten metals, liquid drips
▫ Electric : exposed electric conductors, electrostatic discharges

5. HEAD PROTECTION
▪ TYPES OF HEAD PROTECTION

6. HEAD PROTECTION
▪ HARD HATS
Provide protection from impact and penetration and act as a shield for your scalp, face & neck.
Construction, electric power, metallurgy, mining and many other industries.
▫ Materials :
- UV stabilised HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) OR
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Tuff HDPE Tuff ABS with AV Tuff ABS full brim Nikki ABS with AV

7. - ANSI/CSA Type I
meets stringent vertical impact requirements
meets stringent vertical penetration requirements
- ANSI/CSA Type II
meets stringent vertical & lateral impact requirements
meets stringent vertical & lateral penetration requirements
contains a foam inner liner of expanded polystyrene (EPS)
HEAD PROTECTION
▪ HARD HATS
▫ TYPES
o Class E (Electrical)
provides dielectric
(insulation) protection
up to 20,000 volts
o Class G (General)
provides dielectric
(insulation) protection
up to 2,200 volts
o Class C (Conductive)
provides no dielectric
(insulation) protection
▫ CLASSES

8. HEAD PROTECTION
Optional additional requirements Markings/labels
Very low temperature -20° or -30° or -40°
Very high temperature +150° C
Radiant heat resistance 7kW/m² or 14kW/m²
Electric isolation 440 VAC
Lateral deformation LD
Molten splash test MM / « Class 0 »
Mining or quarrying HH
Electrical test
EN 50365
For working near
installations not exceeding
1000 V AC or 1500 V DC
* V AC : Voltage Alternating Current
* V DC : Voltage Direct Current

9. HEAD PROTECTION
▫ Features : - Light weight
- Adjustable headgear suspensions (6 or 4 point)
- Breathable sweatband
- Reinforced ribs for extra protection
- Lateral and penetration protection from all directions
- Accepts optional chin strap for added security
- Washable and easily replaceable air cushioned foam layer to
hold perspiration
- Peaks : Front brim, or Full brim for extra sun or bump protection
▫ Optional : - AV = Air Ventilation
- Slotted integration of wide range of accessories (ear muffs,
face shields)
- V Guard
- Retro-reflective
▪ HARD HATS

10. HEAD PROTECTION
▫ Care & Maintenance
- Cleaned with soap and water, drying with a soft cloth
Should not be cleaned with abrasive substances or solvents
- Storage : in a dry and dark place, away from direct sunlight or any chemicals
- Replacement : - showing more than superficial abrasions or scuffing to the shell
- when the hard hat has been subjected to an impact. The hard
hat will only protect you once
- Recommended shelf life : 5 years max. 2 years if used on a daily basis.
Depends on conditions of exposure
( falling objects, exposure to sun, to chemicals… )
▪ HARD HATS

11. HEAD PROTECTION
▪ STANDARDS
ISO 3873 - International Standard
EN 397 - European Standard : mandatory tests include shock absorption, resistance
to penetration, flame resistance and chinstrap anchorage
EN 50365 - Electrical insulation (up to 1 000 Vac or 1 500 Vdc)
EN 14052 - High performance for industrial safety helmets.
EN 812 - European Standard for industrial bump caps.
ANSI Z89.1 - American Standard.
SANS 1397 - South African Standard. The SANS 1397:2003 is equivalent to
EN 397:2000

12. HEAD PROTECTION
▪ BUMP CAPS
Provides protection against scalp bumps, scrapes & cuts.
Designed only to protect you from accidentally bumping your head against
protruding objects.
Not intended to protect against the effects of falling objects or electrical shocks.
▫ Materials : Lightweight hard plastic; 100% Cotton; 100% Acrylic
▫ No suspension system or electrical insulation.
▫ Optional : - Polyethylene inner shell
- Air vents

13. HEAD PROTECTION
▪ BUMP CAPS
▫ Care & Maintenance
Cold water wash
Do not bleach
Do not dry clean
Do not tumble dry
Do not iron or cool iron for shape

14. HEAD PROTECTION
▪ FACE SHIELDS
Industrial Face Shield
▫ A rugged, heavy duty face
shield for all industrial
purposes.
▫ Excellent balance in weight
distribution.
▫ Adjustable ratchet headband
to cover various head sizes.
Welders Helmet
▫ Flip front welder's
helmet with ratchet
headgear.
▫ Robust & practical
▫ Replaceable lenses

15. EYE PROTECTION

16. EYE PROTECTION
Frame
Bridge
Lens / Ocular
Adjustable arms
Top shields
Side shield
▪ SPECTACLES

17. EYE PROTECTION
▪ OCULARS
▫ Optical class : field of vision
∙ Class 1: for continuous work
∙ Class 2: for intermittent work
∙ Class 3: for occasional work, not to be worn continuously
▫ Mechanical strength
High speed particles
F – Low energy
B – Medium energy
A – High energy
S – Increased strength
▫ Other fields of use
3 – Liquid droplets & splashes
4 – Large dust particles
5 – Gas & fine particles
8 – Short circuit electric arc
9 – Molten metal & hot solids (F, B or A)
G – Radiant heat (EN 1731)
S – Increased robustness
T – Extreme temperature (-5 to 55°C) Lens shading

18. ▪ OCULARS
▫ Designation of filters for oculars with filtering effect :
◦ Scale number 1,1 to 16 : High number = strong filtering effect
◦ Darker lens colours to filter more light
◦ Markings : - UV : 2 (colours perception altered) or 2C (not altered)
- IR : 4
- Sun filters 5 (without IR protection) or 6 (with IR protection)
◦ Separate code numbers for welding, from 3 to 16
▫ Optional
◦ N – Anti-mist treatment : resistance to fogging/misting (8s)
◦ K – Scratch resistance : Anti-scratch / resistance to mechanical damage / Gas &
fine particle
EYE PROTECTION

20. EYE PROTECTION
▪ OCULARS/LENSES

21. ▪ FRAMES
▫ Mechanical strength
S – Withstands impacts against small objects travelling up to 12 m/s
F – Up to 45 m/s
B – Up to 120 m/s
A – Up to 190 m/s
T – Withstands impacts at extreme temperatures
EYE PROTECTION

22. ▪ STANDARDS
EN 166 2002 Personal Eye Protection / basic requirements
of CE
EN 207 Laser protection eyewear
EN 175 1997
Welders eye and face protection EN 208 Laser adjustment eyewear
EN 169 2002 Welding filters EN 379 + A1 Automatic welding filters
EN 170 2002 Ultra-violet filters/protection EN 1731 Mesh face screens/eye and face protection
EN 171 2002 Infra-red filters EN 1836 Filters for direct observation of the sun
EN 172 1995 Solar Protection Filters for Industrial Use SABS 1404 Eye-protectors for industrial and non-industrial
use
EN ISO 12312-
1: 2014
Eye and face protection, sunglasses and related
eyewear, sunglasses for general use
SABS 1400 Welding helmets, hand shields, goggles and
welding spectacles
EYE PROTECTION

23. Hearing protection

24. Hearing protection
Noise-induced hearing
damage is related to the
duration and volume of
exposure. Research
suggests that the safe
exposure limit is
85 decibels for 8 hours
a day.

25. Hearing protection

26. Hearing protection
Occupational Safety Directive on Noise and Vibration
Valid since 2007.

27. Hearing protection
▪ BUYING GUIDE
▫ Objective : achieve a residual noise level between 70 dB and 80 dB for the wearer.
SNR method:
Noise Level – SNR value of the ear protector
E.g. : Noise level 100 dB – Ear protection with SNR 26 = 74 dB
If you spend a lot of time in environments with varying noise levels above 85 dB, you
can use a noise dosimeter and let it monitor the noise levels and calculate the dose
you’re getting to make sure you receive appropriate protection.
* SNR : Signal-to-Noise Ratio

28. Hearing protection
▪ Ear Muffs
Ear muffs have rigid cups usually made from Acrylonitrile
Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and synthetic foam cushions that
seal around the ears to block out noise.
Special features :
▫ Padded elastic adjustable arch : PVC or plastic
▫ Foldable ear defenders
▫ Adjustable in height, with ventilated reinforcement
▫ No head band design to use with safety helmet /
bump cap.
▫ Face shield holder that ties unto the helmet for
attachment of the arms

29. Hearing protection
▪ Ear Plugs
▫ Flexible materials : polyurethane foam, silicone or
thermoplastic
▫ Fit the ear canal
▫ Hygienic and economical
▫ Bright colour
▫ Optional : - Plastic cord
- Detector for high visibility and detectability.

30. Hearing protection
▪ STANDARDS
EN 352 – 1 Ear muffs EN 458 Recommendations for selection, use and care
EN 352 – 2 Earplugs EN 13819-1 Physical test methods
EN 352 – 3 Earmuffs on safety helmets EN 13819-2 Acoustic test methods
EN 352 – 4 Level Dependent Earmuffs EN 352-11 Two-way communication ear muffs
EN 352 – 5 Active Noise Reduction Earmuffs SABS 50352 Safety requirements hearing
EN 352 – 6 Earmuffs with electrical audio input H, M, L Average attenuations High Medium Low frequencies
EN 352 – 7 Level dependent earplugs SABS 1451 1998 Standard specification for hearing protection

31. Respiratory protection
▪ IDENTIFYING HAZARDS
Dust Particles resulting from the breaking up of solids.
The smaller the particle the bigger the hazard.
Mist
Fume
Vapours
Gas
Clouds of fine droplets or particles formed by spraying which can be
water or oil based. Often a mix of several hazardous particles.
Solid aerosols formed when metallic vapours condense on cooling
and are often produced with processes involving hot metal.
Gaseous state of substances that are liquids or solids at room
temperature. A gaseous state is formed by evaporation.
Are organic or inorganic compounds that become airborne and
are able to diffuse or spread freely.

32. Respiratory protection
▫ Molecules associated with living organisms :
nucleic acids, fats, sugars, proteins, enzymes and
hydrocarbon fuels.
▫ Boiling point > 65°C.
▫ Organic compounds always contain carbon.
E.g. : Working with solvents created by varnish,
paints and adhesives. Benzene, methane.
▫ Inorganics include salts, metals, substances
made from single elements and any other
compounds that don't contain carbon bonded to
hydrogen.
E.g. : carbon dioxide (CO2), silver, sulphur.
Sulphur dioxide is a colourless toxic gas, about
2.5 times as heavy as air, with a pungent,
irritating, and rotten smell.
Inhaling sulfur dioxide is associated with
increased respiratory symptoms and disease,
difficulty in breathing, and premature death.
▫ (NH3) composed of one nitrogen (N) and three
hydrogen (H) molecules. It is usually found as a
gas and is known for its pungent odour.
▫ Very toxic when inhaled.
▫ Severe irritation of the nose and throat.
▫ life-threatening accumulation of fluid in the
lungs.
▫ Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of
breath, difficult breathing and tightness in the
chest.

33. Respiratory protection
▪ TYPES OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

34. Respiratory protection
▪ DISPOSABLE MASKS
EN 149 : Standard for filtering face piece
respirators for use against solid and non-volatile
liquid particles.
Products are classified by filtering efficiency and
maximum total inward leakage performance
(FFP1, FFP2, FFP3)
FFP1
Protection level of mask according to filtration
ability of the filter medium.
Filtering Face piece Particles = Filtering Face
piece from Particles
P Horizontal folding
B Vertical folding
W Protection against unpleasant odours
The valve provides better
comfort. Its flexible structure
facilitates mouth movement for
easier talking and breathing.
Reduces heat and humidity.
D Optional test of EN149:2001
standard for clogging the
Dolomite.
NR Non-Reusable
The mask should not be used
for more than 8 hours.
R Has been tested for
reusability for a 2nd work shift

35. Respiratory protection
▪ DISPOSABLE MASKS May be moulded or flexible, or have a valve
3 classes / EN 143 – SANS 50143 :
▫ FFP 1 respirators provide reliable protection against harmful substances up to
four times the threshold limit value (MAK*) and are available with or without a
valve.
▫ FFP 2 respirators provide reliable protection against harmful substances up to
ten times the threshold limit value (MAK*, TRK**) and are available with or
without a valve.
▫ FFP 3 respirators provide reliable protection against harmful substances up to
30 times the threshold limit value (MAK*, TRK**) and are only available with a
valve.
MAK* = maximum concentration in the workplace (without the mask)
Or WEL : Workplace Exposure Limit
TRK** = technical standard concentration : the concentration of a
hazardous material. TRK values are applied to carcinogenic materials for
which there is no MAK value available.

36. Respiratory protection
▫ CHARACTERISTICS
• Low breathing resistance
• Heavy duty, tab mounted, head straps
• Colour coded plastic adjustable nose clip
• Soft foam nosepiece for comfort and custom fit
Additional features on FFP 3
• Exhalation valve reduces hot air build-up
• Exhalation valve provides easy breathing in hot and
humid environments
• Active carbon pre-filter for nuisance organic vapours and
welding fumes
• Moulded design (some FFP1s will also be moulded or
have a valve).

37. Respiratory protection
Measure Level of Contamination (400 mg/m3)
MAK ∶ Maximum concentration in the workplace (50 mg/𝑚3)
= Required Protection Factor
(RPF) = 8
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20+
FFP1 FFP2 FFP3
P1 P2 P3
Mask type
Filter type

38. Respiratory protection
▫ TYPICAL AREAS OF APPLICATION
◦ FFP 1 : food industry, stonemasonry and cement work, construction and
softwood processing.
◦ FFP 2 : areas such as mining, the metal work industry, shipyards and wood
processing.
◦ FFP 3 : base metal manufacture, brick manufacture, craft work, food, iron &
steel, laboratories, metals cutting & casting, mining, pharmaceutical, powdered
additives, powdered chemicals, sawmills & woodwork, textiles, underground civil
engineering, welding.

39. Respiratory protection
EN 140 : minimum requirements for half masks and quarter
masks for use as part of respiratory protective devices. It
includes laboratory tests and practical performance tests to
ensure conformity of the following:
▫ Shock resistance
▫ Resistance to cleaning and disinfection products
▫ Flame resistance
▫ Breathing resistance
▪ HALF MASKS

40. Respiratory protection
▪ FULL FACE MASKS
EN 136 : minimal requirements for full face masks for
use as part of respiratory protection devices.
▫ Temperature resistance
▫ Shock resistance
▫ Flame resistance
▫ Resistance to thermal radiation
▫ Traction resistance
▫ Resistance to cleaning and disinfection products

41. Respiratory protection
▪ CARTRIDGES
Standards : EN 141 & EN 143
NCIS approved
Storage conditions
Date of expiration (AAAA/MM)
No. of the quality control laboratory
Model type
The EN 141 standard defines the use of anti-gas filters according to
the type of gas to be filtered, classified by a letter and a colour code.
(Cartridges contain the filters)

42. Respiratory protection

43. Respiratory protection
Measure level of Xylene (300 𝑝𝑝𝑚 𝑜𝑟 300 𝑚𝑙/𝑚3)
MAK ∶ Maximum concentration in the workplace (50 ppm or m𝑙/𝑚3)
= Required Protection Factor
(RPF) 6
Therefore the half mask / full face mask should be fitted with an A1 gas filter.
▫ A = Xylene is an organic gas
▫ 1 = Filter Absorption Class
An A1 gas filter has an Assigned Protection Factor (APF) of 10.

44. Respiratory protection
▪ STANDARDS
EN 140 Half/Quarter masks EN 141 Respiratory protective devices. Gas filters and
combined filters.
EN 14384 Gas Filters & Combined Filters EN 405 Respiratory protective devices. Valved filtering half
masks to protect against gases or gases and
particles
EN 143 Particle Filters SANS
50140
Half masks & quarter masks
EN 149 2001
+A1 2009
Filtering half masks to protect against particles SANS
50136
Full face masks
EN 12942 Powered air for full/half masks SANS
54387
Gas filters and combined filters
EN 136 Valve Combined Filtering Half Mask SANS
50143
Particle filters
EN 137 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus SANS
50405
Valved filtering half masks to protect against gases
or gases and particles
EN 14594 Continuous Flow Compressed Airline Breathing
Apparatus
NRCS Minimum safety regulations for respiratory
protective devices in SA
EN 402 Self-contained Breathing Apparatus Escape Mask

45. Special Hazard Workwear
▪ CONTI SUITS
TEXTILE DESCRIPTIONS
POLYCOTTON 65/35 or 80/20 Polycotton
POLYCOTTON ACID 65/35 Polycotton, 210 g
COTTON 2/1 TWILL 100% Cotton J54, 230-250g
COTTON 4/1 TWILL 100% Cotton D59, 270g (SABS)
COTTON 4/1 TWILL
ACID AND/OR FLAME
100% Cotton D59 Acid and/or Flame
Resistant, 270g (SABS)
DENIM 80/20 Polycotton, 100% Denim
J 54
Jacket
All seams safety stitched
Concealed aluminium/metal zip
One breast pocket
Two bottom patch pockets
Trouser
All seams are safety stitched
Elasticated waistband
Two patch pockets on trousers front
One back patch pocket

46. Special Hazard Workwear
▪ FLAME RETARDANT CLOTHING
- a finish is applied to the fabric to reduce its flammability OR
- a flame retardant chemical is incorporated straight into the fibre.
- the fabric will conform for a limited number of washes.
▪ ISO EN 11612/ ISO EN 14116 : Against heat & flame
Limited flame spread (A)
Convective heat (B)
Radiant heat (C)
Molten aluminium splash (D)
Molten iron splash (E)
Contact heat (F)
▪ ISO EN 11611 Protective clothing for use in welding
▪ SANS 1423: 2008 : SA National Standard for performance requirements
for textile fabrics of low flammability

47. Special Hazard Workwear
▪ ACID RESISTANT CLOTHING
- protects against acid burns
- protects against chemicals and risk of splashing on workers
Product features : zip jacket and trouser, double stitched, chest pocket,
back rise triple stitched, poly/cotton
Standard : German DIN 32763

48. Special Hazard Workwear
▪ DISPOSABLE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING ( FOR CHEMICAL PROTECTION )
Category 3 PPE : higher level of risk involved with chemicals
TYPE 3 (EN 14605) Protection against strong spays or liquid
chemicals
TYPE 4 (EN 14605) Protection against sprays or liquid chemicals
TYPE 5 (EN 13982) Protection against hazardous dusts
TYPE 6 (EN13038) Protection against light splashes & sprays of
hazardous liquids

49. Special Hazard Workwear
▪ HIGH VISIBILITY GARMENTS
- Being struck by a moving vehicle : 2nd most common cause of death in the
workplace
- Reflective materials = increased visibility in low light situations, returning
light to a light source to create a bright image to the motorist
▪ Specification
EN 471 -> EN ISO 20471 2013
The background fluorescent material must encircle all
relevant parts (torso, arms and legs as appropriate).
▫ retro-reflective : not less than 50mm wide

50. Special Hazard Workwear
▪ HIGH VISIBILITY GARMENTS
▫ CLASS 3: Highest Level of protection
Minimum background material 0.8m2
Minimum Retro-reflective material 0.2m2
i.e. Jackets with sleeves
▫ CLASS 2 : Intermediate protection level
Minimum background material 0.5m2
Minimum Retro-reflective material 0.13m2
i.e. Hi-vis waistcoat
▫ CLASS 1 : Lowest protection level for minimal risk
Minimum background material 0.14m2
Minimum Retro-reflective material 0.10m2
i.e. Hi-vis trousers will commonly meet this standard when worn
separately from upper garments.

51. Special Hazard Workwear
▪ OTHER
▫ Water penetration & breathability
EN 343 : Protection against weather elements
▫ Cold weather
EN 342 : Protection against extreme weather
▫ Anti-static properties
EN 1149 : Antistatic workwear; J59 = 100% cotton
▫ Boiler suits / workwear suits
SANS 434: 2008 : This standard covers the materials, workmanship,
styles, sizes, stitches and seams

52. Hand Protection

53. Hand Protection
Half of all reported LTI’s
(Lost Time Injury) in
industrial segment come
from injuries to the hand
and forearm area.

54. Hand Protection
▫ Increased safety awareness in all industries.
▫ Regulatory and industry bodies recognising that the cost of hand injuries is
much higher than the cost of hand protection.
▫ End-users are becoming increasingly conscious of safety issues and are
demanding hand protection at work.
▫ With enhanced comfort and performance levels, workers no longer have valid
excuses for not wearing gloves.
▪ FACTS

55. Hand Protection
EN 420 General requirements: this standard defines the
general requirements for protective gloves in terms of fit for
purpose and safety. The gloves themselves should not impose
a risk or cause injury.
▪ STANDARDS
EN 388 – MECHANICAL RISKS
a) Abrasion resistance 1 – 4
b) Blade-cut resistance 1 – 5
c) Tear resistance 1 – 4
d) Puncture resistance 1 – 4
EN 511 – COLD PROTECTION
a) Convective cold 0 – 4
b) Contact cold 0 – 4
C) Water proofness 0 – 1

56. Hand Protection
EN/IEC 60903 or ASTM – LIVE WORKING
Standards developed to protect against high voltages.
Type 1: non-resistant to ozone
Type 2: ozone resistant
Six classes of protection referenced 00, 0,
1, 2, 3, 4
▪ STANDARDS
EN 407 – THERMAL HAZARDS
this standard specifies thermal performance.
a) Burning behaviour 1 – 4
b) Contact heat 1 – 4
c) Convective heat 1 – 4
d) Radiant heat 1 – 4
e) Small splashes of molten metal 1 – 4
f) Large splashes of molten metal 1 – 4
EN 407 Perf.
Level
Contact Temp. ° Threshold Time
Seconds
1 100 >15
2 250 >15
3 350 >15
4 500 >15
b) Contact heat
The outside of the glove is put on a hot
surface while the temperature on the
inside is monitored. The temperature
on the inside must take 15s or more to
rise by 10° from room temperature.

57. Hand Protection
EN 374 - 1 – CHEMICALS & MICRO-ORGANISMS
Capability of gloves to protect the user
against chemicals and/or micro-
organisms.
Information is given on level of
resistance against penetration, and the
type of chemicals that have been tested
and approved.
EN 374 – 2 MICRO-ORGANISMS or « low
chemical resistant » pictogram.
EN 374 – 3: CHEMICAL PERMIATION
Each chemical tested is classified in terms of
breakthrough time (performance level 0 to 6).
EN 16350 – PROTECTIVE GLOVES
Electrostatic properties
Pictogram to be used when glove
obtained at least level 2 on penetration
test.
EN 421 – RADIATION
this standard lays down test
methods and performance criteria for
gloves offering protection against
ionising radiation and radioactive
contamination.

58. Hand Protection
SANS 416: SOUTH AFRICAN STANDARD
PVC gloves type 1 against chemicals, namely,
aqueous solutions of acids, acid salts, alkalis alkaline
salts and alcohols.
If a glove is to be used for food
handling, it is required to carry either
the words ‘for food use’ or this symbol.
EN 10819 – VIBRATION ATTENUATION
At moderately strong frequency, gloves shall not
enhance vibrations. At high frequency, gloves will
reduce level of vibration by 40%.
EN 12477 – WELDING
Combination from testing EN388 and EN407. Applies
to test resistance to small splashes of molten metal,
short exposure to convective heat, to radiant heat
and to contact heat
( +mechanical risks ).

59. EN 659 + A1 2008 – FIREFIGHTERS
Standard which defines minimum
performance requirements and test
methods for firefighters’ protective
gloves.
EN 455 – MEDICAL GLOVES
this standard specifies requirements and tests for
gloves for medical purpose.
Hand Protection

60. Safety Footwear

61. Safety Footwear
▫ EN ISO / SANS 20345: 2011 is the current standard which specifies basic and
additional (optional) requirements for safety footwear.
- 200 joule steel toecap
SB: basic requirements = innocuousness, strength, resistance to shock
▪ BASIC REQUIREMENTS

62. Safety Footwear
▪ MARKINGS
Steel toe cap Genuine leather Shock absorbent Slip resistant Oil & acid resistant Antistatic
A Antistatic footwear to prevent the build-
up of static and provides
limited protection against electric shock
from nominal mains
voltage
AN Ankle protection
C Conductive properties helping to prevent
the build-up of static
(but no protection against electric shock)
CI Insulation against cold
E Energy absorption in heel unit
FO Resistance to fuel oil of outsole
HI Insulation against heat
M Metatarsal impact protection
P Penetration resistance
WR Water resistant
WRU Water resistant upper
HRO Heat resistant outsole 300°C

63. Safety Footwear
EN ISO 13287, with its progressive SRA, SRB and SRC ratings has
become the most widely used standard for testing slip resistance.
▫ SRA Slip resistance on ceramic tile floors with sodium lauryl sulphate
solution (SLS)
▫ SRB Slip resistance on steel floors with glycerol
▫ SRC Slip resistance on ceramic tile floors with SLS and on steel
floors with glycerol
▪ SLIP RESISTANCE

64. Safety Footwear
Welders ankle spats
Premium chrome leather
Knee length welder spats
Premium chrome leather
▫ Gumboots
- Nitrile / PVC or Non-nitrile PVC
- Slip resistant sole
- Exterior is smooth
- Optimum flexibility and resistance to
abrasion.
- Additional features : Steel Toe cap
PVC / Nitrile soles
E.g. of workplaces :
food processing, butcheries, chicken
farms, fisheries, hotel kitchens,
hospitals, clinics, wet and muddy
conditions.

65. Safety Footwear
▪ STANDARDS
EN 15090 Footwear for firefighters
EN ISO 20346 Personal protective equipment protective footwear
EN ISO 20347 Occupational footwear
EN ISO 13995 Protection against mechanical properties
EN ISO 13997 Resistance to cutting by sharp objects
EN 342 Protection against cold
EN 343 + A1 Protection against foul weather
SANS 20345 Safety footwear
NRCS National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications

66. Fall Arrest Equipment
Fall protection : above 2 metres.
▪ FALL ARREST SYSTEM
◦ Anchorage point
◦ Connecting device (lanyard or Self-
Retracting Lanyards)
◦ Full body harness.
-> HSL : Harness Single Lanyard
-> HDL : Harness Double Lanyard (Swinging)
The goal of a fall arrest system is to arrest a fall and reduce the impact of a fall to
minimum (using shock absorption lanyards).

67. Fall Arrest Equipment
Example of a full body harness with back attachment for fall arrest and
attachment for work positioning
Back attachmentFront harness positioning
1 Shoulder strap
2 Secondary strap
3 Sit strap (Primary strap)
4 Thigh strap
5 Back support for work positioning
6 Adjustment element
7 Fall arrest attachment element
8 Buckle
9 Attachment element for work positioning
a Identification/recognition marks for
health & safety
b Letter “A” = attachment element

68. Fall Arrest Equipment
▪ LEGISLATION
EN 361: 2002 : European standard which specifies requirements for full body harnesses.
Test methods for : ▫ design and ergonomics
▫ materials and construction
▫ static strength
▫ dynamic performance.
EN 341 2011 Descender devices
EN 360 2002 Retractable type fall arresters
EN 361 2002/ SANS 50361 Full body harnesses
EN 362 2004 Connectors
EN 795 2012 Anchor points
EN 813 2008 Sit harnesses
EN ISO 12401 2009 Deck safety harness and safety line for use on recreational craft
EN 1497 2007 Rescue harnesses
EN 1498 2006 Rescue loops
EN 358 2000 Work positioning belts
SANS 50354 South African National Standards for Lanyards
SANS 50355 South African National Standards for Energy Absorbers
SANS 50809 Safety belts
SANS 50362 Safety Carabiners