What standards govern foot accessories?
Choosing suitable safety footwear accessories relies on strict standards guaranteeing protection and comfort. The main ones to know are:
- EN ISO 20345: covers the general safety requirements for professional footwear, including toecaps and soles.
- EN ISO 20347: applies to footwear without a safety toecap, often used in hospital or food environments.
- EN 12568: sets out the characteristics of removable toecaps and anti-puncture soles.
- EN 13287: assesses grip to prevent slipping with certain accessories.
Meeting these standards guarantees the compliance and quality of accessories, according to the situations and hazards identified.
What are the main foot accessories available?
The range of foot accessories covers many professional needs: comfort insoles to limit fatigue during long periods of standing, overshoes to protect against dirt, chemical agents or splashes, and specific accessories for extreme environments. Professional overshoes are particularly suited to the food, medical or cleaning sectors, while safety insoles provide optimal support for handling, logistics or construction. Every foot protection accessory meets targeted uses, making it possible to optimise safety and performance according to the sector of activity.
Maintenance advice for lasting protection
To guarantee the longevity of foot accessories, it is recommended to clean them regularly with suitable products, then leave them to air dry. Storage in a dry place, away from light and moisture, preserves their effectiveness. It is advisable to replace insoles or overshoes as soon as signs of wear appear: deformation, loss of grip, cracks or material deterioration. Periodic checks and thorough maintenance guarantee user safety and comfort throughout their professional activity.
Specifics to consider when choosing
Choosing safety footwear accessories should take into account compatibility with work shoes, resistance to extreme environments and the need for additional protection against impact, moisture or chemical agents. Some models are designed to be combined with other personal protective equipment, guaranteeing complete coverage in industry, construction or the medical sector. It is also important to consider lifespan, ease of maintenance and adaptability to every professional use for optimal foot protection.