Posted By greg scott A friend of mine recently showed me a pair of fireproof socks made from what is essentially carbon, the same material they use for aircraft brakes (which reach temperatures of up to 2000C). I must admit I was amazed by what I saw, and I had to wonder if there was a market for this type of foot protection in the UK. I am not trying to solicit business, nor, I hope, to take a survey, but I am wondering what people who come to this forum think about the value of fireproof hosiery -- especially in light of the fact that most people exposed to extreme heat conditions already wear protective boots/shoes.

Posted By Zoe Barnett No, they'd be better for Local Authority safety advisers who spend all day dancing with the devil.

Posted By Katie Hoyland In Our office we recently utilised a plumber who welded ( i think thats what he did) some copper pipes, I was very concerned to see the naked flame being used extremely close to his feet when welding at low level. I had not covered this area in the hot work permit and we were lucky not to have a major injury on our hands. Obviously a pair of fire proof socks etc which we retained in the PPE store room would be useful in such a future situation?

Posted By Merv Newman When I've worked in foundries they've advised me to wear woolen clothes, including socks. Wool is difficult to burn as it chars giving a sort of protective skin. They also told me "if your up on the platform and it starts to spit a bit then walk backwards away from it but keep facing the furnace. You've got a face shield which will protect your face. If you start to turn away you expose unprotected areas of your head. And molten metal in the ear don't half sting !" Anyone want a copy of my photo of a foundry worker in short sleeved T-shirt and sun glasses ? Merv

Posted By Merv Newman To be really serious, look into nomex (du pont trademark). It is made into heat proof gloves and underwear for formula one drivers. As it is a knitted fabric it will not withstand wet heat - steam. If I remember correctly, one of the ads showed a model having a blowtorch played over her nomex hot pants. And she was still smiling.