Posted By MW We have had a HSE inspector visit a re-roofing project of ours and he requested that the works team switch from lace up boots to rigger boots. The work does involve removal of asbestos cement sheeting, however adequate fibre suppression control methods are in place to avoid fibre dispersal. The inspectors point was that how can you adequatley ensure that the laces were free from contamination...a point well made in my opinion. The problem we have is that as a company we discourage the use of rigger style boots due to poor ankle protection. We have also been made aware that another contractor working on a similar job had the job halted as the work force were wearing rigger boots whilst on scaffold (our job involves working on scaffold also) Any thoughts on this would be greatly recieved. Regards, Mark

Posted By Glen Coe We faced a similar dilemma with fine swarf from die grinders. with rigger boots the foot is looser and potential to fill boot if coveralls are tucked in, as some do. lace up boots dragged the fine swarf into the change rooms and caused splinters to enter feet and became medical treatments! we developed a canvas gaiter, similar to the sort hill walkers use. The hill walkers gaiter's can be bought quite cheaply and laundered with the coveralls hope it helps GC

Posted By Doug Kelly I tend to agree with Liesel as to what HM Inspector was getting at. We have the same problem when it comes to the most appropriate footwear selection for similar non-licensed work and are looking at the option of modifying standard overboots to form 'disposable gaiters' to fit over standard lace-up safety boots. Maybe this would work for you? We have tried gaffer-taping the laces but have found that this only serves to fray the laces very quickly which also become covered with adhesive.

Posted By AHS Sorry chaps no laces for work with Asbestos wouldnt like to comment on the other scenarios could breach AUGS.

Posted By Bruce Sutherland Hi suggest you phone the inspector - they are human.... and all the ones I know bleed red blood - it is quite likely they have no idea at all of all the evidence against the use of rigger boots for anyone who needs not only ankle support but to be able to feel their feet like in roofing! explain the problem in terms of global risk assessment - produce your personal monitoring for the AC work - obviously if you have not got that then not only are you out of bounds but think your self lucky that the inspector obviously has not read past footwear in the asbestos book - and take it from there - oh and if any one is going off on on about laces - then please can you explain what happens to all the high viz that is worn ( 'cos its a construction site) and the harness in scissor lifts during the removal of AC roof sheets - if you think they are chucked away then you really are bonkers conkers as they go straight in the van and onto the next job. cheers Bruce

Posted By David B Wright The company for whom I work, has banned rigger boots on site except for roofers. Quite a disappointment really if you happen to be an office worker with minimal time spent on site. Surely the risk assessment must be sensible and take into account activities whils wearing this type of footwear? Or this being too sensible? It is also worth noting that our corporate magazine shows our company MD posing and wearing rigger boots!