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PHurley  
#1 Posted : 08 November 2023 10:00:17(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
PHurley

Can someone explain the difference between ESD and Insulating soles for safety footwear?  Also how are both of these rated for performance?

A Kurdziel  
#2 Posted : 08 November 2023 10:52:31(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
A Kurdziel

ESD Footwear is NOT PPE. It is intended for workers who handle components that might be sensitive to electrostatic discharges. BS EN 61340-5-1:2016 is the relevant British standard.

Insulated safety footwear is intended to protect wearers from electric shock, for example if live working, so it is PPE.   BS EN 50321-1:2018 is a standard for such footwear.

thanks 1 user thanked A Kurdziel for this useful post.
peter gotch on 08/11/2023(UTC)
Kate  
#3 Posted : 08 November 2023 10:56:13(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kate

ESD shoes are used in areas where there are sensitive electronics, to prevent a static electrical charge building up that could damage the electronics when touched by someone wearing the shoes.

Insulating shoes are used when doing electrial work, and are intended to reduce the risk of electric shock to the worker.

So they are completely different applications.  Which is it that you need?

Kate  
#4 Posted : 08 November 2023 11:00:55(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kate

Just to clarify - clearly I have added nothing to what AK said, as we were both writing at the same time but AK got to the post button first.

thanks 2 users thanked Kate for this useful post.
peter gotch on 08/11/2023(UTC), A Kurdziel on 08/11/2023(UTC)
PHurley  
#5 Posted : 08 November 2023 14:04:40(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
PHurley

Hi both,

Thanks for the feedback.  Confirmed some knowledge and providing some new knowledge too.  Will be a real help going forward.

knotty  
#6 Posted : 08 November 2023 14:57:26(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
knotty

I'm speaking (typing!) in ignorance here, but presumably when worn in DSEAR zoned areas, ESD footwear is classed as PPE?

Roundtuit  
#7 Posted : 08 November 2023 15:17:48(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

Only when it also meets the site requirements for PPE - toe-cap, mid-sole, etc.

Otherwise it is just footwear that dissipates charge - a simlar effect can be gained from an earthing strap worn with whatever shoes or boots e.g. (no affiliation)

https://www.antistat.co.uk/product/esd-heel-strap-with-clip-fastener/

thanks 2 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
knotty on 09/11/2023(UTC), knotty on 09/11/2023(UTC)
Roundtuit  
#8 Posted : 08 November 2023 15:17:48(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

Only when it also meets the site requirements for PPE - toe-cap, mid-sole, etc.

Otherwise it is just footwear that dissipates charge - a simlar effect can be gained from an earthing strap worn with whatever shoes or boots e.g. (no affiliation)

https://www.antistat.co.uk/product/esd-heel-strap-with-clip-fastener/

thanks 2 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
knotty on 09/11/2023(UTC), knotty on 09/11/2023(UTC)
Holliday42333  
#9 Posted : 09 November 2023 09:21:17(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Holliday42333

I may be a bit out of date here so happy to be corrected.

The single biggest issue about ESD or ‘anti-static’ footwear is actually maintaining a connection with earth.

Long, long ago I worked in aerosol manufacturing that uses many solvents and LPG as the main propellant.  Due to the flammability risk everyone entering zoned areas wore anti-static footwear.  However as some of these areas were outside and/or the operatives may go outside or into non clean areas all entrances to zoned areas had a conductivity plate.  The entrants stood on this plate grabbed the handle and it confirmed there was a path to earth through your boots.  If they were damaged or simply dirty underfoot cleaning mats and the straps, previously mentioned, were available to use before entry.  Not having a connection to earth was surprisingly common.

I have worked in a couple of environments since with Zoned areas and am always surprised that conductivity testing is not commonplace but anti-static footwear is always mandatory.  I have raised this many times over the years and always been faced with a blank stare.

antbruce001  
#10 Posted : 09 November 2023 12:43:29(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
antbruce001

Originally Posted by: A Kurdziel Go to Quoted Post

ESD Footwear is NOT PPE. It is intended for workers who handle components that might be sensitive to electrostatic discharges. BS EN 61340-5-1:2016 is the relevant British standard.

Insulated safety footwear is intended to protect wearers from electric shock, for example if live working, so it is PPE.   BS EN 50321-1:2018 is a standard for such footwear.

If working in a Zone for DSEAR compliance then anti-static footwear is PPE. ESD footwear can be considered anti-static for this purpose. They work on the same principle in that they allow for discharge of static formed on the body to earth through your feet. As such, they are 'partially' conductive - providing the flooring itself allows for discharge to earth. ESD are more conductive than anti-static footwear.

If you are doing electrical work in a Zoned area, you have the potential opposite requirements from your footwear. In this circumstance the need for anti-static footwear whilst in the area takes priority [discuss :)]. The logic is that anti-static is a primary control (stop the person acting as a source of ignition) and the insulated footwear requirements are secondary (no one should intend for their footwear to protect them from receiving an electric shock). The best solution from an electrical safety point of view is to wear anti-static footwear, but place an insulated mat at the point of work to stand on - and ensure suitable DSEAR-based controls are in place.

Tony.

Edited by user 09 November 2023 12:57:50(UTC)  | Reason: I messed the quote!

Roundtuit  
#11 Posted : 09 November 2023 13:43:20(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

Originally Posted by: antbruce001 Go to Quoted Post
If working in a Zone for DSEAR compliance then anti-static footwear is PPE. ESD are more conductive than anti-static footwear.

Not sure if your argument is with or against what AK has said in response to the OP enquiry.

Found this blog summarises quite well

https://www.uvex-safety.com/blog/the-difference-between-antistatic-and-esd-a-safety-footwear-example/

thanks 2 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
Kate on 09/11/2023(UTC), Kate on 09/11/2023(UTC)
Roundtuit  
#12 Posted : 09 November 2023 13:43:20(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

Originally Posted by: antbruce001 Go to Quoted Post
If working in a Zone for DSEAR compliance then anti-static footwear is PPE. ESD are more conductive than anti-static footwear.

Not sure if your argument is with or against what AK has said in response to the OP enquiry.

Found this blog summarises quite well

https://www.uvex-safety.com/blog/the-difference-between-antistatic-and-esd-a-safety-footwear-example/

thanks 2 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
Kate on 09/11/2023(UTC), Kate on 09/11/2023(UTC)
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