LIMITATIONS OF USE
Workmaster™ Foodmax boots are only suitable for use within a temperature range of -40
o
C to +70
o
C.
Alternative footwear should be used for applications outside this range.
Workmaster™ Foodmax boots have a shelf life of over 10 years; any boots unused after this period
should be replaced. The date of manufacture is marked on the side of the upper (see above)
ANTISTATIC FOOTWEAR
Antistatic footwear should be used if it is necessary to minimize electrostatic build-up by dissipating
electrostatic charges, thus avoiding the risk of spark ignition of, for example flammable substances
and vapours, and if the risk of electric shock from any electrical apparatus or live parts has not been
completely eliminated. It should be noted, however, that antistatic footwear cannot guarantee an
adequate protection against electric shock as it only introduces a resistance between foot and floor.
If there is a risk of electric shock we recommend the use of the Respirex Workmaster™ DIELECTRIC
boot or DIELECTRIC overboot. Such measures, as well as the additional tests mentioned below,
should be a routine part of the accident prevention programme at the workplace.
Experience has shown that, for antistatic purposes, the discharge path through a product should
normally have an electrical resistance less than 1000 MΩ at any time throughout its useful life. A value
of 100 kΩ is specified as the lowest resistance limit of a product, when new, in order to ensure some
limited protection against dangerous electric shock or ignition in the event of any electrical apparatus
becoming defective when operating at voltages of up to 250V. However, under certain conditions,
users should be aware that the footwear might give inadequate protection and additional provisions to
protect the wearer should be taken at all times. Respirex recommends the Workmaster™ DIELECTRIC
boot for protection against electric shocks.
When new, the anti-static properties of the Workmaster™ Foodmax boots are between 1000 MΩ and
100 kΩ when the sole is either wet or dry.
The electrical resistance of this type of footwear can be changed significantly by contamination.
It is, therefore, necessary to ensure that the product is capable of fulfilling its designed function
of dissipating electrostatic charges and also of giving some protection during its entire life. It is
recommended that the user establish an in-house test for electrical resistance, which is carried out at
regular and frequent intervals.
Leather footwear can absorb moisture if worn for prolonged periods in moist or wet conditions;
however the Workmaster™ Foodmax boot will not be affected by such environments.
If the footwear is worn in conditions where the soling material becomes contaminated, wearers should
always check the electrical properties of the footwear before entering a hazard area.
Where antistatic footwear is in use, the resistance of the flooring should be such that it does not
invalidate the protection provided by the footwear.
In use, no insulating elements, with the exception of normal hose, should be introduced between the
inner sole of the footwear and the foot of the wearer. If any insert is put between the inner sole and the
foot, the combination footwear/insert should be checked for its electrical properties.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
The Declaration of Conformity for the Workmaster™ Foodmax boots can be downloaded from
www.workmasterboots.com/DOC
