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What are ASTM Standards?

What are ASTM Standards?

ASTM- American Society for Testing and Materials. In short, ASTM is one of the largest voluntary standards developing organizations in the world. Meaning they create Standards, which are documents that give manufacturers information about procedures and regulations in their specific industry. They provide guidance for individuals, companies and other institutions around the world.

Who uses ASTM Standards?

Many members of the scientific community have been using ASTM standards to guide them in their research and development in their laboratories and offices. Alongside them, architects, government agencies and many others have used ASTM standards to reference plans, regulations, laws and other useful information.

Saf-GardTM complies with all regulations set forth and with the help of ASTM and ANSI collaborate on the “American National Standard for Personal Protective Footwear” which sets clear specifications and performance requirements for all protective footwear.

Our Standards:

STEEL TOE

In 1995 OSHA began enforcing a new standard for personal protective equipment (PPE). As part of this standard, employers now require ASTM F2413-05 (formerly ANSI Z41 PT99) rated safety footwear (steel toe boots, etc.) in areas where employees are exposed to injury as a result of falling or rolling objects. All steel toe shoes meet or exceed ASTM F2413-05 (formerly ANSI Z41 PT99) I/75 C/75 standards.

METATARSAL GUARD (MG)

Metatarsal guard footwear protects both the toes and the metatarsal bone behind the toes. Metatarsal guard shoes are required in any environment where injuries can occur to the metatarsal bone. They are most commonly used in foundries,  air product distribution, and other heavy manufacturing. All styles marked with the “MG” icon meet the ASTM F2413-05 (formerly ANSI Z41 PT99) I/75 C/75 standards.

STATIC DISSIPATIVE (SD)

SD shoes regulate the build-up of electrical charge in a person’s body. Electrostatic dissipative shoes are commonly used for those who work in the manufacturing of computer components, solvent-based paints, explosives, and plastics. SD products reduce the risk of static shock to people and to the manufactured product. All safety shoes marked with the “SD” icon meet the ASTM F2413-05 (formerly ANSI Z41 PT99) I/75 C/75 SD.

CONDUCTIVE (CD)

Conductive shoes protect against the hazards of static electricity build-up. They are intended to protect the wearer in an environment where the accumulations of static electricity on the body is a hazard. These shoes should not be worn by people working near open electrical circuits. All styles marked with the “CD” icon meet the ASTM F2413-05 (formerly ANSI Z41 PT99) I/75 C/75 CD.

COMPOSITE TOE

Compared to their steel toe counterparts the composite toes are manufactured using lightweight materials to make the shoe weigh less while meeting SEMC® safety-toes exceed both ASTM F2413-05 (formerly ANSI Z41 PT99) I/75 and C/75 standards. The SEMC® safety-toes retain heat in severe cold, are 30% lighter than steel and are non-metallic for electronic security work environments.

ELECTRICAL HAZARD (EH)

ASTM F2413-05 Electrical Hazard safety footwear provides workers with a secondary source of protection from live circuits, wires or highly charged electrical equipment. The insulating properties of such footwear are measured under dry conditions and may deteriorate in wet environments with wear.

SLIP RESISTANT (SR)

Slip resistant safety footwear is the fastest-growing segment of the safety footwear industry. The reason: today’s slip resistant shoes work. For many employers with wet, oily, and/or greasy floors, it is common sense to require slip resistant safety footwear. Slip related injuries can be extremely costly. Employers who require slip resistant boots and shoes reduce workers’ compensation claims. This is good news for everyone.

 

Want to learn more about these standards, or the services we offer? Check us out at www.safgard.com today!

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What is MaxTrax Slip Resistant Outsole?

For some warehouse and plant employees, it isn’t enough to just protect your feet with safety toes and metatarsal guards. Sometimes, these environments also require that your safety shoes have a  slip resistant outsole, and what better outsole than a MaxTrax® slip resistant outsole from our sister company, SR Max®!

Like most things in life, not all slip resistant safety toe shoes are created equal. That’s why SR Max® took it upon themselves to create the premier slip resistant tread pattern that helps keep you confident on the job.

While you’re constantly protected on the job wearing the sole that Works Where You Work, have you ever wondered what goes into producing it? Read on to find out.

When SR Max® first came about in 2007, MaxTrax® was not yet invented. Instead, we carried shoes with slip resistant outsoles from other companies. Within one year, SR Max® advanced the game. We created and produced the most slip resistant outsole available by:

Creating the overall design of the tread.

The MaxTrax® pattern is intended to give the outsole the highest amount of surface area possible. The pattern still provides deep grooves that are arranged to help channel liquids.

The specialized groove design allows for an essential self-cleaning feature. This feature keeps the bottom of your shoes cleaner than many other slip resistant work shoes.

Using a flexible, soft rubber compound outsole.

The MaxTrax® outsole provides more give upon impact. This “give” allows for a reinforced grip and a better hold on the ground. In our independent Brungrabber Mark II slip resistance test results in greasy, high soil oily/wet, and wet environments, MaxTrax® passed each test with flying colors making our outsole the icon of slip resistance.

MaxTrax® far surpasses the Coefficient of Friction (i.e. the measure of slip resistance) necessary to make a safe step in each test. Where other outsoles failed on one type of surface or had COF’s near the mark for slipping on others, SR Max® alone exceeded the threshold on all surfaces tested.

Partnerships.

All SR Max® brand shoes are made with our MaxTrax® outsole. However, we ’ve partnered up with several other brands to make MaxTrax® available on select shoes offered by SR Max® and Saf-GardTM. Our MaxTrax® outsole can be found on select styles from brands such as Skechers, Rockport Works, and Reebok.

Interested in getting your own pair of slip-resistant shoes with a MaxTrax® outsole? Check us out online at safgard.com or srmax.com.

*Please Note: While our MaxTrax® outsole is truly a class of its own, it is important to remember that no shoe is completely slip-proof. This is particularly true if the sole of the shoe is prevented from making contact with the floor (for example: slipping on a banana peel). Always utilize caution and take preventative measures when working in slippery environments.

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How to Prevent Buying Painful Safety Shoes

You know that feeling you get when you commit to something, and you know from the start that you shouldn’t? Like lease agreements in not-so-great apartments, expensive gym memberships, and last but certainly not least, improper fitting safety toe shoes that cause painful rubbing sensations on your toes?

Each one of those scenarios is painful for different reasons, and we’ve all been there. While we can’t help you with all of the issues above, we can certainly give you some guidance on how to find the perfect fit when it comes to safety toe footwear… one out of three bad scenarios isn’t the best, but darn it, it’s something!

Let’s jump in…

Remember, safety toe comfort comes in length, not width

You have to get a shoe long enough to accommodate the back and forth toe movement in the shoes. The proper fit happens when the widest point of your foot (the ball) is located exactly in the widest part of the shoe. When that happens, the arch of your foot fits precisely with the arch of the shoe, giving you maximum support.

So what’s happening?

Your arch has probably dropped over the years, extending the toes of the shoes forward. This back and forth motion of your toes is why you need to fit your shoes (not just safety shoes) using your arch measurement.

Are you measuring up?

The arch measurement can be obtained with a Brannock Foot Measuring Device, you can find this in most reputable shoe stores. For more information on how to measure your feet, check out our blog here.

Suggestion: Try to get your foot measured in a shoe store before you buy your next pair of safety shoes to see if your arch has dropped a little, extending the toes further into your shoes to the point where they are rubbing the safety toe.

Reason: As we age and potentially get weaker and heavier your arch drops. When the arch drops, it causes our feet to get longer. It happens to everyone! We know, in your younger days your shoe size might have been 9.5; and now you wear an 11 at 50 years of age. Over that time, you’ve probably also gone from a 32-inch waist to a 36, and packed on a few extra pounds. Time is, after all, a cruel master.

Now, your foot really hasn’t grown in this timespan, it’s just changed shape (the same thing happened to our waistlines… right?). The arch drops and the toes and arch extend further in the shoe. All this means is that you need a longer shoe.

If you are finding that you still don’t seem to have enough distance widthwise, you can look into getting a wider safety toe shoe.

One final tip: Bigger brands typically have their shoes made by different manufacturers. Different styles within the same brand may fit differently because of this fact. Again, the most reliable solution is to try the shoes on and test the location of the “ball” of your foot in the shoe to make sure you are getting the right fit.

Try out some of these tips, and you should be able to find the perfect fit!

Still a little confused? Our retail store associates and Mobile Shoe Managers are all trained and ready to help you find the best safety toe shoes for your needs! Click here to find a location near you!

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Why You Should Take the Time to Get a Shoe Fitting

What do we want? More time!! When do we want it? Yesterday!!

Yes, with the long work week and the hassle of every other activity and event going on in our lives, it seems like we have no free time for anything. So how we choose to spend this free time is extremely valuable, and something as small as a shoe fitting will likely get swept under the rug.

I mean, come on! What’s the point right? We’re all over the age of five, so we all know our own shoe sizes. Obviously, we don’t need our safety shoes to be fitted by a professional because we can clearly do it ourselves, right?

One would think.

But, there’s actually more to sizing than meets the eye. When you’re on your feet for eight hours a day, your shoes need to fit perfectly. Or else…the improperly fitted shoe demons will haunt you until you find yourself cursing the creator of the first ever pair of shoes.

Remember back in elementary school when we had to do compare/contrast exercises? Let’s go ahead and do one of those here.

Your first day at work without getting your new safety shoes properly fitted:

You arrive at the warehouse for your first day on the job. Your new steel-toe boots look great on you, you’re feeling confident, and you’re ready for this exciting new challenge in your life.

Flash forward five hours: That same steel toe protecting your foot has now caused you to lose all feeling in your big toe. For all that you know, your big toe could have fallen off by now and ended up in one of those boxes that you just loaded onto a truck. As you hobble around on just the heel of your foot, the judgmental side-eye glare from your coworkers is all too real.

But that’s not all.  Another two hours (if only all work days could move this fast), and the boot on your other foot is creating blisters the size of Mars. At this point, you’re debating whether or not just chopping your foot off entirely is the best option (hint: it’s not. Don’t do that).

Every step feels like you’re walking on knives, and you end the day by throwing your new pair of boots in the giant warehouse trash compactor. Sounds like a cheerful first day, huh?

Now here’s your first day with shoes that have been properly fitted:

When you take the extra time to get your shoes fitted by a professional, they would know exactly where your big toe should be within the shoe while standing. They’d double check this before you left the store, and they’d have you walk a few laps around the store to ensure that the shoes feel good while you walk.

A professional would also know exactly how long and wide the shoe should be on your feet. They would check to make sure that the ball of your foot is resting on the widest part of your shoe to make sure that they don’t slip around and cause those nasty blisters.

So you arrive at work in your new, stylish, and properly fitted safety shoes, and you have a completely normal and ordinary day! There’s the thrilling and anticlimactic ending that we were looking for. Safety shoes are meant to keep you safe and looking good, and they also shouldn’t distract you from your everyday activities at work.

So don’t be that person who says, “But they felt ok when I tried them on in the store!” as you hobble around while cursing your new shoes. Get them properly fitted and checked out by a professional.

Any questions? Feel free to visit our sizing and fitting page here to read about specific shoe sizes and width letters: https://www.safgard.com/education/sizing-fit

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Why Wear Steel-Toed Boots?

Why You Should Wear Steel Toe Boots

So you’re looking into getting some steel-toed boots, or perhaps your employer is requiring you to invest in a pair. But what’s really the point of these boots? Let’s walk through a few reasons why wearing steel-toed boots is the right choice for you.

1. Prevent foot injuries

Obviously, you buy safety shoes for the whole safety features. Foot injuries are among the leading causes of workplace injuries, and safety shoes are designed to prevent those types of accidents from doing some serious damage.

The right pair of safety toe boots can protect you from falling objects, punctures, lacerations, sprains, and even falls. That’s a list that you that don’t want your feet to be a part of. With a pair of steel-toed boots, these injuries can be prevented. You’ll also be saving yourself a trip to the doctor’s office and a few weeks with your foot wrapped and elevated.

2. They alleviate pain and provide more comfort

While the common perception is that work boots are less comfortable than regular shoes, that’s not the case. If your boots are properly fitted, then the extra support and padding that these boots have will actually provide your feet with more comfort than a regular shoe with no added support. If you have the correct sized shoes with the right socks to go with them, then you’ll actually be making your feet happier than they are in regular shoes.

3. They look good

Steel-toed safety work boots must look as ugly as they sound, right? Wrong! With so many different brands making several different lines of boots, you’ll find boots in multiple colors and styles. Steel-toed boots are designed today to look fashionable as well as functional, so you won’t be sacrificing anything when you buy a pair. Feel free to get rid of the image of large, hulking black boots that make you look like the villain in a crime movie.

4. If it’s required…then it’s required

Like we hinted at above, sometimes your employer requires you to have a pair of steel-toed work boots. Sometimes, OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) standards require that all employees within your workplace wear safety shoes or boots while on the job. This is usually the case within industries where employees are exposed to potential hazards that could injure their feet.

If your employer is requiring you to have a pair of steel-toed boots to comply with OSHA standards, then you have to wear them while at work. Otherwise, your employer can send you home under OSHA compliance standards for failing to act in a safe manner. So don’t be the one who gets sent home for not having the right shoes on. That’s not a fun walk out the door.

5. Above everything else, you’ll feel safe

If you work in any kind of hazardous environment with the potential to injure your feet, having a sturdy and reliable pair of safety boots on can give you the peace of mind that you need to do your job well. You’re the most important part of the job, so your own safety should be the priority above anything else.

You may think that the possibility of hurting yourself is low, but fluke injuries are always just a misstep away, so it’s important to be prepared by protecting yourself and your feet. The easiest way to do that is to put them in a work boot that’s comfortable, fashionable and, above everything else, safe.

Ready to take a look at some of the steel-toed boots that we have to offer? Feel free to browse through them here: https://www.safgard.com/mens-shoes/heights/8+Inch+Work

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What to Look for in Construction Boots

So, you want to know what boots are going to save you on your next construction job site.

You’ve come to the right place.

Let’s start with the basics, the first thing you need to make sure of is that your new boots meet the following criteria. Ask yourself, are your boots:

  1. Are they relatively easy to put on?
  2. Are they comfortable to wear for extended periods of time?
  3. Will they keep you safe from whatever hazards await you at your workplace?

At Saf-GardTM, we also feel that it is important to note that it’s important to remember that as a tradesman, your feet are just as valuable as your hands. Therefore, your work boots need to be viewed as a personal safety investment, not an expense.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s jump in and hash out what you should be looking for in your next pair of construction work boots.

Safety Toes

We know, this one sounds like a no-brainer. But it can make the difference between getting home safe and having an impromptu trip to the ER… we’re pretty sure no one wants that. The main duty of a safety toe is to protect your foot from heavy objects that can fall on it while on a job such as metal poles, beams, and heavy tools.

Within the category of safety toe shoes, they are typically made out of steel, aluminum, or composite materials. You will more than likely be told what type of safety toe you need to have by your company or supervisor. If you haven’t been told, make sure to ask before you go shoppin

Durability

Let’s face it, this profession isn’t exactly forgiving when it comes to clothes and gear. In order to get the most bang for your buck, it’s important to do your research and find a pair of safety shoes that not only meets your employer’s standards but is durable and affordable as well. When you buy a cheap pair of work shoes, not only are you potentially hurting your feet due to cheap quality and lack of proper support but your wallet as well.

In the long run, it is more cost effective to invest in a decent pair of boots, as opposed to replacing cheap ones every few months.

When it comes to personal protection on the job site, you can never be too careful. Make sure you choose a pair of work boots that meet the necessary criteria for your career in the construction industry, in addition to staying alert and aware of your surroundings.

To learn more about the products we offer, check us out at www.safgard.com

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Safety Shoes Don’t Just Mean Safety Boots

Article by Emily Bennett

One of the most important things we have to consider when we’re at work is safety. It’s not just our boss’ job to make sure that the workplace is safe and free of any sort of hazard, but it’s also our job as employees to make sure that we’re protecting ourselves and putting our best foot forward (literally).

Depending on the line of work that you’re in, nowadays it’s required that safety footwear is worn in the form of a steel toe, composite toe, or alloy toe boots and shoes to make sure that you’re protected against any type of probable hazard. Lots of times we find ourselves complaining about our safety boots feeling too bulky, too hot on our feet, or just plain uncomfortable. You may not even like the look of your work safety boots just because you don’t like the style.

There happens to be a solution to your problem, and trust us, it’s simpler than you might think…

Why not give a pair of safety shoes a try instead? They give you all the protection that safety boots do and they don’t resemble your typical safety shoe. Here are our top five safety shoe styles that aren’t boots.

  • Keens Atlanta Steel Toe Hiker: This classic looking low-cut hiking shoe is one of our most favored non-boot styles. With its Electrostatic Dissipative (ESD) component to cut down on excess static electricity coupled with its oil and slip resistant outsole and steel toe protection, you’ll be just as protected as you would be in your heavy-duty work boots.

 

  • Skechers Alloy Toe Athletic: In this pair of Skechers you can get the same protection that you get from a safety boot, all while looking sharp on the job. They give you a maximum amount of comfort with their memory-foam insoles, slip-resistant outsoles for messy situations, and are fully decked out in the toe with Aluminum, ready to protect at a moment’s notice.

 

  • Timberland PRO Newbury: This popular women’s style is a great choice when it comes to a nice looking dress safety shoe. It’s built with an alloy toe, made to protect and cut down on excess static electricity with its ESD component, has a slip resistant outsole, and will provide you with maximum comfort throughout the day with its anti-fatigue footbed.

 

  • Rockport Works Steel Toe Sailing Shoe: This pair of shoes is the farthest thing from your regular looking steel-toed shoe. Not only is it strong looking, but it has a slip-resistant sole to it, protects against any type of electrical hazard, and they’re even decked out with steel in the toe to save your foot if something were to happen.

 

  • Dr. Martens Steel Toe Oxford: This popular style of Dr. Martens is a mighty fine choice when you’re looking for a low-cut oxford style safety shoe. On top of it containing the Dr. Martens Air Cushioned sole, it’s also slip resistant and is capable of cutting down on excess static electricity with its ESD component.

So what’s holding you back from a pair of safety toe shoes now? Go ahead and broaden your horizons the next time you go shopping for a new pair of work shoes. You may just find your new favorite pair.

For more information on safety footwear, be sure to check out our website www.safgard.com.

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Reasons to Wear Safety Toe Shoes

Protective safety footwear is essential to ensure safe and healthy feet while on the job. It’s common knowledge that steel toe boots and shoes protect your feet, aid in injury prevention, and reduce the severity of injuries that may occur in the workplace. According to the National Safety Council, one in four victims of job-related foot injuries doesn’t wear any type of safety shoe or boot. The remaining three are either too apathetic towards the issue or are unaware of the benefits of protective footwear altogether.

But, safety shoes are uncomfortable.

False. Today’s safety toe footwear can be made from several different technologies, creating comfortable, flexible, and stylish safety shoes that still manage to provide necessary protection from injury. The foot is the most valuable part of your body subjected to injury in industry. Because of the many potential work hazards, it is important that you discuss with your supervisor the safety shoe, boot, or other protective equipment that you need for your protection.

The OSHA requirements (found within 29 CFR 1910.136) for protective footwear state that it is up to the employer to make sure that each affected employee uses protective footwear when working in areas where there is a chance that foot injuries can occur due to falling or rolling objects, objects piercing the sole and where they are exposed to electrical hazards. To ensure you have top-level protection in your work environment, an effective fit and selection of safety footwear are required.

There are many instances where your feet and toes could be at risk.  A steel-toe safety shoe would help protect workers from injuries associated with falling or rolling objects, and electrical hazards. There are several safety hazards that the average employee comes in contact with every day. Wearing proper footwear can help prevent these unnecessary accidents.

Most hazards can be easily eliminated. So why should you wear protective footwear? It is a simple, precautionary method of keeping yourself safe. If you know the risks of your job, then you should prepare for them with safety work and footwear.

Looking for more tips to stay safe on the job or schedule a shoemobile? Visit us at www.safgard.com!

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A Go-To Guide for Finding the Right Fit

We’ve all had a pair of shoes that pinch you to death, rub you the wrong way, leave uninvited blisters and are just too darn tight. It happens. Uncomfortable, ill-fitting shoes can really do a number on your feet. How can you avoid them though? Take to mind these useful tips as a guide to find the guaranteed fit for your feet.

  • Measure your feet or try on safety toe shoes toward the end of the day when your feet are their largest. Yes, your feet will actually swell as the days goes on – as you walk and stand through the day, your feet expand under your weight. Pro Tip:  Measure your foot from the back of your heel to the tip of your big toe.
  • The majority of folks have one foot that is slightly larger than the other. Always find your safety shoes by choosing a size that fits the bigger of your two feet.
  • When trying on work shoes, make sure that there’s up to ½” of space left between the end of your big toe (or longest toe) and the end of the shoe.
  • Make sure that the toe box of the shoe is both wide and large enough for your toes. Your toes should not be rubbing up against any sides of the shoe.
  • Always hunt for shoes based on how well they fit your feet, not based on the size number.
  • Confirm that there is enough room for the ball of your foot – it should fit comfortably at the widest part of your safety toe shoe.
  • Your heel should not slide up and down inside the shoe as you walk; it should be stable with little to no movement as you move.
  • Don’t settle for shoes that are too small, hoping that they’ll stretch out over time. This will just leave you in a world of hurt.
  • Buy work shoes that fit the shape of your foot.
  • The shoes upper should be made of materials that will mold to your foot.
  • Spend some time walking around the store in your work shoes to make sure the fit is truly comfortable.
  • Pick a pair of work safety shoes that fits your arch type. Folks with very high and very low arches have a greater risk of aches, pain and injury if they don’t pick the right shoe for their foot type. If you don’t pay attention to your arch type now, bigger problems could arise down the road.
  • Make sure the shoes you get will keep your hooves satisfied if you have to stand or walk for long periods of time.
  • Wear snug, moisture wicking socks with your shoes as the type of sock that you wear can greatly affect your overall performance in the workplace. This ranges from the lack of warmth that you are getting from standing on your feet for hours on end, or simply from the amount of cushion that you are receiving. Your feet will thank you in the end.

Easy as pie right? Follow these tips and tricks, and you’ll be sure to find the right shoe with the kind of fit you’ve always wanted. For more information on tips and shoes we offer, check us out at safgard.com.

 

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When Should You Replace Your Safety Shoes?

Have you ever wondered what happens when you’ve had your work safety shoes for years and they’ve lasted you countless shifts, and now they’re slowly starting to tell you that they’re ready for retirement?

Some people may go to the extremes of turning their work shoes into a D.I.Y. project to try and repair the shoes themselves. Is this a way to save money? Well sure, but will this guarantee your safety while on the job so you can confidently do your best?

Absolutely not. It’s a better idea to determine what you may need in your next work safety shoe and invest in a quality pair of shoes that will be able to do the job, while you’re on the job!

Here are a few things that will let you know, without a doubt, that it’s time for a brand new pair of work shoes.

Check Your Tires

The tires of your car are one of the most important things to check on a regular basis. Why? Because they make sure our cars can carry us from point A to point B safely. The outsole of your safety shoe functions the same way.

The outsole of your shoe ensures that you can do your work quickly and effectively, without any accidents. If you see that the outsole is worn down, then it may be time for a new pair of shoes.

Don’t Let Your Shoe “Talk”

The outsole of your shoe starts to separate from the upper, we refer to this as “talking”. Any sign of your shoes starting to separate is an clear sign that it is time to invest in a new pair of work shoes. Not only can this look bad in your place of work, but it can also be very dangerous in a fast paced environment.

Do Your Soles Have Holes?  

Under no condition should your safety shoe be “hole-y”! This is not only a fashion issue, but it’s also a safety issue.

Depending on your work situation, small holes can quickly turn into big ones and leave you in an unsafe predicament. When you first notice your shoe is worn in this way, it’s time to act quickly and replace them.

Fact: You’ll Have to Replace Them Eventually

There’s no straightforward rule about the age of safety shoes or how often you should buy new ones. Depending on your work environment, your shoes could last shorter or longer. Generally, work safety toe shoes will last between six and twelve months in the average work environment. Some may last longer, some not so much. The bottom line is that every pair of shoes will have to be replaced eventually.

Want to learn more about work safety tips, or are you ready to purchase your next pair of safety shoes? Check us out at www.safgard.com