PPE/General/TBT-PPE-023
Safety Footwear Selection and Standards
Personal Protective Equipment › General › Safety Footwear Selection and Standards
Toolbox Talk
Safety Footwear Selection and Standards
Safety footwear is mandatory on virtually every UK construction site. The right boots protect against crushing injuries, puncture wounds from nails and sharp objects, slips on wet surfaces, and chemical splash. Choosing the correct safety rating for the task is essential because not all safety boots offer the same level of protection. This talk explains the different standards, how to select the right footwear, and how to maintain it.
Key Hazards
Crushing injuries to toes from dropped materials or plant contact
Puncture wounds from nails or sharp debris penetrating boot soles
Slips and falls on wet or oily surfaces due to worn-out soles
Chemical burns to feet from inadequate chemical-resistant footwear
Control Measures
- Wear safety boots rated to at least S3 standard for general construction work including toe cap and midsole.
- Select footwear with slip-resistant soles rated SRC for work on wet or oily surfaces.
- Check that boots carry CE or UKCA marking confirming compliance with BS EN ISO 20345.
- Inspect boots daily for damage including cracked soles, exposed toe caps, or worn tread patterns.
- Replace safety boots when soles are significantly worn, stitching is failing, or waterproofing is compromised.
- Use metatarsal-guarding footwear where the risk assessment identifies heavy objects falling on the foot arch.
- Select chemical-resistant boots when working with concrete, solvents, or other aggressive substances.
- Ensure boots fit correctly with adequate ankle support to reduce the risk of sprains on uneven ground.
- Lace boots fully and fasten all buckles to ensure the footwear provides its designed level of protection.
Remember
- S3 rated boots with toe cap and midsole protection are the minimum for most construction tasks
- Slip-resistant soles rated SRC are essential for working on wet or oily surfaces
- Inspect your boots daily for damage including cracked soles and exposed toe caps
- Replace boots as soon as the sole tread wears down or waterproofing fails completely
- All safety footwear must carry valid CE or UKCA marking to confirm it meets standards
- Metatarsal guards provide additional protection where heavy objects may strike the foot arch
Applicable Legislation: Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 · BS EN ISO 20345:2022 · CDM Regulations 2015 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Delivered By
RAMS Builder
Generate professional Risk Assessment and Method Statements in minutes. 10 document formats, site-specific content, instant Word download.