Page 3 - Insulating Footwear

HIGH-VOLTAGE RISKS
Electrical power plays an important role in modern society. We take it
for granted and rarely think that it is dangerous, but contact with electric current can cause serious injury and or death. Protection from accidental contact with live equipment and conductors is important for those exposed to electrocution risk.
WHY USE DIELECTRIC
BOOTS?
WHAT ARE DIELECTRIC BOOTS?
Dielectric (or insulating) boots are used where there is a risk
of electric shock from high voltages. They provide protection because their insulating properties stop electric current from being grounded. High voltage electric current can stop the heart or produce fatal burns.
Dielectric boots are used for working on live power or in the area of live power, as current can jump large distances, especially in wet or damp conditions. There have also been fatalities caused by digging in locations where power cables are buried underground and the cable has been inadvertently cut by a drill, shovel, or with a mole.
WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT WORKMASTERTM
DIELECTRIC BOOTS?
• They are seamless, fully waterproof and their performance is not affected if they get wet
• Unlike leather boots, the performance of WorkmasterTM dielectric boots is not compromised by perspiration
• The wearer is always protected, unlike dielectric matting, which the user can step off unintentionally
• At 5kV (the test voltage for live working at 1kV), alternating current can jump 40mm, which is greater than the depth of a typical safety shoe sole
• Every single boot is electrically tested before it leaves the factory, ensuring the highest quality & safety
• Boots are available tested against AC or DC voltages, depending on the customer requirement
APPLICATIONS
• Power generation and distribution
• Electrified transport systems such as the Railways
• Utility companies who run the risk of cutting electric cables whilst digging or moling
• Power sub-stations were the current can jump distances (e.g. Hospitals and Shipping)
• Wind Farms
• Electric and hybrid vehicle construction, maintenance and
recovery
N.B. Dielectric boots (as with any other item of high voltage PPE) should be used with a second barrier in case one barrier fails, typically this would be a dielectric glove.
DIELECTRIC FOOTWEAR FOR LIVE WORKING 03