FEATURE PPE
Changes to the safety footwear perforation resistance standards
I
n 2019, BS EN ISO 12568:2011 was superseded and replaced with the BS EN ISO 22568:2019
series of standards. These documents cover the requirements and test methods for protective toecaps and perforation resistant inserts used as components in safety footwear. The updated standard BS EN ISO 22568-
4:2019 is a revised test method for non-metallic inserts with resistance against mechanical perforation. Inserts are placed inside the sole of a safety boot to offer added protection against penetration by sharp objects such as nails. An updated test method has been created to better simulate the risks posed to workers from smaller diameter and sharper objects. The new update does not yet invalidate any
current products on the market as the two other safety footwear standards in the series still reference the superseded component standard, however, this new update when fully implemented will be considered industrywide as best practice. It is important to know that any footwear being certified will need to use components that meet the requirements of the new BS EN ISO 22568:2019 standard.
THE UPDATED TEST METHOD Following the update, there are now two test methods within BS EN ISO 22568:2019; Type Y and Type X. Type Y is the existing test method and utilises a broad conical nail, whereas the newer Type X uses a narrow pyramidal nail.
Both tests are carried out in the same way, by
placing a sample between two platens and pressing a nail against it at a speed of (10±3) mm/min whilst measuring the force. During Type Y testing, if the opposite surface has been perforated or there is separation between the layers of the test piece at an applied force of 1,100N, it has failed. However, with the Type X test the nail is driven through the insert and five maximum force measurements are taken. The average value reported should be greater or equal to 1,100N. Due to the timing of the update, the majority of non-metallic penetration inserts available on the market will not meet the new Type X test, so in the future they will either need to be redesigned with new components or recertified as Type Y.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU Although the update now ensures the standard is more appropriate for those facing hazards from smaller objects, it is considered ‘best practice’ and does not currently invalidate any products certified to the superseded standard. Arco recommends that those working in
environments where hazards from smaller diameter and sharper objects such as high tensile nails are present such as construction sites, should be using footwear with metallic inserts or alternatively, when available, select footwear with non-metallic inserts that meet the Type X test method. Before providing
Type X Type Y
PPE to a workforce, employers should review their risk assessments to identify potential hazards in the workplace, which will help specify the type of footwear required. As the number of non-fatal injuries within construction is 50 per cent higher compared to other industries, it is even more vital industry bosses provide sufficient protection. As with all PPE, products are not suitable for every situation, employers need to avoid underspecifying and/or over-specifying.
Arco SATRA HISTORY CELEBRATED IN CHINA
SATRA was established in 1919 and the organisation formally recognised its centenary in 2019 in May when His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester visited SATRA in Kettering to unveil a specially commissioned external sculpture designed to represent 100 years of research and testing. To recognise the important technical relationships SATRA has developed with companies in Asia, a second centenary event was held in China 28 November 2019. The China centenary day started with a China Advisory Board (CAB)
business meeting at SATRA’s facility in Dongguan during which SATRA chief executive, John Hooker, was presented with a painting on behalf of Khoi Toan, SATRA’s authorised distributer of SATRA test equipment in Vietnam. A well-attended ceremony was organised for the evening, held at the
Pullman Dongguan Forum Hotel. The entire China office team was present, along with CAB members, guests from over a hundred companies, and Mr Hooker, Christine Powley-Williams and Peter Allen from the UK. Guests were invited to sign a welcome board on arriving and then
entered a cocktail reception where one side of the room was filled with a massive timeline display that told SATRA’s story through significant achievements from the last 100 years. The entertainment started with a performance by a Chinese drum troupe providing colour and rhythm ahead of speeches from Mr Hooker, Anthony
Mak, SATRA’s general manager in China, and Robert Tsai who gave an impassioned tribute to SATRA and described how his company, General Shoes, has benefited from its SATRA membership during the past 27 years. After the speeches, guests continued to be entertained with a traditional
Chinese lion dance, which started when the costumes’ left eyes had been painted. When the lions had completed their performance, the hosts and dignitaries were invited back to the stage to officially recognise the centenary by triggering a burst of confetti. During the banquet that followed, a Chinese face changing performer
worked close among the tables demonstrating the art of changing face masks as if by magic. Before the end of the evening, Mr Hooker ensured he visited every table to
personally acknowledge everyone there and to celebrate SATRA’s achievement of 100 years of service.
www.satra.com
www.arco.co.uk
Arco’s lab manager, Alastair Hopkin, offers advice and guidance on the recently updated BS EN ISO 22568:2019, and what this means for UK businesses
18 SPRING 2020 | INDUSTRIAL COMPLIANCE
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