PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
S30.50
Revised 8-06
Environmental Health and Safety
335-3041
PDF link
PURPOSE
This section describes procedures for obtaining safety-toe footwear for permanent employees routinely exposed to impact/compression hazards. The section also discusses measures for ensuring that temporary employees and students either have or are provided with required foot protection.
FOOT PROTECTION
The employing department should consider safety-toe footwear for occupations such as, but not limited to, carpenters, machinists, mechanics, plumbers, pipefitters, drywallers, welders, grounds-keepers, shipping and receiving clerks and warehouse workers.
The amount of funding for the purchase of safety-toe footwear is at the discretion of the unit chair or director.
Assessment
The supervisor conducts and documents a hazard assessment to identify exposed employees. See S30.10.
Routine Exposure
The employing department provides a pair of safety-toe footwear to each permanent employee identified as being routinely exposed to foot impact/compression hazards.
The employing department provides detachable safety-toe guards to employees infrequently exposed to foot impact/compression hazards.
The employing department checks out safety-toe guards to employees who are expected to be exposed to foot hazards.
Hazard Evaluation Assistance
Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) can assist supervisors and employees with:
- Evaluating foot impact/compression hazards, and
- Determining if safety-toe footwear is required.
PURCHASING
Purchasing Options
Central Stores
Central Stores schedules a mobile shoe service provided by a major shoe vendor. This service is available only on the WSU Pullman campus.
The shoemobile visits the WSU Pullman campus quarterly. Scheduled visits from the shoemobile vendor are advertised in advance of the visit.
At the time of fitting, employees must present a supervisor-approved Interdepartmental Requisition and Invoice (IRI). See 70.05.
Vendor Catalogs
During normal working hours, WSU Pullman employees can select safety-toe footwear from vendor catalogs located at the customer service counter at Central Stores or the employing department.
Other Vendors
Employees at locations other than WSU Pullman may purchase safety-toe footwear from a vendor of their choice during nonwork hours.
WSU Pullman employees not wanting to select safety-toe footwear from the shoemobile or mail order catalogs may also purchase safety-toe footwear from a vendor of their choice during nonwork hours.
Employees obtaining safety-toe footwear in this manner will purchase the footwear and submit documentation to the employing department for reimbursement.
The documentation includes:
- A State of Washington Invoice Voucher (see in the PDF version of S30.50.4 for example and BPPM 30.45 for form),
- The original receipt, and
- Proof that the footwear meets the minimum specifications listed below, e.g., the label or receipt.
The employing department processes this as a "Confirming Purchase." See 70.20.
TEMPORARY EMPLOYEE AND STUDENT PROTECTION
Departments are to ensure that temporary employees and students are protected from impact and compression hazards by:
- Requiring safety-toe footwear as a condition of employment or course work, or
- Requiring the use of detachable safety-toe guards provided by the department on a check-out basis. See "Infrequent Exposure" above.
Safety-Toe Boots
Safety-toe boots must meet the following requirements:
- Be rated for 75 lbs. impact, 2500 lbs. compression (ANSI Z41-1991),
- Have six- or eight-inch leather uppers, and
- Have slip and oil resistant soles.
Other Safety-Toe Footwear
EH&S must approve safety-toe footwear (e.g., safety-toe shoes) not meeting the above specifications prior to purchase.
Contact EH&S to determine if such safety-toe footwear will provide adequate protection for the expected work site conditions.
Safety-Toe Guards
Detachable safety-toe guards must provide protection equivalent to 75 lbs. impact, 2500 lbs. compression. (ANSI Z41-1991)
ASSISTANCE
For assistance contact EH&S, telephone 335-3041; or Central Stores, telephone 335-3782.