Safety is the primary concern in the mining industry because it’s one of the most hazardous work environments in the world. It’s what every mining employee on or underground is thinking of as they extract coal, metal ores, and stones. Working in the mine requires standing on your toes with some serious footwear—heavy-duty mining shoes.
Choosing Heavy Duty Mining Boots
Mining shoes are standard components of personal protective equipment (PPE), and it’s a must to keep feet protected from numerous hazards. Mining boots blunt the force of falling objects, provide traction on uneven and slippery terrain, and shield your feet from dangerous chemicals and molten objects. Mining shoes need to withstand anything that’s occurring during long shifts, inclement weather, and even dim or water-clogged tunnels.
Heavy-duty mining boots must not only conform to the industry’s safety standards but feels comfortable as well when you put them on, and choosing a pair of heavy-duty mining boots requires scrutiny. While you have plenty of choices for mining boots, you need to look for several safety features to ensure you’re protected throughout your shift. Besides, a good pair ensures you can walk home to your family at the end of a long day in the mines.
You’ll need to look for these features if you want a pair of heavy-duty mining boots:
1) Moc-Toe
A moc-toe such as those from Ever Boots – Mining shoes online and other established brands has several characteristics to withstand rigorous working conditions. Its steel toe cap protects the feet from falling objects, and it even has a thick sole to prevent punctures from errant nails and jagged rocks. Moc-toe also prevents cuts from equipment or contaminants.
2) ASTM Certification
Apart from steel toe caps, note-worthy mining boots also comply with the ASTM F2413 criteria. Footwear needs to meet the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) standard to provide workers protection from various occupational hazards.
If you’re looking for heavy-duty mining boots, you’ll want one with ASTM F2413-18 and ASTM F4213-18a as it protects you from crushing forces, electrical shock, punctures, and metatarsal damages. You can find these markings stamped or stitched in the tongue, gusset, shaft, or quarter lining in one shoe of each pair.
A work boot carries a four-line ASTM certification, identifying the protection the boot offers. The certification also indicates if the footwear protection is intended for males or females. It may even offer additional coverage for accumulated static electricity or conductive properties.
3) Waterproof And Water Resistant
Waterproof mining boots keep your feet from getting cold during winter, and they can even keep your feet comfortable despite long work hours. Waterproof mining boots also keep water from seeping when you’re wading through flood-prone tunnels. Mining boots are also made from water-resistant leather to prevent mold, rot, and fungus from growing in your boots.
4) Slip Resistance
Besides protecting your feet, mining boots also provide traction as their rubber sole ensures grip on wet or slippery surfaces. It also has tread patterns to draw fluid under the shoe. Slip-resistant soles ensure you won’t slip and fall while you’re working on flat surfaces or underground.
5) Oil Resistance
Heavy-duty mining boots are also made from synthetic materials that can withstand contaminants. This is an essential feature when you’re working with heavy equipment. Defective equipment and machinery can leak oil, diesel, fuel, or kerosene and could start a fire or burn hazards, so it’s crucial to find oil-resistant boots for added protection.
6) Insulation
It’s also helpful to look for insulated mining boots, so your feet are safe from wind and extreme temperatures. The polyester lining between the liner and leather retains heat and keeps your feet comfortable despite snow and rain.
7) Ankle And Arch Support
Check if your preferred mining boot offers support for your arch and ankle. Since you’ll spend most of the time standing, you’ll need some cushion to relieve the pressure off your feet. With increased comfort, you’ll be able to move around without straining yourself.
8) Style
This comes as a bonus to your mining boots. When it looks good enough to wear outside the mining site, then you’ve found a safe and stylish pair.
Conclusion
Mining boots need to be heavy-duty for several reasons. They’re built to conform to safety standards as protection from a myriad of mining hazards. Also, they ensure comfort and style.
In choosing a pair of mining boots, you’ll need to look for these eye-catching features to withstand the challenges of working in the mine.