safety boots

· Safety Standards: Ensure that the safety boots meet the relevant safety standards for your industry. Look for boots that comply with CSA Standard Z195-14 (R2019) "Protective footwear" standards.

· Know the Hazards: Understand the specific hazards you face in your workplace. This could include: type of walking surface and environmental conditions (e.g., loose ground cover, smooth surfaces, temperature, wet/oily, chemicals, etc.); materials handled; risk of objects falling onto or striking the feet; materials or equipment that might roll over the feet; sharp or pointed objects that might cut the top of the feet or penetrate the bottom or side of the foot; exposure to corrosive or irritating substances, explosive atmospheres static or electrical discharges

· Toe Protection: Decide whether you need steel, composite, or aluminum toe caps (may require your employer’s approval). Steel toes are traditional and provide excellent protection against heavy objects, while composite toes are lighter and do not conduct heat or cold like steel. Aluminum toes offer lightweight protection but may not be suitable for all environments.

· Sole Construction: Choose the appropriate sole for your working conditions. If you work in environments with slippery surfaces, consider boots with slip-resistant soles. If you work around electricity, look for soles that provide electrical hazard protection. Wearing boots with good shock absorption helps to prevent wear and wear on the soles of your feet, knees and hips. 

· Material: Consider the material of the boots. Leather is durable and provides good protection against cuts and abrasions. Synthetic materials may be lighter and more breathable but might not offer the same level of protection.

· Waterproofing: If you work in wet or outdoor environments, consider waterproof safety boots to keep your feet dry and comfortable.

· Ankle Support: Depending on your job tasks, you might need boots with additional ankle support to prevent injuries.

· Foot conditions: Foot conditions can also be addressed by choosing the right boot design. Wedge sole is highly recommended for people with flat feet since the entire length of the sole touches the ground, which provides better support. Those with asymmetrical foot shapes can opt for asymmetrical safety toe caps. If you need an orthotic, sock liner, or thicker hosiery, you will need to account for them in choosing a shoe size.

· Fit and Comfort: Ensure that the boots fit well and are comfortable to wear, especially if you'll be wearing them for long hours. Overall, look for boots that provide ample room for your toes to spread out, padded collars, breathable upper (depends on level of protection needed, leather versus synthetic) and moisture-wicking lining and cushioned removable insoles.

· Try Before You Buy: Whenever possible, try on the safety boots before purchasing to ensure the right fit and comfort level. Whether buying in person or online ordering, choose a boot you can return easily. Make sure to walk around your house for a few hours for a couple of days in a row to determine if the boots are comfortable before wearing them outside or to work.

· Maintenance and Care: Remember to maintain and care for your safety boots according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure their longevity and effectiveness in protecting your feet. Use a protective coating to make footwear water-resistant or increase water-resistance. Inspect footwear regularly for damage (e.g., cracks in soles, breaks in leather, or exposed toe caps). Repair or replace worn or defective footwear. Purchase additional cushion insoles and change out every 3 to 6 months in order to extend the life of your boots and your comfort.

By considering these factors, you can select safety boots that provide the necessary protection and comfort for your specific work environment.

· Safety Standards: Ensure that the safety glasses meet the relevant safety standards for your industry. Look for glasses that comply with CSA Z94.3 safety eyewear standard (look on the package and/or glasses for certification). For any safety glasses to meet CSA safety standards, they must pass two main tests: Impact Resistance test (a 6mm steel ball weighing .88g at a speed of 50.5m/s or a 6.35mm steel ball weighing 1.04g at 46.5m/s is shot at the protector, if the lens breaks, chips, shatters, or cracks, it fails) and the Ignition Resistance test (a steel rod, 300mm long and 6mm in diameter with flat ends is heated to 650° C and then pressed against the protector for 5 seconds and then removed on all exposed parts of the protector, if the glasses ignite or continue to glow after the removal of the steel rod, it fails).

· Assess the Hazards: Understand the specific hazards you face in your workplace. This could include flying debris, chemicals, UV radiation, or optical radiation from welding.

· Lens Material: Choose the appropriate lens material based on the hazards present in your workplace: polycarbonate lenses are impact-resistant and suitable for protection against flying debris; and trivex lenses offer similar impact resistance to polycarbonate but with better optical clarity.

· Lens Color: Select the lens color based on the lighting conditions and specific tasks: clear lenses are suitable for general indoor use or low-light conditions; gray lenses reduce brightness without distorting colors and are ideal for outdoor use in bright sunlight; yellow or amber lenses enhance contrast and depth perception, making them suitable for low-light conditions or overcast days; and mirrored or tinted lenses provide additional protection against glare and are often used in outdoor environments.

· Lens Coatings: Consider additional lens coatings for specific protection: anti-scratch coatings improve the durability of the lenses and prolong their lifespan; anti-fog coatings prevent fogging, especially in humid environments or when transitioning between temperature extremes; and UV coatings provide protection against harmful UV radiation from the sun.

· Frame Design: Choose a frame design that provides a comfortable and secure fit: wraparound frames offer better coverage and protection from all angles; adjustable temples and nose pads allow for a customizable fit; lightweight frames are more comfortable for extended wear.

· Side Shields: If your work involves hazards coming from the side, consider safety glasses with integrated or detachable side shields for added protection.

· Prescription Options: If you require prescription glasses, ensure that your safety glasses can accommodate prescription lenses or consider getting prescription safety glasses made by a reputable manufacturer.

· Brand Reputation: Choose safety glasses from reputable brands known for their quality and adherence to safety standards. 

· Try Before You Buy: Whether buying in person or online ordering, choose glasses you can return easily. Ensure a comfortable fit and proper coverage.

By considering these factors, you can select safety glasses that provide the necessary protection and comfort for your specific work environment.