Respirex WORKMASTER Guide D'utilisation page 4

LIMITATIONS OF USE
Chemical Resistant Overboots are only suitable for use within a temperature range of -20°C to +60°C. Alternative footwear
should be utilised for applications outside this range.
Chemical Resistant Overboots have a shelf-life of 10 years. Any boots that have remained unused for a period of 10 years
should be replaced. The date of manufacture is clearly marked on the upper of the boot as detailed overleaf.
Chemical Resistant Overboots have a maximum working height of 200mm. When working in environments where there is
the risk of chemical spillages of greater depth, or where there is the likelihood of chemical splashes occurring further up
the wearer's leg, Respirex strongly recommend the use of Hazmax safety boots. These can be worn independently or in
combination with a Respirex chemical protective suit.
ANTISTATIC FOOTWEAR
To achieve the antistatic properties, any safety boots inside the overboots MUST be antistatic conforming to EN ISO
20345-A. Antistatic footwear should be used if it is necessary to minimize electrostatic build-up by dissipating electrostatic
charges, thus avoiding the risk of spark ignition of, for example flammable substances and vapours, and if the risk of
electric shock from any electrical apparatus or live parts has not been completely eliminated. It should be noted, however,
that antistatic footwear cannot guarantee an adequate protection against electric shock as it introduces only a resistance
between foot and floor. If there is a risk of electric shock we recommend the use of the Respirex Workmaster DIELECTRIC
boot or DIELECTRIC overboot. Such measures, as well as the additional tests mentioned below, should be a routine part of
the accident prevention programme at the workplace.
Experience has shown that, for antistatic purposes, the discharge path through a product should normally have a electrical
resistance less than 1000 MΩ at any time throughout its useful life. A value of 100 kΩ is specified as the lowest limit of
resistance of a product when new, in order to ensure some limited protection against dangerous electric shock or ignition in
the event of any electrical apparatus becoming defective when operating at voltages of up to 250V. However, under certain
conditions, users should be aware that the footwear might give inadequate protection and additional provisions to protect
the wearer should be taken at all times. Respirex recommends the use of our Dielectric boot for protection against electric
shocks.
When new, the anti-static properties of the Chemical Resistant Overboot are between 1000 MΩ and 100 kΩ when the sole
is either wet or dry.
The electrical resistance of this type of footwear can be changed significantly by contamination. It is, therefore, necessary
to ensure that the product is capable of fulfilling its designed function of dissipating electrostatic charges and also of giving
some protection during the whole of its life. The user is recommended to establish an in-house test for electrical resistance
and use it at regular and frequent intervals.
Leather footwear can absorb moisture if worn for prolonged periods in moist or wet conditions, however the Chemical
Resistant Overboot will not be affected by such environments.
If the footwear is worn in conditions where the soling material becomes contaminated, wearers should always check the
electrical properties of the footwear before entering a hazard area.
Where antistatic footwear is in use, the resistance of the flooring should be such that it does not invalidate the protection
provided by the footwear.
In use, no insulating elements, with the exception of normal hose, should be introduced between the inner sole of the
footwear and the foot of the wearer. If any insert is put between the inner sole and the foot, the combination footwear/insert
should be checked for its electrical properties.