People who work with molten metal, aluminium smelters and foundries are at great risk from exposure to extreme heat for prolonged periods. In addition to heat exposure, molten metal workers are also at risk from injuries caused by molten metal exposure, in the form of a splash. Such a hazardous working environment requires that employees are protected from head to foot with the correct PPE. Not all PPE can withstand the hazards associated with molten metal, which is why it is wise to invest in PPE and PPC that is fully certified, complying with international safety standards.

Foot Protection Against Molten Metal

CHARNAUD® is a reputable personal protective clothing and equipment manufacturer and supplier which produces a range of protective wear specifically designed and developed for the molten metal industry. CHARNAUD®’s molten metal range, ALU-SAFE® offers a selection of garments, including certified footwear.

What is EN ISO 20349:2017-1?

To offer the correct protection to the wearer, personal protective equipment must be certified. Safety certification involves a range of test procedures which test the limits of the PPE’s performance under controlled conditions. EN ISO 20349:2017-1 sets out the requirements for welding and foundry footwear, or boots. Two of the most notable features of welding and foundry boots is their ability to withstand exposure to extreme heat and their ability to withstand molten metal exposure. Although they may seem similar, boots afford differing types of protection. For this reason, it is of utmost importance that the wearer understands the meaning of the footwear ratings and their performance capabilities:

  • All products which comply with the European Union’s directives for PPE certification bear the marking ‘CE’.
  • Foundry boots marked ‘FE’ resist the effects of molten metal, including iron, up to 1400°C.
  • The marking ‘AL’ indicates that the foundry boot resists the effects of liquid aluminium up to 700°C.
  • ‘WG’ is specific to welding boots and indicates resistance to molten metal splash.

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Other Important Symbols for Foundry and Welding Boots

The above demonstrates how important it is to understand the rating of a foundry and/or welding boot and thus its performance capabilities. As mentioned before, the boot’s marking enables the wearer to be sure that they are wearing the correct kind of boot to protect against the hazards they face. It is dangerous to assume that because a foundry boot resists molten iron it can withstand exposure to heat and flames. The only way to know what hazards the boot will protect the wearer from is to read and understand the symbols and markings on the boot.  A foundry or welding boot may also protect against heat and flames and as such will bear the requisite symbol. Other important notations which refer to the sole complex and/or outer sole of the boot include, ‘P’ to indicate resistance of the sole complex to penetration; ‘HI’ to indicate heat insulation of the sole complex and ‘HRO’ indicating heat resistance of the outer sole to contact heat.

Get in Touch with the CHARNAUD® Team Today

Misunderstanding the ratings of your PPE could have dire consequences, that’s why it’s important to know exactly what your boot or garment can withstand, or the hazards against which it should protect. Research your PPE before you make a financial commitment. CHARNAUD® supplies and manufactures fully certified PPE that has been protecting workers across the globe for nearly 5 decades.

Contact your CHARNAUD® representative today and let them introduce you to their vast range of lifesaving PPE.

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