Leg and Foot Protection
Types of Leg and Foot Protection
Here are some common types of leg and foot protection used in the workplace: For more information on this topic download (Texas Department of Insurance publication: Foot and Leg protection).
- Leggings: Leggings (also called gaiters) protect the lower legs and feet from heat hazards, such as molten metal or welding sparks. Safety snaps allow leggings to be removed quickly.
- Metatarsal Guards: Metatarsal guards protect the instep area from impact and compression. Made of aluminum, steel, fiber or plastic, these guards may be strapped to the outside of shoes.
- Toe Guards: Toe guards fit over the toes of regular shoes to protect the toes from impact and compression hazards. They may be made of steel, aluminum or plastic.
- Combination Foot and Shin Guards: Combination foot and shin guards protect the lower legs and feet, and may be used in combination with toe guards when greater protection is needed.
- Chaps: Chaps protect upper and lower legs and are usually hazard or taskspecific such as chainsaw chaps and welding chaps.
- Waders: Waders provide waterproof protection for the feet, legs, and the lower torso.
- Safety Shoes: Safety shoes have impact-resistant toes and heat-resistant soles that protect the feet against hot work surfaces common in roofing, paving and hot metal industries. The metal insoles of some safety shoes protect against puncture wounds.
- Safety shoes may also be designed to be electrically conductive to prevent the buildup of static electricity in areas with the potential for explosive atmospheres.
- They may also be used in nonconductive atmospheres to protect workers from workplace electrical hazards.
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10-15. What are leggings used for?
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