Abstract

According to CSST statistics, almost 300 firefighters suffered injuries to the heels, feet and toes between 1995 and 1998. Firefighters' protective footwear must protect them against laceration and perforation as well as chemicals; no standard exists for this type of protection. Furthermore, the test methods approved by the National Fire Protection Association do not adequately measure the resistance of protective footwear to laceration and perforation. The IRSST has already developed test methods for the resistance of gloves to perforation and laceration, and the latter method has been approved as ISO standard 13997. In recognition of the IRSST's expertise in this area, a standardization committee of the Bureau des normes du Québec composed of firefighters and manufacturers asked the Institute to adapt its test methods for use with protective footwear. The results of this project will facilitate the establishment of minimum performance and design requirements for the protective footwear worn by firefighters.