Simple Guide to Safety Symbols on Work Boots

There are many different types of work boots designed to protect workers in many different fields.

By Sprayworks Equipment Group and MyBootPrint.

Different professions have different hazard risks and different levels of risk. Hazards vary from broken toes or metatarsals from falling, rolling objects, slipping, puncture wounds, electrical shock, chemical burns, frostbite and more.

In the U.S., rated safety shoes carry different symbols that indicate the level and type of protection the boots provide. They represent the results of various tests that the shoe has passed in accordance with different U.S. and international standards.

Here is an explanation of what each symbol stands for:

• R symbolizes the place where the name of the organization which did the testing and approval is placed.
• The green triangle symbolizes class 1 safety toe cap and puncture-resistant soles. The toe cap resists up to 125 joules of impact. This footwear is great for construction, heavy industries, and other professions where there is danger of objects and tools falling and rolling on the foot, or where there is danger of stepping on sharp materials.
• A yellow triangle means that the safety footwear provides class 2 toe cap safety of up to 90 joules of impact, as well as a puncture-resistant sole. These boots are perfect for lighter industries.
• The white square with an orange omega sign indicates that the soles of the shoes are electrical hazard rated, meaning these shoes are suitable for professions and settings where there is danger of running into live electrical current
• The yellow square with the letters “SD” inside it indicates that the shoes have been tested and approved as anti-static, and also that their soles can dissipate electrostatic charge accumulated in a controlled manner, which means that they protect from release of static electricity.
• A red square containing the letter “C” as well as the symbol for grounding indicates that the shoes have electro-conductive soles, so they are suitable for workplaces where there are risks of low electrical hazards.
• A white square with a green fir tree in it means that the boots provide protection against chainsaws and are suitable for loggers and other people who work with chainsaws and other dangerous cutting tools.
• A white letter “R” in a blue square means that the boots have class 1 toe protection (125 joules), but their soles are not puncture resistant.
• A symbol including a grey square with a black letter “R” in it, indicates that the shoes have class 2 (90 joules) toe protection, and no puncture resistant soles

Editor’s note: This article first appeared on SprayWorks Equipment’s website and can be read here.

About the Author SprayWorks Equipment Group is a spray foam and polyurea company; supplying equipment, training, mobile rigs, and parts – and the #1 distributor for PMC equipment. With nearly 100 years of combined experience, SprayWorks has knowledge in commercial and residential buildings, bridges, and infrastructure. SprayWorks provides training and education for new contractors and equipment operators; open cell, closed cell, polyurea & coating applications for interior & exterior building envelope design, waterproofing, below grade, bridge deck, barge, secondary containment all types of roofs and structures. For more information, visit www.SprayWorksEquipment.com.

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