CSA Z195.1-16

This Guideline has been developed as a complementary document to CSA Z195-14, Protective footwear. It is intended to provide advice to protective footwear users and authorities having jurisdiction. While this Guideline is intended to be used separately from the Standard, many references are made to the Standard and most of the advice is based on the design, performance, and marking criteria provided in the Standard. Users seeking specific requirements for protective footwear should refer to the criteria contained in the Standard. The purpose of this Guideline is to a) assist users of footwear and their employers in the proper selection of the best footwear protection available for their particular working environment and specific job functions; b) assist employers, safety committees, and workers in identification of potential risks and hazards requiring protective footwear in their workplace; c) assist employers and safety committees in establishing and maintaining safety footwear programs that meet the requirements of reasonable care (due diligence) and continuous improvement in the prevention of injuries; and d) provide users with helpful tips for the proper selection, maintenance, and disposal of safety footwear. Note: While it is recognized that protective footwear plays a major role in injury prevention, users should be aware that personal protective equipment is only part of an overall foot protection program. Other important components include control of hazards through engineering solutions, work planning and organization to limit exposure, and administrative controls. Protective safety footwear compliant with CSA Z195 should be used in all Canadian jurisdictions and workplaces where there is risk of foot injury. Over-the-shoe toe protectors compliant with CSA Z334-14, Over-the-shoe toe protectors, are not to be considered to be protective safety footwear. These over-the-shoe toe protectors are designed only to provide basic protection from impacts to the toes of the users on a temporary basis. “Temporary” is considered to be short-term use such as that by visitors to a work site, or by individuals traversing a foot hazard area (i.e., not performing work in that area). The protection offered by CSA Z334 is not intended to protect wearers performing work in a hazard area. CSA Z334 might not provide adequate protection for visitors in all conditions; therefore, protective footwear certified to CSA Z195 is strongly recommended. Note: Users should be aware that there might be “safety” products available that do not comply with CSA Z195. When selecting protective footwear, users should look for evidence that the footwear does, in fact, comply with CSA Z195. See Clause 1.3 and Table 1 for the different marks that indicate that the footwear complies with the Standard. All users of safety footwear should refer to their respective federal and/or provincial statutes to ensure compliance with legal requirements governing protective footwear.