Originally posted by geofore
Steeltoe shoes and steel core flip line are a NO NO around electric lines.
Can not speak for the flip line, but it is an old wives tale you recite re steel toes around electricity. CSA approved boots here generally come with an omega symbol as well, which means they are electric shock resistant ie the sole provides a degree of insultion, which decreases when dirty worn or wet. It is not the steel toe that is in contact with the ground in any event. Hydro workers here have to wear both steel toes and plates, thus there is no increased risk of shock incurred by wearing them; if you ground out a hydro line you are going to have a shocking experience, steel toes, plates and shock resistant boots not withstanding hence the reason the lineman uses rubber sleeves, blankets and gloves wheh working on live wires.
Tree climber165, I agree steel toes can be a real pain-literally. I have a pair of CAT boots I can not wear because the toes do not fit-keep looking as there are a lot of makers out there and differenty styles and sizes of toes. Composite toes are are not installed because of the decreased risk of shock-generally they are lighter and for those of us in the great white north A LOT warmer in the winter than steel. The new Terra packs I have have a composite Therma Toe, but frankly the steel toes in my old Sorels never caused me a problem at all even at -40F.
As for chaps, yes they would be a pain in a tree, which is why some companies I have worked with use chain saw pants. I have a lightweight nylon pair that were tolerable on the days when we had a humidex of 115F this summer here.
I am sure I will get some groans on this one-given medicine is socialized here I do not think the government safety agencies at all levels mind telling people what to wear on job sites-ie "We pay the medical bills thus you WILL do it our way." I have heard of compensation being denied, and huge fines levied against construction firms in particular because they did not have a safety program of did not enforce the wearing of safety equipment, in particular fall arrest gear. Lose an eye, or crush a foot and it is proven you were provided with glasses and had boots but chose not to wear them, I can guarentee it will be a long hard fight with the WCB for compensation.
I worked as a safety officer in the military for 15 years as a secondary duty and it is a hard well to convince some people to wear the equipment that is lawfully required. It is also very difficult to sell the troops on the requirement to wear their safety boots for example when the Major refuses to wear his when on the training flow (we taught Aerial Delivery Techniques-delivery of supplies by parachute, chopper and LAPES). A classic case of do as I say and not as I do.
Some safety regulations are just plain daft. Why is a hard hat required on a road crew for example on a hot day when there is no overhead hazard. Especially stupid when it is over 100F and there is a very real risk of heat stroke or exhaustion-a wide brimmed straw hat would fit the bill.
So to answer your question yes leg and foot protection is required here in Ontario, and is worn by most in this and other heavy industries. You chose not to wear it at your own bodily and financial risk. I prefer to wear it, though I agree at times it is somewhat uncomfortable in the process.
