Standard socks could shock: The hidden danger in anti-static work environments

Pinetown, KZN, SA – In any environment where the build-up of static electricity has been determined to be a risk, anti-static footwear must be worn. Anti-static footwear is designed to help dissipate the accumulation of static electricity from the body while still providing a reasonable level of resistance to electrical hazards from live circuits - this is particularly important in industries where electronic components are handled or where flammable materials are present. Adopting a complete anti-static system in industrial footwear not only enhances safety, but also contributes to the overall efficiency and well-being of workers.

Static electricity can build up in most environments and most of us will have experienced it at some point, especially on those dry winter days wearing a fleece jersey and you reach out for some metallic object and…ZAP…an annoying but fairly innocuous shock occurs. Innocuous enough at times, but if you are working around explosive materials, chemicals or tuning sensitive electronic components; that little zap could prove catastrophic to yourself as well as the electrical components you may be working with.

Hence the reason many industrial environments specify the use of anti-static safety footwear.

The soles of anti-static footwear are most often manufactured from polyurethane which, through its manufacturing process, is inherently static dissipative itself. Anti-static stitching is used in the footbed and together, this system prevents the dangerous build-up of static charges, thereby protecting workers, equipment and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Often overlooked however, are the socks.

Worn together with anti-static footwear, anti-static socks are a crucial component of a well-functioning anti-static system. Regular socks can negate the anti-static properties of the footwear, rendering them ineffective. Anti-static socks incorporate anti-static fibres and stitching to disperse electricity away from the body, through the sock and into the shoe. If there is an anti-static requirement in the workplace, specialised anti-static socks should always be worn.

BBF Safety Group recently tested a number of popular consumer socks against their Bova industrial socks for their effectiveness in dispersing static build-up. The Bova socks, which include anti-static stitching, proved to be over 3 times more effective at dispersing static electricity than some of the standard options. This was in a controlled environment, indicating a likelihood that standard socks will negate the anti-static properties of anti-static safety footwear in real-life environments.

Bova socks have been engineered with anti-static fibre in the form of silver coated stripes which are knitted into the socks. Not only has their effectiveness been proven here, but our industrial socks have established themselves over many years as one of the most comfortable and durable sock choices across different environments.

The effectiveness of anti-static safety footwear lies in the seamless integration of all its components combined and none should ever be overlooked. Workers and employers alike should be educated on the importance of using the correct socks and any optional footbeds with their safety shoes, to maintain compliance and safety.

Outside of just the anti-static properties, and perhaps as important in harsh industrial environments; Bova socks are treated with anti-microbial silver technology to alleviate the risk of infections and odour. Paired with re-enforced stress areas and a cotton-rich blend of materials, Bova socks are engineered to provide optimum performance across the board.

Equip yourself correctly to ensure your safety and comfort in the workplace, as well as a longer replacement cycle for cost savings down the line.

BBF Safety Group offers a range of footwear accessories across its Bova and Footology brands. Socks are engineered for durability and effectiveness in general and specialised environments. Visit https://www.Bova.co.za/footwear/accessories/ for an overview of top performing footwear accessories.