A Guide to Electrical Safety Footwear Maintenance
In electrical work environments, insulated shoes are not just a recommendation — they are a life-saving necessity. These specialized safety shoes protect workers from electric shocks and ensure safe operations during live maintenance tasks. However, like all protective equipment, the insulating properties of these shoes degrade over time, making regular testing essential.
At OMC Insulated Footwear, we understand how critical it is to maintain the integrity of your safety gear. In this article, we’ll explain the importance of insulated shoes and outline the recommended inspection schedule to keep your team protected and compliant.
Why Insulated Shoes Are Essential？
Electrical workers regularly deal with live circuits and high-voltage systems. To reduce the risk of electrocution or fatal injury, proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is required — including insulated safety shoes or boots.
These shoes act as a barrier between the worker and the ground, preventing dangerous currents from passing through the body. Alongside insulated gloves and other PPE, they form a crucial part of electrical safety protocols.
Recommended Inspection Frequency for Insulated Shoes？
According to the GB 21148-2020 standard (Clause 6.4.3), which outlines requirements for safety footwear in electrical applications:
Insulated shoes should be tested every 6 months to ensure their dielectric performance remains intact.
If there are no specific regulations, it's still strongly advised to follow this semi-annual inspection schedule.
For shoes stored for more than 24 months (from the date of manufacture), each pair must undergo individual electrical performance testing before being put into service or resale.
Only shoes that meet the GB 21148-2020 Clause 6.4.3 standards should be used or sold. Any footwear failing to meet the minimum insulation values must be immediately retired and replaced.
Regular inspections help identify early signs of wear, material degradation, or compromised insulation — all of which could lead to serious safety hazards.
Tips for Maintaining Your Insulated Footwear
Store shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Avoid contact with oils, solvents, or chemicals that may damage the sole or upper materials.
Visually inspect shoes before each use for cuts, cracks, or punctures.
Always have them professionally tested by an accredited lab or manufacturer like OMC.
At OMC, we’re committed to delivering high-quality, long-lasting insulated safety footwear that meets international standards. Trust your feet to the experts who care about your safety.
Need help choosing the right insulated shoes or scheduling a test? Contact us today!
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