OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewPersonal Protective Equipment (PPE)Medium
A worker is required to wear safety footwear in an environment where there is a constant risk of sharp objects like nails or metal shards piercing the sole of their shoes. Which specific feature of safety footwear is designed to protect against this type of hazard?
- APuncture-resistant sole
- BMetatarsal guard
- CElectrical hazard (EH) protection
- DStatic dissipative (SD) properties
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Puncture-resistant sole
A puncture-resistant sole, typically made of a steel plate or composite material, is incorporated into safety footwear to prevent sharp objects from penetrating the sole and injuring the foot.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. A metatarsal guard protects the top of the foot from impact, not the sole from punctures.
- C. Electrical hazard protection guards against electrical shock, not punctures.
- D. Static dissipative properties help reduce static electricity buildup, not protect against punctures.
Puncture-Resistant Sole
A protective layer, often made of steel or composite materials, integrated into the sole of safety footwear to prevent sharp objects from penetrating through the bottom of the shoe.
- Protects against nails, screws, metal shards, and other sharp debris.
- Essential in construction, demolition, and waste management.
- Meets ASTM F2413 standards for puncture resistance.
Memory trick: Sharp objects 'puncture'? Get a 'Puncture-Proof' sole!