Safety Notice: Protective Footwear for Working in Laboratories

When working in laboratories with potentially hazardous liquids or solids, protective footwear must be worn. This means at a minimum, low heeled leather shoes that cover the entire foot must be worn. Clogs, open-toed shoes, sandals and cloth shoes do not provide adequate protection and should not be worn in laboratories.

A recent incident occurred where a worker spilled acid on her foot while wearing sandals. The incident did not result in a serious injury, but very easily could have. Remember that the shoes you wear are a piece of protective equipment while work in a laboratory.

Rosamond Rutledge-Burns
Chief, Occupational Health and Safety Division

Last modified 05-February-2003