Your guide to Chemical Resistant work boots
From oil rigs to factories to mining operations and construction sites, hazardous chemicals are an ever-present reality for most tradies.
While safety protocols keep workers safe from physical contaminants like acid, acetone and bleach, the reality is that spills and accidents endanger millions of workers worldwide.
That’s where Chemical Resistant work boots come into play. Chemical resistance, a common feature in oil and gas work boots, provides a crucial layer of protection for those who face the daily challenge of working with harmful chemicals.
What you need to know about choosing Chemical Resistant work boots
Before we launch into what makes a superior Chemical Resistant boot, there are a couple of caveats.
Firstly, chemical resistance is not the same as chemical proof, just like water-resistant and waterproof boots are different. Work boots that meet EN 13832-2 (for chemical protection) are tested with common corrosive materials like hydrochloric acid, acetone (paint thinner), sulphuric acid, bleach and nitric acid.
They’ll keep your feet safe from splashes, but not full immersion.
Secondly, safety boots aren’t a standalone solution (for chemicals or any work-related risk). Safe working practices, including proper personal protective equipment (PPE), strict adherence to safety protocols, hazard awareness, and regular training are paramount for your protection.
With that said, let’s look at how to choose Chemical Resistant boots.
Materials matter
Steel Blue Chemical Resistant boots are made with leather uppers treated throughout the manufacturing process for secondary protection against caustic spills and splashes.
Still, we know especially tough conditions call for additional protection. So, we threw everything at our specialty oil and gas work boots: TECtuff® leather, stitched with Kevlar® aramid fibre thread and moulded to Nitrile Outsoles.
These specialty materials are lab-tested and independently certified for EN 13832-2 compliance.
Slip resistant soles
Nitrile Outsoles, standard on all Steel Blue chemical-resistant boots, are capable of withstanding temperatures up to 300°C and perform above certification standards for slip resistance.
Tradies should be able to trust their equipment. Nitrile Outsoles keep you steady on your feet, no matter the conditions.
Built-in comfort
Those same materials that keep you safe from spills also need to keep you comfortable during long days. Our 30-day 100% Comfort Guarantee and endorsement from the Australian Physiotherapy Association are testaments to the whole-body support that’s standard in Steel Blues.
Durability you can trust
We recommend looking at the fine print to ensure your Chemical Resistant work boots carry a reliable warranty, as some manufacturers’ warranties may be void under certain working conditions.
Explore Steel Blue chemical-resistant work boots
Additional safety features
Anywhere you find hazardous materials, you’ll also encounter risks like wet surfaces, live wires and sharp objects.
Consider all the possibilities your work could present. Thankfully, the soles on Steel Blue’s Chemical Resistant boots – in fact, on every work boot we make – provide slip resistance on wet ground. For those extra hazards, you may want to explore our Electrical Hazard (EH), Waterproof, or Penetration Resistant styles.
Oil and gas work boots that are built to last
Steel Blue boots are made with premium materials, innovative manufacturing methods and 30 years of experience. That means peace of mind no matter the challenges work throws at you.
