When it comes to occupational safety, one of the crucial issues concerns electricity, which is as useful as it is dangerous. And it is precisely with respect to these risks that work footwear plays a key role. The first and often only contact with the ground, toward which the energy discharges, they must be an important shield against possible accidents.
Another key issue is that of static electricity, which is also dangerous for those working in certain contexts.
Solving the latter problem today is the innovative three-dimensional, soft and lightweight fabric that ensures that the dissipation of static electricity in footwear lasts at least as long as the footwear itself.
Step 3200, a new product developed by Pranem, a specialized company based in Prato that was founded in 2011.
Made with continuous filament and antistatic treatment in compliance with EN ISO 20344, the innovative fabric features a 3D construction that ensures high breathability and moisture dispersion. Used to make up the lining of the footwear, it allows contact of the foot with a large surface area capable of discharging static electricity to the sole. What makes the product special is that antistaticity becomes an intrinsic and permanent feature of the lining.
Thanks to chemical and thermal treatments, we were able to get the additive to bond permanently to the fabric, instead of migrating as normally happens to this type of product after a certain period. The tests we carried out show that the antistaticity offered by this fabric lasts for ever
Gabriele Diddi
Longevity is not the only plus of the new fabric.
Using linings made with this material allows the shoe manufacturer to insert standard insole and midsole, rather than anti-static, thus also achieving some savings, as well as a greater guarantee of effective and long-lasting electricity discharge
Diddi
In essence, Pranem now offers the market a new way to produce safer and more durable ESD footwear.
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