What Are Electrical Hazard (EH) Safety Boots? A Complete Guide for Australian Workers

What Are Electrical Hazard (EH) Safety Boots? A Complete Guide for Australian Workers

Electrical work carries unique risks, and choosing the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is an important part of reducing those risks. While hard hats, insulated gloves and arc-rated clothing often receive the most attention, safety footwear also plays an important role in protecting workers who operate around electrical hazards.

Electrical Hazard (EH) safety boots are designed to provide an additional layer of insulation that may help reduce the risk of electric shock if accidental contact with an energised electrical source occurs under specific testing conditions. They are commonly worn by electricians, utility workers, maintenance technicians and other tradespeople who work near live electrical equipment.

It's important to understand that EH safety boots are not designed to make working on live electricity safe. They are only one component of a broader electrical safety system that includes risk assessments, isolation procedures, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), insulated tools and safe work practices.

In this guide, we'll explain what Electrical Hazard safety boots are, how they work, who should wear them, the Australian standards that apply, and how to choose the right pair for your workplace.

What Is an Electrical Hazard?

An electrical hazard is any situation where a person could be exposed to electrical energy that may cause injury, burns, electric shock, arc flash or electrocution.

Electrical hazards exist in far more workplaces than many people realise. They are not limited to electricians or power stations.

Examples include:

  • Working on or near switchboards and electrical panels.
  • Installing or maintaining wiring systems.
  • Servicing industrial machinery.
  • Working around generators or temporary site power.
  • Maintaining pumps, motors and control systems.
  • Utility and infrastructure maintenance.
  • Renewable energy installations such as solar systems and battery storage.
  • Mining, manufacturing and processing facilities containing energised equipment.

The level of risk depends on many factors, including voltage, environmental conditions, equipment condition and whether the electrical system has been isolated before work begins.

Because of these risks, Australian workplaces rely on multiple layers of protection rather than a single piece of PPE.

What Are Electrical Hazard (EH) Safety Boots?

Electrical Hazard (EH) safety boots are safety footwear designed to help reduce the flow of electrical current through the body if accidental contact with an energised electrical source occurs.

Unlike Anti-Static footwear, which is designed to dissipate static electricity, EH boots use sole materials that provide increased electrical resistance under defined testing conditions.

This additional insulation may help reduce the likelihood of electrical current travelling from the foot to the ground during certain accidental contact situations.

However, it is essential to understand the limitations of EH footwear.

Electrical Hazard safety boots do not:

  • Make it safe to work on live electrical systems.
  • Replace insulated gloves or insulated tools.
  • Eliminate the risk of electric shock.
  • Protect against every electrical hazard or working condition.
  • Replace safe isolation procedures.

Instead, they are considered secondary protection, working alongside other safety controls identified in a workplace risk assessment.

How Do Electrical Hazard Safety Boots Work?

Electrical Hazard safety boots are manufactured using specialised outsole and midsole materials that are less conductive than standard footwear.

When tested under controlled laboratory conditions, these materials help reduce the amount of electrical current that can pass through the boot.

This provides an additional barrier between the worker and the ground if accidental contact with an energised source occurs.

The effectiveness of EH footwear depends on several factors, including:

  • The condition of the boots.
  • The working environment.
  • Moisture and contamination.
  • Damage to the sole.
  • Compliance with the manufacturer's specifications.

Because dirt, moisture, metal fragments and wear can affect performance, EH safety boots should always be inspected regularly and replaced when damaged or excessively worn.

Who Commonly Wears Electrical Hazard Safety Boots?

Electrical Hazard (EH) safety boots are worn across many Australian industries where workers may be exposed to energised electrical equipment as part of their job.

The exact PPE requirements will vary depending on the workplace, risk assessment and the tasks being performed, but EH-rated footwear is commonly used by the following occupations.

Electricians

Electricians are among the most common users of Electrical Hazard safety boots.

Whether working in residential, commercial or industrial environments, electricians may be exposed to switchboards, distribution boards, electrical panels, wiring systems and other energised equipment. EH-rated footwear provides an additional layer of protection should accidental contact with an electrical source occur.

It's important to remember that Electrical Hazard boots are only one part of an electrician's PPE. Safe isolation procedures, insulated tools, testing equipment and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) practices remain the primary methods of controlling electrical risks.

Electrical Apprentices

Electrical apprentices often work alongside licensed electricians while learning safe work practices.

As apprentices gain experience across domestic, commercial and industrial sites, they may be required to wear EH-rated safety boots where specified by company policy or the site's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements.

Utility and Power Industry Workers

Workers involved in electricity generation, transmission and distribution regularly work around high-voltage infrastructure and energised equipment.

This includes:

  • Power station employees
  • Electrical lineworkers
  • Utility maintenance crews
  • Substation technicians
  • Distribution network workers

EH-rated safety boots are commonly included as part of the broader PPE required for these roles.

Industrial Maintenance Technicians

Maintenance personnel working in factories, warehouses and processing facilities often service electrically powered machinery and automated equipment.

Although equipment should always be isolated before maintenance begins, Electrical Hazard footwear may provide an additional level of protection if accidental exposure occurs during fault finding or maintenance activities.

Mining and Heavy Industry

Mining operations rely on large electrically powered equipment including conveyors, crushers, pumps, ventilation systems and processing machinery.

Electrical trades working within mining environments may wear EH-rated footwear where electrical hazards have been identified through the site's risk assessment.

Renewable Energy Industry

Australia's renewable energy sector continues to grow, creating increased demand for workers involved in:

  • Solar installations
  • Battery storage systems
  • Wind farms
  • Electric vehicle charging infrastructure

Many of these roles involve working around electrical equipment, making appropriate PPE an essential part of workplace safety.

Construction and Infrastructure Projects

Large commercial construction projects often involve temporary power supplies, switchboards, generators and electrical installations.

Electrical contractors working on these sites may require EH-rated footwear depending on the nature of the work and site safety requirements.

Australian Standards for Electrical Hazard Safety Boots

When selecting Electrical Hazard safety boots, it's important to understand the standards and certifications that apply.

In Australia, occupational safety footwear should comply with AS/NZS 2210.3 – Personal Protective Equipment – Safety Footwear.

This Australian and New Zealand Standard specifies minimum performance requirements for safety footwear, including:

  • Toe impact resistance.
  • Compression resistance.
  • Slip resistance.
  • Sole construction.
  • Penetration resistance (where applicable).
  • Fuel oil resistance.
  • Additional protective properties where specified.

Some Electrical Hazard boots sold in Australia may also be independently tested to international standards, such as ASTM F2413, which includes Electrical Hazard testing requirements.

If you're purchasing EH-rated footwear, always check the manufacturer's specifications to confirm which standards and testing the boots have been certified against.

Electrical Hazard Boots Are Only One Layer of Protection

One of the most important things to understand is that Electrical Hazard safety boots do not replace safe electrical work practices.

Australian workplaces use a hierarchy of controls to manage electrical risks, with PPE acting as one part of a much broader safety system.

Before relying on any PPE, employers should ensure that appropriate controls are in place, including:

  • Isolating electrical equipment before work begins.
  • Following Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
  • Testing that equipment has been de-energised.
  • Using insulated tools suitable for the task.
  • Wearing voltage-rated insulating gloves where required.
  • Completing workplace risk assessments.
  • Following Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS).
  • Ensuring workers are appropriately trained and authorised.

Electrical Hazard footwear provides an additional safeguard but should never be relied upon as the primary means of protection against electric shock.

What Features Should You Look for in Electrical Hazard Safety Boots?

Choosing the right EH-rated safety boots involves more than simply looking for an Electrical Hazard label.

Comfort, durability and suitability for your working environment are equally important.

Electrical Hazard (EH) Rating

Always confirm that the footwear is clearly identified by the manufacturer as Electrical Hazard (EH) rated.

Product specifications should explain the testing standards the boots comply with and whether they are suitable for your intended application.

Comfortable Fit

Workers often spend long hours on their feet.

Look for boots with:

  • Supportive footbeds.
  • Cushioned midsoles.
  • Shock absorption.
  • Breathable linings.
  • Lightweight construction where appropriate.

A comfortable boot helps reduce fatigue and encourages workers to wear their PPE correctly throughout the day.

Steel Toe or Composite Toe Protection

Electrical Hazard safety boots are available with both steel and composite safety toe caps.

Composite toe boots are often preferred by electricians because they are lightweight, non-metallic and provide excellent thermal insulation.

Steel toe boots remain a popular choice for many industrial applications due to their proven strength and durability.

The choice between steel and composite toe protection should be based on your workplace requirements rather than the Electrical Hazard rating alone.

Slip Resistance

Electrical work often takes place on concrete floors, steel walkways, plant rooms and construction sites.

A quality slip-resistant outsole helps improve stability when working across varying surfaces.

Durable Construction

Electrical trades frequently work in demanding environments where boots are exposed to abrasion, weather and heavy use.

Look for features such as:

  • Premium full-grain leather.
  • Heat-resistant outsoles.
  • Reinforced stitching.
  • Abrasion-resistant toe protection.
  • Oil-resistant soles.
  • Waterproof options for outdoor work.

Investing in durable footwear can improve both comfort and long-term value.

Looking After Electrical Hazard Safety Boots

Electrical Hazard (EH) safety boots are designed to provide an additional layer of protection when working around electrical hazards, but like any item of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), they require regular inspection and proper care.

Over time, normal wear and tear can affect the condition of the boot. Damaged soles, excessive wear, moisture, contamination or structural deterioration may reduce the boot's performance and should never be ignored.

Inspect Your Boots Before Use

Before starting work, take a few moments to inspect your footwear for signs of damage.

Check for:

  • Worn or damaged outsoles.
  • Cracks or splits in the sole.
  • Loose stitching.
  • Separated soles.
  • Exposed safety toe caps.
  • Deep cuts or punctures.
  • Damage caused by chemicals or excessive heat.

If your boots show significant signs of wear or damage, replace them before returning to work.

Allow Boots to Dry Naturally

If your boots become wet, allow them to air dry in a cool, well-ventilated area.

Avoid placing boots next to heaters, fires or direct sunlight for extended periods, as excessive heat can damage leather, adhesives and sole materials.

Replace Worn Footwear Promptly

No safety boot lasts forever.

If the tread is worn, the sole has become damaged or the overall structure of the boot has deteriorated, it may no longer provide the level of protection expected by the manufacturer.

Replacing worn footwear is an important part of maintaining workplace safety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Hazard Safety Boots

What are Electrical Hazard (EH) safety boots?

Electrical Hazard (EH) safety boots are designed to provide an additional layer of insulation that may help reduce the risk of electric shock if accidental contact with an energised electrical source occurs under specific testing conditions.

They are commonly worn by electricians, electrical contractors, utility workers and maintenance personnel working around electrical equipment.

What does "EH" mean on safety boots?

EH stands for Electrical Hazard.
An EH rating indicates that the footwear has been tested to provide a level of electrical insulation under defined conditions. It does not mean the wearer is protected from all electrical hazards.

Always refer to the manufacturer's specifications and your workplace safety requirements.

Do Electrical Hazard boots make it safe to work on live electricity?

No.
Electrical Hazard safety boots should never be relied upon as the primary method of protection when working on or near live electrical systems.

Safe work practices, isolation procedures, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), insulated tools and appropriate training remain the most important controls for reducing electrical risks.

EH-rated footwear provides an additional layer of protection—it does not replace established electrical safety procedures.

Are Electrical Hazard boots waterproof?

Some EH-rated boots are waterproof, while others are not and it is not an industry standard.
Waterproofing is a separate feature from the Electrical Hazard rating, so always check the product specifications if waterproof protection is important for your work environment.

Are Electrical Hazard boots available with composite toe protection?

Yes.
Many manufacturers offer EH-rated boots with either steel toe or composite toe protection.

Composite toe boots are popular with electricians and service technicians because they are lightweight and non-metallic, although the choice should always be based on your workplace requirements.

Choosing the Right Electrical Hazard Safety Boots

Selecting the right Electrical Hazard safety boots starts with understanding the risks associated with your work.

Before purchasing a new pair, consider:

  • The type of electrical work being carried out.
  • Whether your employer specifies EH-rated footwear.
  • Steel toe or composite toe protection.
  • Slip resistance requirements.
  • Waterproof or weather-resistant materials.
  • Comfort for long shifts.
  • Compliance with Australian safety standards.
  • The quality and reputation of the manufacturer.

The best safety boot is one that matches your workplace hazards, fits comfortably and encourages consistent use throughout the working day.

If you're unsure which type of footwear is appropriate for your role, speak with your employer, site safety representative or PPE supplier before making a purchase.

Shop Electrical Hazard Safety Boots At The Coalface Workwear

We stock a wide range of quality safety footwear from trusted Australian and international brands designed to suit a variety of industries and working environments.

Whether you are an electrician, maintenance technician, contractor or utility worker, choosing the right safety boots can help improve comfort while supporting your workplace PPE requirements.

Our range includes:

If you need help selecting the right safety boots for your workplace, our customer service team is here happy to assist.

Browse our range online or visit our Chatswood store to find quality work boots that are best suited to your job.

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