Foot protection.

(a) General requirements . The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, and where such employee's feet are exposed to electrical hazards. (b) Criteria for protective footwear . (1) Protective footwear purchased after July 5, 1994 shall comply with ANSI Z41-1991, “American National Standard for Personal Protection—Protective Footwear,” which is incorporated by reference as specified in § 1910.6, or shall be demonstrated by the employer to be equally effective. (2) Protective footwear purchased before July 5, 1994 shall comply with the ANSI standard “USA Standard for Men's Safety-Toe Footwear,” Z41.1-1967, which is incorporated by reference as specified in § 1910.6, or shall be demonstrated by the employer to be equally effective.