The DGUV rule 112-191 is a guideline that originated in Germany and specifies the necessary properties of a safety shoe so that the shoe can retain CE certification in the event of orthopaedic adjustment. As protection professionals, we would like to point out the most important details.
What EU directives are there?
At present, this directive is the only European rule that deals with this issue. Therefore, it has now been adopted as a standard in all other European member states. The new regulation of BGR 191 – now DGUV 112-191 – of January 2007 stipulates that orthopaedic insoles may only be inserted into safety shoes in conjunction with a valid type examination (the adapted shoe must meet the EN ISO 20345 standard). Who tests the models? The type examination is carried out by a certified institute, which can issue a CE certificate after the positive result of the tests.
The most common question: What must be considered when wearing orthopaedic safety shoes?
Can all insoles be worn?
The use of shoe insoles other than those offered by the shoe manufacturer is not permitted, although wearing non-adapted footwear can also lead to other problems, such as back pain. Therefore, an adjustment of the footwear is recommended. With the permission of the shoe manufacturer, each orthopaedic shoemaker can produce the shoes*1 individually. Shoes*2 must always be marked with the CE mark. A number of orthopaedic shoemakers and companies have specialised in this application. One example is the Secosol insoles from Hartmann *3.
*1 Orthopedic shoe insoles
*2 shoe insoles
*3 and the company Springer (e.g. for Lemaitre safety shoes)
Can I use my own deposits?
For many users of safety shoes, the question arises as to whether they are allowed to use their individual (untested) insoles for their work shoes. The answer is no. This is also an answer to the frequently asked question of whether someone is allowed to use their individual (untested) insoles for their safety shoes. So why can't you use your unaudited deposits? It is important to know that it is in the wearer's interest to maintain the characteristics of the safety shoe. This includes, for example, that tested properties of the safety shoes such as antistatic/ESD properties and minimum height of the toe cap are retained even after the change by an insole. Single-pair certifications are very expensive and are therefore out of the question, especially since the DGUV rule states that economic aspects must also be taken into account when providing orthopaedic safety footwear. Therefore, a solution must be found without compromising the safety of the wearer.
The certifications
Many manufacturers therefore certify the safety shoes of their range in advance for the most common orthopaedic problems. This applies not only to frequent orthopaedic misalignments, but also to diabetic foot syndrome. Many manufacturers take into account such points as "spacious" shoes in the design, with a wide shaft opening, generously sized in height and width, with few annoying seams and good support in the heel guide. The interior is often designed by the manufacturer with soft upholstery to prevent punctual pressure. It goes without saying that all materials and modifications must meet the requirements of the basic standard DIN EN ISO 20345.
The purchase of orthopaedic footwear can be subsidised by various cost bearers (but not by the statutory health insurance companies). However, the cost bearer is not uniform nationwide. A medical prescription is usually required. In order to receive the benefits, a certain bureaucracy ("application for benefits for participation") must be followed, the forms can be found on the Internet and are self-explanatory.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If a protective work shoe has been modified according to the doctor's instructions by an orthopaedic shoemaker, this shoe may only be used by the person concerned and any misuse by third parties must be strictly avoided!