The professional association's DGUV Rule 112-191 is a guideline originating in Germany that defines the necessary properties of a safety shoe so that the shoe can retain its CE certification in the event of orthopedic modification. We, as Schutzprofis, would like to highlight the most important details.
What EU directives are there?
Currently, this guideline is the only European regulation that addresses this topic. Therefore, it has since been adopted as a standard in all other European member states. The new regulation of BGR 191 – now DGUV 112-191 – from January 2007 stipulates that orthopedic 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 type? The type examination is carried out by a certified institute, which can issue a CE certificate after a positive test result.
The most frequent question: What needs to be considered when wearing orthopedic safety shoes?
Can all insoles be worn?
The use of shoe insoles other than those offered by the shoe manufacturer is not permitted, and wearing ill-fitting footwear can also lead to further problems, such as back pain. Therefore, adaptation of the footwear is recommended. With the permission of the shoe manufacturer, any orthopedic shoemaker can individually manufacture the shoes*1. The shoes*2 must be marked with the CE symbol in any case. A number of orthopedic shoemakers and companies have specialized in this application. For example, the Secosol insoles from Hartmann *3 should be mentioned here.
*1 the orthopedic shoe insoles
*2 shoe insoles
*3 and the Springer company (for Lemaitre safety shoes, among others)
Can I use my own insoles?
For many users of safety shoes, the question arises whether they may use their individually (untested) insoles for their work shoes. The answer is no. This is also an answer to the frequently asked question of whether someone may use their individually (untested) insoles for their safety shoes. So why can't you use your untested insoles? It is important to know that it is in the wearer's interest to maintain the properties of the safety shoe. This includes, for example, that tested properties of safety shoes such as antistatic/ESD properties and the minimum height of the toe cap remain intact even after modification by an insole. Individual pair certifications are very expensive and therefore out of the question, especially since the DGUV rule states that economic aspects must also be taken into account when providing orthopedic safety footwear. Therefore, a solution must be found without restricting the wearer's safety.
The certifications
Many manufacturers therefore certify the safety shoes in their range for the most common orthopedic problems in advance. This applies not only to common orthopedic misalignments but also to diabetic foot syndrome. Many manufacturers take points such as "spacious" shoes in their design into account, with a wide shaft opening, generously sized in height and width, with few disturbing seams and good heel guidance. The interior is often equipped with soft padding by the manufacturer to prevent point 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 orthopedic footwear can be subsidized by various cost bearers (but not by statutory health insurance funds). However, cost coverage is not uniform nationwide. A medical prescription is usually required. To receive benefits, a certain amount of bureaucracy ("Application for participation in rehabilitation measures") must be followed; the forms can be found online and are self-explanatory.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If a safety shoe has been modified by an orthopedic shoemaker according to medical instructions, this shoe may only be used by the affected person and any misuse by third parties must be strictly avoided!
