The professional sanitary clogs are an indispensable device for those who work in sectors such as healthcare and hospitals, as well as for those who need to work in environments that must be kept sterile and sanitized.
Sanitizing clothes and work tools is therefore of fundamental importance, especially in the face of emergencies such as that from Covid-19. And yet , this very important operation affects at the same time the average life and the “expiry” of the product every time it is repeated.
So how do you know when the sanitary clogs have reached the end of their life cycle and, consequently, must be replaced ?
When to change sanitary clogs: the materials
First of all , it is necessary to understand that the professional footwear need to be replaced more frequently than a normal pair of shoes. This is because they are intended not only for the comfort and support of the wearer’s body weight, but must comply with hygiene and safety standards that decrease over time and use.
If a sanitary clog comes to break due to wear, it means that its characteristics were already compromised before!
The type of material (or materials) that make up the sanitary clogs is one of the first elements to consider in order to understand their duration. The different materials in fact have coefficients of resistance to abrasion that can vary between them.
Reposa work clogs are designed for the needs of professionals in various fields, and have a wide choice ranging from cross-linked EVA clogs, SEBS thermoplastic rubber, to breathable coagulated fabric with polyurethane sole. Subjected to normal conditions of use, the SEBS clogs are expected to be the most resistant to abrasion and most durable over time.
Sanitary footwear and deterioration factors
Reposa produce footwear in high performance , realised in easy materials to wash in autoclave, entirely Made In Italy and certified EN ISO. However, the prolonged use of the product, the intense work shifts and frequent sterilizations inevitably compromise the performance of your PPE and make it necessary to understand when the time has come to buy new sanitary clogs.
Indicators that suggest changing your sanitary footwear are:
- Presence of abrasions or cracks in the upper and in the side holes
- Condition of the sole: the soles of Reposa clogs are certified non-slip, and have a special design that allows you to maintain adherence to the ground. When the pads deteriorate and the sole wears out, grip on the ground is reduced and the risks of slipping and injuries increase.
- Reduced surface antistaticity: this is a feature that is lost with continuous washing and daily use, increasing the risk of annoying shocks
- Unknowns due to use: a bad or incorrect use of PPE, such as an incorrect washing method or outdoor use, will ensure that the medical footwear wears out prematurely
Once the presence of one or more of these factors has been ascertained, it means that the sanitary clog has reached the end of its life cycle. As we have seen, this does not depend on time factors. This is why it is important to always check the condition of your professional footwear.
Establishing a term or expiration of the sanitary clog is not obvious, as this inevitably depends on the way in which they are used, washed, sanitized and stored. One way to determine when to replace sanitary clogs could be in conjunction with the change of work uniforms, therefore once a year.
The care of sanitary clogs
For a comfortable and prolonged use of your sanitary footwear, you can follow some guidelines for their care. There are various methods for cleaning and sanitizing Reposa clogs, depending on the needs and equipment available. To find out more about the proper cleaning of your sanitary clogs, read the dedicated article: https://www.reposa.it/en/news-en/how-to-wash-sanitary-clogs/
Get rid of old sanitary clogs
Talking about discarding an object with a certain frequency certainly raises doubts in the conscience of those who are sensitive to eco-sustainability issues. Reposa is one of those companies that have made a commitment to reduce their impact on the environment by creating a line of eco-friendly footwear made of fully recyclable plastic materials. To learn more: article link
In conclusion, the expiry of the sanitary clogs is not subject to a fixed time limit but varies according to the use made of the PPE. Properly protecting and sanitizing your sanitary clogs will be essential in order to prolong their use and maintain the high quality standards of Reposa footwear. What is certain is that if these are not replaced with the right frequency, performance will be compromised and it will not be enough to offer the same level of comfort and safety guaranteed and certified at the time of purchase.