Work boots recalled by B&Q and Screwfix over potential explosion risk
Tradies are being urged to 'immediately stop' using work boots flogged by B&Q and Screwfix - due to a 'spark risk' that could trigger explosions.
The retail giants issued an urgent recall warning about certain batches of the Site Hallisey Dealer Boot that were found to have defective anti-static protection.
The recall notices warn this could lead to potential injury related to the generation of sparks in a hazardous environment.
UK static control expert eStat Solutions states that in environments where static electricity builds up, 'a single static spark can ignite fires or even trigger explosions', like the Hindenburg disaster.
HSE urges people working in potentially explosive atmospheres to 'take care' to prevent static discharges.
The national regulator for workplace health and safety cites measures including using antistatic work clothing and footwear to 'help reduce the risk of static discharges'.
The affected batches listed on B&Q are the Site Hallisey Dealer Boot Dark Brown in sizes eight, nine, 10 and 11 with barcode numbers 5059340602295, 5059340600635, 5059340598314 and 5059340599946.
The above batches are also listed by Screwfix as well as sizes seven and 12 with barcodes 5059340598260 and 5059340603933.
In light of this Screwfix and B&Q are urging anyone who bought these batches of footwear, purchased between November 2022 and November 2025, to stop using them immediately.
Screwfix and B&Q are both advising shoppers who bought the shoes to visit their local store with the product along with the order reference number to receive a full refund.
A Screwfix spokesperson said: "Despite rigorous quality control procedures, Screwfix has been made aware of a potential safety issue with Site Hallissey Boots.
"Certain batches of them have been found to have defective anti-static protection, which could lead to potential injury related to the generation of sparks in a hazardous environment.
"The batch code can be found on the label on the tongue of each boot.
"If you have any of the products listed from the impacted batch codes, please stop using them immediately. No other batches are affected.
"To receive a full refund please visit a local Screwfix Trade Counter, with your Boots and Order Reference Number where the colleagues can complete this for you.
"If you have any queries, please contact 03330 112 112 or [email protected].
"If you have purchased this product for another person, please contact them immediately, advise them to stop using the product and complete the actions above.
"Thank you in advance for your co-operation in this matter and we apologise for any inconvenience caused."
A B&Q spokesperson said: "A potential safety issue has been identified in relation to production of the below products, for batch codes dated 'DOM 09/2022' onwards.
"Batches before this date are not affected. It's been identified that the anti-static properties of the boot don't meet the product safety requirements.
"Therefore there's a risk of build-up of static electricity, which if used in an anti-static or static-sensitive environment may result in a static discharge.
"Please note that no incidents have been reported to date, however we ask that customers return the affected product to the store for a full refund.
"The batch number can be found on the shoebox or on the boot tongue.
"Please call our Customer Services Helpline: UK: 0300 303 4482 / ROI: 1800 946 327 Monday to Saturday 8am-8pm, Sunday 10am-4pm.
"B&Q thanks you for your co-operation."