Certified standards for safety footwear – There are 2 MAIN STANDARDS for safety footwear: ASTM 2413 & EN ISO 20345, Besides these 2 main standards, Safety Jogger pays attention to other safety footwear standards as well (AS/NZS, JIS, LA, SNI, SIRIM, GOST, OHSC) but they are generally based on ASTM & ISO, which are explained below.
- ASTM 2413 – 17 The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards or certifications.
- ASTM announced in 2005 that their ANSI Standard was withdrawn and replaced by two new ASTM standards, titled F2413 Standard for Performance Requirements and F2412 Standard for Foot Protection Test Methods.
These new safety footwear standards provide safety and performance previously put forward by ANSI since 1967. The biggest difference with ASTM 2413 conforming safety footwear to other standards is that the outsole must be completely insulated for electric shocks. EN ISO 20345 – 11 The current safety footwear standard across Europe is updated in 2011 to make it stricter, all products must be manufactured, tested and certified under EN ISO 20345, This safety footwear standard requires all safety shoes to have front foot protection against a 200 joule impact.
This is the amount of energy the toe region can absorb before breaking. Under the EN ISO 20345 standard there are different safety classes like S1 or S3 for example. Every safety shoe according to the EN ISO 20345 safety footwear standard will be tested on all possible aspects and will be granted an S-class.
Contents
- 1 What is the difference between ISO 20345 and 20347?
- 2 What is S3 standard safety shoes?
- 3 What is the ISO code for safety shoes?
- 4 What is the ISO standard for shoe?
- 5 What is S1 safety shoe?
- 6 What is S1 safety shoes?
- 7 What does S mean in shoe size?
- 8 What is the S5 safety standard?
- 9 What are the standards for work shoes?
- 10 What is the difference between s1 and S3 safety boots?
- 11 What are the standards of shoes?
- 12 What is European Standard EN 20347?
What’s The Meaning Of Each Safety Footwear Code and Standard?
Below you can find a complete overview of the minimum requirements for each safety class within the EN ISO 20345 safety footwear standard.
What is the difference between ISO 20345 and 20347?
Frequently Asked Questions – What type of safety footwear is the best for me? Each job/industry has specific needs or requirements, so we’d recommend reviewing your workplace to work out what features you’ll need. For example, waiting staff may prefer to have additional grip, while supermarket staff may prioritise impact protection to reduce the risks of heavy cages damaging their feet.
- Once you’ve thought about the risks associated with your workplace, you can use the markings discussed above to find footwear that ticks all your boxes.
- What is the difference between ISO 20345 and ISO 20347? The ISO 20345 standard outlines the minimum and optional requirements for safety footwear, whereas the ISO 20347 standard outlines the minimum and optional requirements for occupational footwear.
Occupational footwear has no requirement for certain safety features such as a protective toecap and is typically used where mechanical risks such as impacts and heavy compression, making them popular amongst staff such as receptionists and nurses,
What is S3 standard safety shoes?
Ultimate protection of your feet – A large portion of MASCOT’s safety footwear belongs to the safety class S3. Safety footwear in this safety class offers you ultimate protection and excellent comfort. All safety shoes and boots in safety class S3 are approved in accordance with the standard EN ISO 20345:2011.
- In addition to other safety components, the footwear has nail protection for protection against nails and sharp objects on the ground, and they also have toe caps offering the best possible protection of your toes from external impact and dropped objects.
- Footwear in safety class S3 (and in class S1P) have oil and petrol resistant soles, and all of the shoes and boots are slip resistant, anti-static and breathable.
In other words: total safety. : S3 Footwear
What is S1 S2 in safety shoes?
SAFETY FOOTWEAR (Ref. Standard EN ISO 20345 2011) | |
Category | Characteristics |
SB | Basic safety requirements |
S1 | SB + Closed heel zone, anti-static properties, energy absorption in the heel FO resistance of the sole to hydrocarbons |
S2 | S1 + resistance of the upper to water penetration and absorption |
S3 | S2 + resistance of the outsole to perforation, pleated soles |
table>
More information on ESD certification
Protection symbol | Requirement/characteristic | Safety footwear (S) | |||
SB | S1 | S2 | S3 | ||
P | Resistance of the outsole to perforation | – | X | ||
C | Conductive properties | – | – | – | |
A | Anti-static properties | X | X | X | |
Insulation against electricity | – | – | – | ||
HI | Insulation against heat | ||||
CI | Insulation against cold | ||||
E | Heel energy absorption | X | X | X | |
WR | Water resistance | ||||
M | Toe protection | ||||
AN | Ankle protection | ||||
WRU | Water penetration and absorption of the upper | – | X | X | |
CR | Resistance of the upper to cutting | – | – | – | |
HRO | Resistance to heat for sole contact | ||||
FO | Resistance of the sole hydrocarbons | X | X | X | |
SRA (Ceramic + detergent) or SRB (steel + glycerine) | Slip resistance | X | X | X | X |
SRC (SRA+SRB) | Slip resistance |
X = Compulsory requirement | 0 = Optional requirement added to compulsory ones, if indicated on marking | – = Additional requirement
What is safety rating for safety shoes?
What are the Safety Footwear Ratings? – The above codes are very specific, but the level of protection a boot or shoe gives has a clear system of ratings which combine many of the above codes. These are known as “S ratings” and you are probably already familiar with some of them: S1, S2, S3 Safety boots are very common terms.
Rating | Icon | Meaning |
SB | Safety Basic (Has Toe Protection) | |
SBP | As SB with additional Mid-Sole protection against penetration | |
S1 | Anti-Static, Oil-Resitant and Energy Absorption | |
S1P | As S1 with additional Mid-Sole protection against penetration | |
S2 | Prevents Water Penetration | |
S3 | Midsole Penetration Resistance | |
S4 | Leak-Proof | |
S5 | Leak-Proof with Midsole Penetration Resistance |
What is the ISO code for safety shoes?
EN ISO 20345 – Personal protective equipment, safety shoes.
What is the ISO standard for shoe?
Certified standards for safety footwear – There are 2 MAIN STANDARDS for safety footwear: ASTM 2413 & EN ISO 20345, Besides these 2 main standards, Safety Jogger pays attention to other safety footwear standards as well (AS/NZS, JIS, LA, SNI, SIRIM, GOST, OHSC) but they are generally based on ASTM & ISO, which are explained below.
- ASTM 2413 – 17 The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards or certifications.
- ASTM announced in 2005 that their ANSI Standard was withdrawn and replaced by two new ASTM standards, titled F2413 Standard for Performance Requirements and F2412 Standard for Foot Protection Test Methods.
These new safety footwear standards provide safety and performance previously put forward by ANSI since 1967. The biggest difference with ASTM 2413 conforming safety footwear to other standards is that the outsole must be completely insulated for electric shocks. EN ISO 20345 – 11 The current safety footwear standard across Europe is updated in 2011 to make it stricter, all products must be manufactured, tested and certified under EN ISO 20345, This safety footwear standard requires all safety shoes to have front foot protection against a 200 joule impact.
This is the amount of energy the toe region can absorb before breaking. Under the EN ISO 20345 standard there are different safety classes like S1 or S3 for example. Every safety shoe according to the EN ISO 20345 safety footwear standard will be tested on all possible aspects and will be granted an S-class.
What’s The Meaning Of Each Safety Footwear Code and Standard?
Below you can find a complete overview of the minimum requirements for each safety class within the EN ISO 20345 safety footwear standard.
What is S1 safety shoe?
When purchasing safety boots there can be a lot to consider. The first thing we usually think about is looks. This is certainly important, we want to be happy in what we wear that’s for sure. For some people that’s it, job done. “The manufacturers description said they were safety boots, I’m happy with the appearance and they fit great, let’s go to work.” Hold on a second, just because it states safety, this isn’t giving us the full picture.
- There are many different codes and abbreviations associated with a pair of safety footwear to consider that will give you an indication of the levels of safety they will provide.
- The problem is these can get a little confusing.
- Therefore, I wanted to write this handy no-nonsense guide that will cover all those codes and give you a layman’s description of what they all mean.
At the end you will also find a helpful list of tips to use when buying your boots. EN ISO 20345:2011 The first thing I want you to understand is what EN ISO 20345:2011 means, you will see it on a lot of product descriptions for boots. It specifies basic and additional (optional) requirements for safety footwear that are used for general purpose.
All safety boots must be manufactured and certified under this standard. So, if you see this on a product description, great you know where talking about safety boots and they meet the minimum requirements. Safety Boots Ratings. There are several ratings for safety boots and they are denoted by a two-letter abbreviation.
They start with the letter S and are as follows.
- SB (Safety Basic) = This is the basic safety standard for footwear. These will have toe protection against a 200-joule impact.
- S1 = As well as the basic toe protection, S1 will ensure that footwear has anti-static protection, is resistant to fuel oil and has energy absorption in the heel.
- S2 = These have all the same protection as S1, plus the added protection of preventing water penetration and absorption of the uppers.
- S3 = This as all the same protection as S2 level, plus midsole penetration resistance.
- S4 = The same level of protection offered by S1 but with a moulded polymer/rubber upper (e.g. Wellington Boots) making them fully waterproof.
- S5 = The same features as S4 footwear with the additional benefit of midsole penetration resistance
Abbreviations: Now this is where it can get confusing, sometimes a manufacturer will add on an additional letter. For example, a common one is SB-P. This is indicating that the boot as an optional feature. So, in this example you get the basic protection of SB plus you get the addition of P.
- P – Penetration resistance
- C – Conductive
- A – Antistatic
- I – Electricity insulating footwear
- WR – Water Resistance
- M – Metatarsal Protection
- AN – Ankle Protection
- CR – Cut Resistant Upper
- WRU – Water Penetration and Water Absorption Upper
- HRO – Outsole Resistance to Hot Contact
Slip Resistance: Anti-Slip footwear is becoming more requested on building sites, hospitals, food manufacturing plants and a wide host of other settings. And for good reason slips, trips and falls make up an astonishing 43% of all serious work-related injuries reported to the HSE.
- SRA – tested on ceramic tile wetted with dilute soap solution.
- SRB – tested on smooth steel with glycerol.
- SRC – tested under both the above conditions.
Our Top tips when buying safety boots.
- Assess where you’re working: This is crucial, you’re not going to need S5 waterproof wellies if most of your day is spent in an office with only occasional trips onto the warehouse floor where the environment is not impacted by any sort of liquids. On the flip side it would be foolhardy to get just the basic SB If you’re a contractor going to different types of building sites daily where hazards can range from rusty old nails to slippery underfoot conditions. Take the time to consider all the hazards you come across on a regular basis and purchase accordingly.
- Fit and comfort are king: Take the time to make sure that your new boots are a snug fit and feel comfortable. Many of you will be wearing these for 8 hours straight if not longer. See that there are no manufacturers faults on the inner that may rub against your skin. Make sure that they fit well, there’s no point buying a size 8 wide fit if you have narrow feet, maybe try a 7 or look for non-wide boot. Incorrectly fitted boots can lead to trips. Take care when buying online that your supplier as a good returns policy available. PPE Work Solutions have a full 30 day returns policy that will give you plenty of time to make sure your boots are just right.
- Aftercare: Look after your boots, let them air dry at room temp if they have become wet. Don’t dry on a radiator as this can degrade the finish on the uppers. Make sure you lace up and unlace between uses and carry a spare pair of laces (Is there anything worse than breaking a set of laces at the beginning of a shift?). If your boots get muddy make sure you clean them with a suitable brush. No pair of boots is going to last forever but with care and attention you can get the most out of yours.
- Always buy new: I’m sure most of you would not buy second hand, but if you are considering it, please don’t. You have no real idea of their age or where they have been used. If a safety boot is showing signs of degradation on the toe caps or midsoles you should replace immediately.
- Price doesn’t necessarily mean safer: The price of safety boots can vary from £15 into the £100s. Don’t automatically think that price gives you the best levels of protection. This is not always the case for a higher priced safety boot, you may be paying extra for a brand name or a swanky design (This is fine if design and looks are a priority). You can find a pair of perfectly sound S3 boots with anti slip in the £30 range.
Back to The Knowledge Rooms or Shop Safety Boots
What is S1 safety shoes?
S1 safety shoes have a composite toecap or steel toecap which can take an impact of 200 Joule and a compression of 15.000 newtons, just like the SB safety category. Unlike SB safety shoes are shoes in the S1 category always anti static and have absorption of the seat region.
What is S1 S2 S3 on safety shoe?
As you can see, the biggest difference between S1, S1P, S2, S3 safety footwear consists in the resistance to water sprays and the puncture resistant plate. The S1P and S3 are basically S1 and S2 safety footwear, with an additional puncture resistant plate. S1, S1P, S2, S3 safety footwear.
Is S3 better than S1P?
Characteristics of S3 shoes: –
Comfort Anti-penetration Anti-perforation Anti-slip Anti-shock Water resistance
There are two main differences between S1P and S3 standards: – The work environment: S1P safety shoes are designed for indoor use, while S3 safety shoes are intended for outside work, – Technical properties : S1P and S3 standards have very similar properties. But, the main difference that we can find on S3 shoes is their high resistance to water and heat,
What does S mean in shoe size?
The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Kid’s Shoe Widths Click on your desired width to browse all available footwear in that width. Shop by size using this page and get all of the shoes we carry in that size in a single response right in front of you.
- If it’s displayed then we have it in stock.
- Shop for women’s wide shoes or narrow, from small (S) to extra wide (EW).
- Men, the same applies for you and parents you can shop by width for Kids shoes.
- If you special needs in the width of your shoe it is not always easy to find that size, not to mention how time consuming it is.
Now, with the aid of our handy shoe width chart you can have the results in seconds, No more hunting around and having to guess if it is in stock or not. If it is displayed, we have it in stock, if not, well you get the picture. Happy shopping for shoes by width.
What does B and C mean in shoes?
Foot Width: – Boots are typically available in 6 widths: B (extra narrow), C (narrow), D (regular), E (wide), EE (extra wide), and EEE (triple wide). We suggest ordering your boots according to the size chart above. First, measure the length of your foot to find your base size. Then, measure the width of your foot across the widest part and find your corresponding width in your shoe size.
What is the S5 safety standard?
S5 Safety Footwear More Information The key features of S5 safety footwear include: All the features of S1 to S4 footwear : S5 footwear includes all the features of S1 to S4 footwear, such as a steel or composite toe cap, antistatic properties, energy absorption in the heel, closed heel area, resistance to fuel oil and slip-resistant sole, water-resistant upper, and penetration-resistant sole.
Additional features : S5 footwear may include additional features, such as a metatarsal guard that protects the upper part of the foot from impact, a heat-resistant sole that can withstand high temperatures, resistance to chemicals, and a puncture-resistant sole that protects the foot from sharp objects.
S5 safety footwear is designed to provide maximum protection for the feet against various hazards in the workplace. It is made from high-quality materials and provides excellent durability, comfort, and support for the wearer. It is important to choose the right type of safety footwear based on the specific hazards in your workplace to ensure maximum protection for your feet.
What are the standards for work shoes?
Safety shoes or boots must have a leather upper, non-skid soles, oil resistance and impact and compression resistance ratings of 75. The shoes must also have built-in toe caps to meet requirements.
What is the difference between s1 and S3 safety boots?
There are two main differences between S1P and S3 standards: – – The work environment: S1P safety shoes are designed for indoor use, while S3 safety shoes are intended for outside work, – Technical properties: S1P and S3 standards have very similar properties. But, the main difference that we can find on S3 shoes is their high resistance to water and heat,
What are S2 safety shoes?
Category S2 – S2 safety shoes have all the characteristics of the S1 category, but also have an additional feature. The upper material prevents water from being absorbed or prevents water from entering the shoe. Are you at no risk of sharp objects, but do you work in a humid environment, then the best shoes for you are the S2 model.
What are the standards of shoes?
Footwear Safety Standards
Rating | Features | Description |
---|---|---|
S1-P | A + FO + E + P | Penetration resistance |
S2 | A + FO + E + WRU | Water penetration and absorption |
S3 | A + FO + E + WRU + P | Waterproof |
S4 | A + FO + E + Waterproof |
Is ISO 45001 a standard?
ISO 45001 health and safety management standard. ISO 45001 is an international standard for health and safety at work developed by national and international standards committees independent of government.
What is ASTM safety shoes?
Understanding Safety Footwear Ratings (OSHA, ANSI, ASTM Standards) When it comes to work boots, safety is the number one priority. But with so many different ratings and standards out there, it can be hard to know what you’re getting. That’s why it’s important to understand the different ratings and standards that apply to safety footwear.
In this article, we’ll take a look at OSHA, ANSI, and ASTM standards, and what they mean for your work boots. First, let’s talk about OSHA. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets standards for safety in the workplace. When it comes to safety footwear, OSHA doesn’t have specific standards for boots, but they do require employers to provide their employees with protective footwear when necessary to protect them from hazards such as falling objects, electrical hazards, and slips and falls.
It’s important to note that OSHA’s regulations are minimum requirements and employers are encouraged to go above and beyond these requirements to ensure the safety of their employees. Employers are responsible for assessing the hazards in their workplace and determining the appropriate type of protective footwear for their employees.
- As an employee, it’s important to understand the hazards you may face on the job and to speak up if you feel that your employer is not providing you with adequate protection.
- Next, we have ANSI.
- The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) sets standards for a wide range of products, including safety footwear.
ANSI’s standard for safety footwear is the ASTM F2413 standard. This standard covers the minimum requirements for safety footwear, including impact and compression resistance, metatarsal protection, and electrical hazard protection. When looking for safety boots, look for those that are labeled as meeting the ASTM F2413 standard.
- This will provide assurance that the boots have been tested and meet the minimum requirements for safety.
- Additionally, be aware that some safety boots may only meet certain parts of the standard, so it’s important to read the label carefully and understand which specific hazards the boots are designed to protect against.
Finally, we have ASTM. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) sets standards for a wide range of products, including safety footwear. ASTM’s standard for safety footwear is the ASTM F2412 standard. This standard covers the minimum requirements for safety footwear, including impact and compression resistance, metatarsal protection, and electrical hazard protection.
- It’s worth noting that ASTM F2412 standard is different from ASTM F2413 standard.
- ASTM F2412 standard is for impact and compression resistance for safety footwear, while ASTM F2413 standard covers additional safety requirements such as metatarsal and electrical hazards.
- Therefore, it’s important to look for safety boots that meet both ASTM F2412 and ASTM F2413 standards in order to ensure the highest level of protection.
So what do these standards mean for your work boots? Essentially, they ensure that your boots meet certain minimum requirements for safety. They’re a good indicator that your boots will protect you from hazards on the job. However, it’s worth noting that not all boots are created equal, even if they meet the same standards.
- For example, a boot that meets ASTM F2413-11 standard might not have the same level of protection as a boot that meets ASTM F2413-18 standard.
- When you’re looking for work boots, it’s important to pay attention to the ratings and standards they meet.
- Look for boots that meet OSHA’s requirements and the ASTM F2413 and ASTM F2412 standards.
And if you’re working in an environment with specific hazards, look for boots that meet standards for those hazards as well. Another thing to consider is the fit and comfort of the boots, as well as the durability and quality of the materials used. It’s important to choose safety boots that fit well and are comfortable to wear, as this will help to reduce the risk of injuries caused by poorly fitting footwear.
- Additionally, look for boots made of high-quality materials that will hold up to the wear and tear of your job.
- In conclusion, understanding safety footwear ratings is important for anyone who works in a hazardous environment.
- By understanding the different standards and ratings, you can make an informed decision about the safety boots that will protect you on the job.
Always look for boots that meet OSHA and ASTM F2413 and ASTM F2412 standards, and consider the fit, comfort and durability of the boots before you make a purchase. Remember, safety boots are not a one-time investment. They need to be replaced as they wear out, so it’s important to choose boots that will last, and that you can rely on to keep you safe on the job.
Is ISO 9000 a quality standard?
ISO 9000 is defined as a set of international standards on quality management and quality assurance developed to help companies effectively document the quality system elements needed to maintain an efficient quality system.
What are common ISO standards?
The biggest ISO standards by the number of certificates – With the help of the ISO Survey for 2019, which contains data about valid certificates issued by accredited certification bodies worldwide, we can get some valuable insights regarding the ISO standards currently available.
According to the recent ISO Survey 2019 figures, over 1.3 million ISO certificates are currently in effect worldwide. A total of 1,357,241 valid certificates were recorded in 2019, compared to 1,307,622 certificates in 2018 (an increase of 3.79%). The most popular certificates are ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management), ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety), ISO/IEC 27001 (information security), ISO 22000 (food safety), and ISO 13485 (medical device quality management).
What does EN ISO 20347 mean?
BS EN ISO 20347: Personal Protective Equipment – Occupational Footwear. The particular standard identifies the requirements for occupational footwear which is not exposed to any mechanical risks, including impact or compression. BS EN ISO 20349-1: Personal Protective Equipment.
What is European Standard EN 20347?
What is the EN ISO 20347 safety standard? – The EN ISO 20347 is a safety standard set out and regulated by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This standard refers to all shoes that are considered occupational footwear. The ISO defines occupational footwear as those that incorporate features to protect the wearer from injuries which could arise through accidents such as trips, slips and spills,
An antistatic, fully enclosed and energy-absorbing heel Water absorption and penetration resistance A cleated sole An outsole resistance to fuel oil
Unlike safety footwear and protective footwear, occupational footwear is not legally required to have safety features such as a protective toe cap or materials designed to prevent sharp objects from penetrating the footwear. For this reason, they are not designed to protect the feet from heavy compression or impact force.
What is standard EN ISO 20347?
EN ISO 20347 standard – Sir Safety System Footwear for professional use is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) designed and manufactured to protect the worker’s feet from various risks: mechanical (slipping, impact, compression, puncture, cut etc.), chemical (contact with hydrocarbons, mineral oils etc.), physical (moisture, water, heat, cold etc.) and electrical (antistatic properties, conductive properties etc.).
It is subject to the essential requirements set forth by EU Regulation 2016/425 for ergonomics, harmlessness, comfort and efficacy. The protective features of the footwear vary according to the specific needs of use. The selection of the right footwear for professional use depends on its protective features and on the risks in the workplace.
Available in a variety of materials, footwear for professional use is divided into two classes: Footwear in leather or other materials, excluding shoes entirely in rubber or polymers (e.g., shoes with leather uppers and sole in polyurethane or rubber).
Footwear entirely in rubber or polymers (e.g., boots entirely in rubber or PVC). Both classifications may also be divided into a further 3 types, based on the protection features: Safety footwear fitted with protective toecap against impacts with energy up to 200 J or a compression load up to 15 kN (in compliance with European harmonized standard EN ISO 20345).
Protective footwear fitted with protective toecap against impacts with energy up to 100 J or a compression load up to 10 kN (in compliance with European harmonized standard EN ISO 20346). Work footwear without protective toecap (EN ISO 20347). All footwear for professional use must comply with some basic requirements concerning duration, comfort and harmlessness of the materials.
- They must also assure slipping resistance with specific protection concerning the reduction of the slipping hazard on wet surfaces, divided into three levels: SRA.
- Test carried out on ceramic floor covered with water and detergent. SRB.
- Test carried out on steel floor covered with glycerine. SRC.
- Both the tests described above (SRA + SRB).
In addition, supplementary protection may be required against specific risks (mechanical, chemical, physical and electrical risk), such as: antistatic properties, energy absorption in the heel area, sole resistance to hydrocarbons, water penetration and absorption through the upper, penetration resistance of the outsole, heat or cold insulation, metatarsal protection.
- Finally, certain supplementary protection categories are set out which sum up the most common protective features, divided into several markings: S1.
- Includes closed heel area, antistatic properties, energy absorption properties in the heel area and sole resistant to hydrocarbons. S2.
- Like S1 + penetration resistance and water absorption through the upper.
S3. like S2 + puncture resistant outsole and deep sole grooves. S4. like S1 (only valid for class II entirely rubber or polymer footwear). S5 like S4 + puncture resistant outsole and deep sole grooves. The protection features offered by the footwear can be understood from the markings on the footwear, providing the following indications: marking; shoe size; manufacturer’s name or logo; article code; manufacturing date; benchmark standard; symbols and/or category of the protection offered.
Each pair of shoes also comes with an information note indicating the correct methods of use, storage and maintenance, cleaning and/or disinfection/decontamination, explanation of the marking and specific information for certain protection categories. For specific risk situations, special footwear with specific additional protection is required.
This includes footwear with cut protection from portable chainsaw, electrically insulating, for firefighters, ESD. : EN ISO 20347 standard – Sir Safety System
What does EN ISO 20347 2012 mean?
Safety & Occupational Footwear Explained Legislation The Health and Safety Law which regulates the PPE regulation 2016, states that it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure their employees are properly equipped for the work they undertake. This essentially means that if there is deemed to be a risk in the workplace, then the appropriate PPE should be used.
ISO 20347:2012 – PPE: Occupational Footwear – specifies basic and additional requirements for protective footwear used for general purpose. ISO 20345:2011 – PPE: Safety Footwear – specifies basic and additional requirements for safety footwear used for general purpose. ISO 20346:2014 – PPE: Protective Footwear – specifies basic and additional requirements for protective footwear used for general purpose.
Occupational footwear (ISO 20347:2012) has no requirement for a safety toecap. Both the Safety footwear and protective footwear classifications have a requirement for a safety toecap, the main difference between the two is requirement for the level of impact resistance in joules.
In an environment where the risks are deemed to be slipping with no mechanical or impact risks such as a hospital operating theatre then the occupational footwear classification level would be appropriate. In an environment where there are high mechanical risks such as construction or manufacturing a safety or protective level would be appropriate with additional requirements depending on the level of risk.
In addition to the specification included with each classification; special risks are covered by complementary job-related standards, such as footwear for firefighters, electrical insulating footwear and footwear protecting against chain saw injuries, chemicals and molten metal splash.
Standard: | Covering: | Official ISO Definition: |
ISO 20347:2012 | Personal Protective Equipment – Occupational Footwear | Specifies basic and additional (optional) requirements for occupational footwear that is not exposed to any mechanical risks (impact or compression). NB: Special risks are covered by complementary job-related standards (e.g. footwear for firefighters, electrical insulating footwear, protection against chain saw injuries, protection against chemicals and against molten metal splash, protection for motorcycle riders). |
ISO 20345:2011 | Personal Protective Equipment – Safety Footwear | Specifies basic and additional (optional) requirements for safety footwear used for general purpose. It includes, for example, mechanical risks, slip resistance, thermal risks, ergonomic behaviour. NB: Special risks are covered by complementary job-related standards (e.g. footwear for firefighters, electrical insulating footwear, protection against chain saw injuries, protection against chemicals and molten metal splash, protection for motorcycle riders). |
ISO 20346:2014 | Personal Protective Equipment – Protective Footwear | Specifies basic and additional (optional) requirements for protective footwear used for general purpose. It includes, for example, mechanical risks, slip resistance, thermal risks, ergonomic behaviour. NB: Special risks are covered by complementary job-related standards (e.g. footwear for firefighters, electrical insulating footwear, protection against chain saw injuries, protection against chemicals and molten metal splash, protection for motorcycle riders). |
Footwear is split into two classes; Class 1 relates to footwear constructed from leather and other materials, but not rubber and polymers, where Class 2 relates to footwear constructed in one piece and includes moulded shoes and boots made from rubber and polymers.
Requirements footwear Class 1 (leather or other materials except rubber & polymers) | ISO 20345:2011 Safety Footwear | ISO 20346:2011 Protective Footwear | ISO 20347:2012 Occupational Footwear |
Basic requirements for shoes and impact resistance of toecaps | SB 200 Joule | PB 100 Joule | OB No requirement |
Additional requirements: · Closed heel · Antistatic · Energy absorption around the heel | S1 | P1 | O1 + fuel resistant sole |
Additional requirements, as above plus: · Water penetration · Water absorption | S2 | P2 | O2 |
Additional requirements, as above plus: · Penetration resistance · Cleated sole | S3 | P3 | O3 |
Requirements footwear Class 2 (manufactured in one-piece e.g. rubber & polymers) | ISO 20345:2011 Safety Footwear | ISO 20346:2011 Protective Footwear | ISO 20347:2012 Occupational Footwear |
Basic requirements for shoes and impact resistance of toecaps | SB 200 Joule | PB 100 Joule | OB No requirement |
Additional requirements: · Antistatic · Energy absorption around the heel | S4 | P4 | O4 |
Additional requirements, as above plus: · Penetration resistance · Cleated outsole | S5 | P5 | O5 |
You may have noticed other letters accompanying the classifications above such as HRO. These codes relate to additional safety properties such as outsole resistance to hot contact (HRO). These abbreviations are detailed in the table below:
Additional requirements for special applications | |
Abbreviation: | Risk covered: |
P | Penetration resistance |
C | Conductive |
A | Antistatic |
I | Electrically Insulating |
E | Energy-absorbing seat region |
HI | Insulating against heat |
CI | Insulating against cold |
WRU | Water-resistant upper only |
CR | Cut resistant upper |
HRO | Outsole resistant to hot contact |
WR | Whole footwear resistant to water penetration/absorption |
M | Metatarsal protection |
AN | Ankle protection |
FO | Fuel oil resistant outsole |
ESD | Electrostatic |
SRA | *Slip resistance tested on ceramic surface with “soap” |
SRB | *Slip resistance tested on steel with glycerol |
SRC | *Slip resistance tested on both of the above |
Click here for further information on slip-resistance ratings Many of the above requirements and their abbreviations are also represented by symbols. The above information is very useful in picking the correct safety footwear for the job. If for example, you are comparing an S1P safety boot to an S3, using the information above, you can see that the differences would be as follows: The S1P offers the following protection:
200 joule toecap protection closed heel antistatic energy absorption around the heel penetration resistance (P)
And the S3 offers:
200 joule toecap protection closed heel antistatic energy absorption around the heel water penetration water absorption penetration resistance cleated sole
There are further requirements for specialist protection such as foundry work, chainsaw protection and firefighting requirements, further information on these can be found on the HSE website. As occupational, protective and safety footwear must meet or exceed the above standards there are product specification or data sheets available for each product, as well as test certification.