The primary difference between EN ISO 20345 and EN ISO 20347 lies in their intended use and protective requirements. EN ISO 20345 is a safety footwear standard mandating a protective toecap (200J impact resistance), antistatic properties, and mechanical/thermal risk protection, suitable for high-risk industrial environments. EN ISO 20347, however, applies to occupational footwear without toecaps, emphasizing slip resistance, antistatic properties, and energy-absorbing heels for low-risk sectors like healthcare, hospitality, and cleaning. These distinctions guide purchasers in selecting footwear tailored to specific workplace hazards and comfort needs.
Key Points Explained:
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Purpose and Application
- EN ISO 20345: Designed for safety footwear in high-risk industrial settings (e.g., construction, manufacturing) where toe protection is critical.
- EN ISO 20347: Targets occupational footwear for low-risk environments (e.g., hospitals, kitchens) where slip resistance and comfort outweigh toe protection needs.
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Protective Features
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EN ISO 20345:
- Mandates a safety toecap with 200J impact resistance (protects against crushing).
- Requires antistatic properties (prevents static electricity buildup).
- Includes mechanical/thermal risk protection (e.g., puncture-resistant soles).
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EN ISO 20347:
- Excludes toecaps but mandates energy-absorbing heels (reduces fatigue).
- Focuses on slip resistance (critical for wet/slippery surfaces).
- Retains antistatic properties but omits heavy-duty protections.
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EN ISO 20345:
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Industry Suitability
- EN ISO 20345: Ideal for industries with heavy machinery, falling objects, or extreme temperatures.
- EN ISO 20347: Optimized for service sectors (healthcare, cleaning) where agility and long-term wearability are priorities.
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Compliance and Testing
- Both standards test for antistatic performance, but EN ISO 20345 undergoes stricter impact/puncture tests.
- EN ISO 20347 prioritizes ergonomic testing (e.g., heel absorption) over mechanical resilience.
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Purchasing Considerations
- For high-hazard workplaces, EN ISO 20345 ensures legal compliance and worker safety.
- EN ISO 20347 offers cost-effective, lightweight solutions for professions demanding mobility and comfort.
Have you considered how these differences align with your workforce’s daily tasks? The right choice balances safety mandates with operational practicality—ensuring protection without compromising productivity.
Summary Table:
| Feature | EN ISO 20345 (Safety Footwear) | EN ISO 20347 (Occupational Footwear) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | High-risk industrial settings | Low-risk sectors (healthcare, etc.) |
| Toecap Requirement | Mandatory (200J impact) | Not required |
| Key Protections | Antistatic, mechanical/thermal | Slip resistance, energy-absorbing heels |
| Ideal For | Construction, manufacturing | Hospitals, kitchens, cleaning |
| Testing Focus | Impact/puncture resistance | Ergonomic comfort |
Ensure your workforce has the right footwear for their environment!
As a large-scale manufacturer, 3515 produces a comprehensive range of safety and occupational footwear tailored to meet EN ISO 20345 and EN ISO 20347 standards. Whether you're a distributor, brand owner, or bulk buyer, our footwear solutions combine legal compliance, worker safety, and operational efficiency.
- High-risk industries (construction, manufacturing): Our EN ISO 20345-compliant footwear features 200J toecaps, antistatic properties, and puncture-resistant soles to protect against heavy hazards.
- Service sectors (healthcare, hospitality): Our EN ISO 20347-compliant designs prioritize slip resistance, lightweight comfort, and energy-absorbing heels for all-day wearability.
Contact us today to discuss your needs—fill out our inquiry form and let our experts guide you to the perfect solution!
