To put it simply, the old SRA, SRB, and SRC slip resistance markings have been eliminated under the new EN ISO 20345:2022 standard. All safety footwear must now pass a basic slip resistance test as a minimum requirement, and a new, optional "SR" marking has been introduced to identify footwear that has passed a more demanding test for high-risk environments.
The core change is a shift from a confusing three-tiered system (SRA, SRB, SRC) to a simplified, two-level approach. A solid baseline of slip resistance is now mandatory for all safety shoes, while the optional SR marking clearly designates the highest level of protection for slippery conditions.
The Old System vs. The New Standard
To understand the significance of this change, it's helpful to first recall what the old markings represented. This context clarifies why the new system is a necessary evolution in safety standards.
What SRA, SRB, and SRC Meant
The previous standard used three distinct markings to classify slip resistance.
- SRA: Tested on a ceramic tile surface wetted with a soap solution (sodium lauryl sulphate).
- SRB: Tested on a steel floor with glycerine as the contaminant.
- SRC: Indicated that the footwear had passed both the SRA and SRB tests.
Over time, the SRC marking became the de facto standard, making it difficult to differentiate footwear designed for exceptionally slippery conditions.
Breaking Down the EN ISO 20345:2022 Changes
The new standard simplifies this landscape by establishing a new mandatory baseline and a clear mark for superior performance.
A New Mandatory Baseline
The test that was formerly designated as SRA is no longer marked separately. Instead, it has become the mandatory minimum slip resistance requirement for any footwear to receive its basic safety certification (e.g., SB).
This means if a shoe is certified to the new EN ISO 20345 standard, it has already passed this fundamental test. There is no marking because it is a given.
"SR" - The New Mark for High Resistance
The new SR marking is now the sole optional indicator for slip resistance.
This test is conducted on a ceramic tile with glycerine, a contaminant known to create very slippery conditions. The SR marking is therefore reserved for footwear providing the highest, most rigorously tested level of slip resistance.
A More Realistic Testing Method
Crucially, the testing methodology itself has been improved. Instead of flat-foot tests, the new standard simulates a more natural walking motion.
This includes testing both forward heel slip and backward toe slip, providing a much more accurate assessment of how the shoe will perform in real-world situations.
Understanding the Practical Implications
This change isn't just about new letters on a shoe's label; it has direct consequences for how you select and trust your PPE.
Why This Simplification Matters
By making the basic SRA-level test a mandatory, unmarked requirement, the standard raises the safety floor for all certified products.
The new SR marking provides an immediate and unambiguous way to identify footwear suitable for the most hazardous environments, such as those with oil or grease contamination, without needing to decipher multiple codes.
What "No Slip Marking" Means Now
Under the new standard, if a boot has no specific slip marking, it does not mean it lacks slip resistance. It simply means it meets the mandatory baseline requirement suitable for most general conditions.
A Holistic View of Safety Markings
It's important to note that slip resistance is not the only category that has been updated. The standard also introduced new markings for puncture resistance (PS and PL) and water resistance (WPA and WR), making footwear specifications more precise across the board.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Your selection should be guided by a clear assessment of your work environment's specific risks.
- If your primary focus is compliance in standard, low-slip-risk conditions: Any footwear certified to the new EN ISO 20345:2022 standard is sufficient, as it automatically meets the mandatory slip resistance baseline.
- If your primary focus is safety in environments with frequent oil, grease, or glycerine spills: You must specifically look for footwear with the "SR" marking to ensure the highest level of certified protection.
- If you are replacing footwear that was previously "SRC" rated: The direct equivalent for maximum protection under the new standard is footwear that carries the "SR" marking.
Understanding these updated standards empowers you to make more precise and reliable safety decisions.
Summary Table:
| Old Marking (EN ISO 20345:2011) | New Marking (EN ISO 20345:2022) | Meaning & Test Condition |
|---|---|---|
| SRA | (Mandatory Baseline) | Basic slip resistance on wet ceramic tile. Now a minimum requirement for all certified safety footwear. |
| SRB | (Eliminated) | Slip resistance on glycerine-contaminated steel. No longer a separate marking. |
| SRC | SR (Optional) | New, highest level. Indicates superior slip resistance tested on ceramic tile with glycerine. |
| - | No Marking | Footwear meets the mandatory baseline slip resistance (old SRA test). Suitable for general conditions. |
Ensure your workforce has the right protection for any environment.
As a large-scale manufacturer, 3515 produces a comprehensive range of certified safety footwear for distributors, brand owners, and bulk clients. Our production capabilities encompass all types of safety shoes and boots, including models that meet the new EN ISO 20345:2022 SR standard for maximum slip resistance.
We help you:
- Navigate new standards with expert guidance.
- Source compliant footwear that protects your team and meets regulatory requirements.
- Access a full range of safety solutions tailored to your specific industry risks.
Contact us today to discuss your safety footwear needs and request a catalog.
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