How has water resistance testing changed in the new standard? Key Updates Explained

The new standard for water resistance testing introduces significant changes by replacing the WRU (water-repellent upper) marking with two distinct classifications: WPA (Water Penetration and Absorption) and WR (Water Resistance). Unlike the previous standard, which only tested the upper material, the new approach evaluates the entire shoe for water resistance. Additionally, new categories S6 and S7 have been introduced to denote waterproof shoes, with S6 lacking a puncture-resistant sole and S7 including one. These changes aim to provide a more comprehensive assessment of a shoe's water resistance capabilities.

Key Points Explained:

1. Replacement of WRU with WPA and WR

   • The old WRU (water-repellent upper) standard focused solely on the upper material's resistance to water.
   • The new standard introduces WPA (Water Penetration and Absorption) to measure the upper's resistance to water penetration and WR (Water Resistance) to assess the entire shoe's ability to resist water.
   • This shift ensures a more holistic evaluation, as the entire shoe is now tested, not just the upper material.

2. New Categories S6 and S7

   • The standard introduces two new categories for waterproof shoes: S6 and S7.
   • S6: Combines the S2 standard (basic safety features) with WR (Water Resistance) but lacks a puncture-resistant sole.
   • S7: Combines the S3 standard (enhanced safety features) with WR and includes a puncture-resistant sole.
   • These categories provide clearer distinctions for consumers and purchasers, making it easier to identify the level of protection offered by the footwear.

3. Implications for Equipment and Consumable Purchasers

   • Purchasers must now consider the broader water resistance capabilities of the entire shoe, not just the upper material.
   • The introduction of S6 and S7 categories allows for more precise selection based on specific needs, such as whether puncture resistance is required.
   • This change may influence procurement decisions, as the new standards could affect the cost and suitability of footwear for different environments.

4. Benefits of the New Standard

   • Enhanced Safety: Testing the entire shoe ensures better protection against water penetration in all parts of the footwear.
   • Clarity: The new categories (S6 and S7) provide clearer guidelines for selecting waterproof footwear.
   • Versatility: The standard accommodates a wider range of use cases, from general water resistance to specialized waterproofing with puncture resistance.

5. Considerations for Implementation

   • Organizations transitioning to the new standard may need to update their procurement policies and training materials to reflect the changes.
   • Suppliers must ensure their products meet the updated requirements, which may involve redesigning or retesting footwear.
   • End-users should be educated on the new markings (WPA and WR) and categories (S6 and S7) to make informed choices.

These updates reflect a broader trend in safety standards toward more comprehensive and user-centric testing methodologies, ensuring that equipment meets the evolving demands of modern workplaces.

Summary Table:

Upgrade your footwear inventory with confidence! As a leading manufacturer of safety and waterproof footwear, 3515 ensures compliance with the latest standards, offering:

• Comprehensive waterproofing (WPA/WR-certified designs).
• Specialized safety options (S6/S7 categories with puncture-resistant soles).
• Bulk customization for distributors and brands.

Contact our team to discuss tailored solutions for your procurement needs. Let’s ensure your footwear meets the new standard’s demands—efficiently and cost-effectively.