The EN ISO 20345 norm defines several additional protections beyond the main safety classes (S1 to S5). These include heat contact-resistant outsoles (Hro), heat-insulated soles (Hi), cold-insulated soles (Ci), electrical resistance below 100kW (C), cut-resistant soles (CR), electrostatic dissipative properties (ESD), and anti-slip properties on specific surfaces (SRA, SRB, SRC). These protections address specialized hazards not covered by the primary categories, ensuring footwear meets diverse workplace safety needs.
Key Points Explained:
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Heat-Related Protections:
- Hro (Heat Contact-Resistant Outsoles): Designed to withstand direct contact with hot surfaces, preventing burns or sole degradation.
- Hi (Heat-Insulated Soles): Provides insulation against radiant heat, protecting the wearer in high-temperature environments like foundries or kitchens.
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Cold-Related Protections:
- Ci (Cold-Insulated Soles): Offers insulation against cold surfaces, crucial for workers in refrigeration or outdoor winter conditions.
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Electrical Protections:
- C (Electrical Resistance Below 100kW): Ensures the footwear provides basic electrical resistance, reducing the risk of electric shocks in low-voltage environments.
- ESD (Electrostatic Dissipative): Prevents static electricity buildup, essential in electronics manufacturing or explosive atmospheres where sparks could ignite flammable materials.
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Cut Resistance:
- CR (Cut-Resistant Soles): Protects against sharp objects penetrating the sole, vital in construction or metalworking industries.
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Anti-Slip Properties:
- SRA (Anti-Slip on Ceramic Tile with Soap Solution): Ensures grip on wet, soapy ceramic surfaces, common in food processing or cleaning industries.
- SRB (Anti-Slip on Steel with Glycerol): Provides traction on oily steel surfaces, such as in manufacturing or mechanical workshops.
- SRC (Anti-Slip on Both Ceramic Tile and Steel): Combines SRA and SRB protections for versatile use in mixed environments.
These additional protections are critical for addressing niche hazards that the main safety classes (S1-S5) do not cover. For example, while S3 shoes offer midsole penetration resistance, they may lack heat or electrical protections. Similarly, S5 shoes excel in waterproofing and penetration resistance but might not provide anti-slip features for specific surfaces.
Have you considered how these specialized protections could enhance safety in your specific work environment? These features ensure footwear adapts to the silent, often overlooked hazards that workers face daily, bridging gaps left by broader safety standards.
Summary Table:
| Protection Type | Code | Key Benefit | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Contact-Resistant Outsoles | Hro | Withstands hot surfaces | Foundries, kitchens |
| Heat-Insulated Soles | Hi | Blocks radiant heat | High-temperature environments |
| Cold-Insulated Soles | Ci | Protects against freezing surfaces | Refrigeration, winter work |
| Electrical Resistance (<100kW) | C | Prevents low-voltage shocks | Electrical maintenance |
| Electrostatic Dissipative | ESD | Eliminates static sparks | Electronics, explosive atmospheres |
| Cut-Resistant Soles | CR | Stops sharp object penetration | Construction, metalworking |
| Anti-Slip (Ceramic + Soap) | SRA | Secure footing on wet tiles | Food processing, cleaning |
| Anti-Slip (Steel + Oil) | SRB | Traction on greasy metal | Manufacturing, mechanics |
| Anti-Slip (Dual Surface) | SRC | Combines SRA & SRB protections | Mixed environments |
Upgrade your workforce's protection with precision-engineered safety footwear from 3515!
As a leading manufacturer with full-scale production capabilities, we craft footwear that goes beyond basic safety standards. Our EN ISO 20345-compliant solutions address the silent hazards your teams face daily—whether it's molten metal splashes, icy warehouse floors, or electrostatic risks in clean rooms.
Why choose 3515 for specialized safety footwear?
✓ Tailored Protection: We incorporate Hro, Hi, ESD, and other niche features into durable designs
✓ Bulk Expertise: Customizable orders for distributors and brands needing large quantities
✓ End-to-End Solutions: From anti-slip kitchen shoes to foundry boots with metatarsal guards
Get a quote today to discuss how our 50+ years of manufacturing excellence can deliver right-fit safety for your unique workplace challenges.
