What are the different safety classes under EN ISO 20345? Choose the Right Protection for Your Workplace

The EN ISO 20345 standard classifies safety footwear into distinct safety classes (SB, S1, S1P, S2, S3, S4, and S5) to address varying workplace hazards. Each class builds upon the previous one with additional protective features, ensuring suitability for environments ranging from basic industrial settings to extreme conditions involving water, chemicals, or sharp objects. The classifications help purchasers select footwear that meets specific safety requirements while balancing comfort and durability.

Key Points Explained:

1. SB (Basic Safety)

   • Minimum Requirements: Provides only basic toe protection (200J impact resistance).
   • Use Case: Suitable for light industrial work where minimal protection is needed. Lacks additional features like slip resistance or antistatic properties.

2. S1

   • Features:
     • Toe protection (200J)
     • Slip-resistant soles
     • Antistatic protection
     • Energy absorption in the heel
     • Oil-resistant outsoles
   • Use Case: Ideal for dry industrial environments (e.g., warehouses, workshops).

3. S1P

   • Additional Feature: Penetration-resistant midsole (compared to S1).
   • Use Case: Adds protection against sharp objects (e.g., construction sites with nails or debris).

4. S2

   • Features:
     • All S1 features
     • Waterproof upper (leak-tested for 60 minutes)
   • Use Case: Wet environments (e.g., food processing, outdoor work in rain).

5. S3

   • Features:
     • All S2 features
     • Midsole penetration resistance
     • Cleated outsoles for better grip
   • Use Case: Rough terrains or heavy-duty wet conditions (e.g., forestry, mining).

6. S4

   • Features:
     • Rubber or molded polymer upper (fully waterproof/leak-proof)
     • All S1 features (except cleated soles)
   • Use Case: Continuous exposure to liquids (e.g., chemical labs, fisheries).

7. S5

   • Features:
     • All S4 features
     • Penetration-resistant midsole
     • Cleated outsoles
   • Use Case: Extreme conditions combining water, sharp objects, and slippery surfaces (e.g., oil rigs, wastewater treatment).

Considerations for Purchasers:

• Work Environment: Match the class to hazards (e.g., S3 for construction, S5 for heavy industry).
• Compliance: Ensure markings (e.g., "S" symbol) are visible on the footwear.
• Cost vs. Protection: Higher classes (S4/S5) offer more protection but may be costlier.

Have you evaluated whether your workplace requires specialized features like antistatic properties or waterproofing? These nuances can significantly impact safety and long-term cost efficiency.

Summary Table:

Ensure Your Team’s Safety with the Right Footwear
As a large-scale manufacturer, 3515 produces certified safety footwear for distributors, brand owners, and bulk clients. Our EN ISO 20345-compliant shoes and boots are designed to meet the demands of diverse industries—from basic protection (SB) to extreme hazard environments (S5).

Why Choose Us?

• Tailored Solutions: Get footwear matched to your specific workplace risks (e.g., waterproofing for wet conditions, anti-puncture for construction).
• Cost Efficiency: Balance safety and budget with scalable options across all safety classes.
• Compliance Guarantee: All products are marked with the correct safety symbols for easy verification.

Act Now: Contact us today to discuss your requirements or request samples. Let’s equip your workforce with durable, high-performance safety footwear!